Today I’m taking a small divergence from microscopy to that of astronomy. The telescope is a close cousin of the microscope and astronomy is also a field of science that has greatly benefitted from imaging.
Should you find yourself in central Ireland there is a town called Birr, Offaly. It is home to one of the most magnificent telescopes you will ever see! The Great Telescope was built in the early 1840’s by William Parsons who was the 3rd Earl of Rosse who lived in Birr Castle.
The telescope is still working today and has a 72 inch aperture, making it the largest telescope of it’s day. People from all over the world came to see it – and they still do! You can visit the telescope at Birr, where there is also a great science centre to explore other wonders.
Check it out for yourself!
