Former NASA astronaut Steve Swanson visits Offaly during Space Week

BIRR Castle Demesne was abuzz with activity for Space Week recently as former NASA astronaut Steve Swanson paid a visit with the team from Space Week Ireland. As a former Astronaut, he has logged over 195 days in space and completed five spacewalks totalling 28 hours and five minutes.

Throughout Space Week, Swanson and the Space Week team have been exploring Ireland’s deep links to space and science so a trip to one of Ireland’s most iconic astronomical landmarks, the Leviathan telescope at Birr, was a must. It was an exciting event for students from Crinkill National School, who together with astronaut Steve Swanson joined local science communicator Seanie Morris to learn all about the great telescope before discussing Swanson’s time aboard the International Space Station.

The Great Telescope, also known as the Leviathan of Parsonstown, built in 1845 at Birr Castle, was the world’s largest telescope for over 70 years, making it a key part of Ireland’s astronomical heritage. Rob O’ Sullivan, National Outreach Co-ordinator for Space Week Ireland says “Leviathan is so aptly named. This telescope looms large, not just in the beautiful grounds here at Birr Castle Demesne, but also in the history books.”

Swanson’s visit continues a fine tradition of astronauts demonstrating appreciation for Offaly’s scientific heritage. Today, a letter from the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong to the Parsons family is on display in Ireland’s Historic Science Centre congratulating the family on their many achievements in astronomy.

“We are so thrilled to be including Birr Castle Demesne on the Space Week Road Trip,” O’ Sullivan continues. “The consistent education and outreach efforts of the team here at the Castle play a huge part in ensuring Ireland hosts one of the best performing Space Week festivals in the world year on year. Our astronomical heritage couldn’t be in better hands”.