This year marks the bicentennial of John Tyndall, the physicist for whom we are named after and Ireland’s most important Victorian scientist. His achievements range from proving the connection between atmospheric CO2 and the greenhouse effect to, most famously, the explanation for why the sky is blue.
Festivities kick off on 02 August, and encompass both Heritage Week (15 – 23 August) and Science Week (08 – 15 November) as appropriate bookends for the celebration of a man who is such a significant Irish historical figure and such an important physicist, passionate scientist and dedicated educator. Our bicentennial activities celebrate that.
I Know Why the Sky Is Blue, Do You? 02 August
"I Know Why the Sky is Blue, Do You? John Tyndall 200" a livestream hosted by Carlow County Museum. Hosted by local environmental leader Alicia Premkumar of Planet Pals. Special guests: Sir Roland Jackson, biographer and author of The Ascent of John Tyndall: Victorian Scientist, Mountaineer, and Public Intellectual; Julie Donnelly, Tyndall National Institute; and Martin Nevin, Carlow historian and authority on Tyndall.
SUNDAY 02 AUGUST 2PM ON FACEBOOK LIVE
Tyndall Science at Home 02 - 15 August
A series of at-home experiments presented by Tyndall researchers and their families for children and adults to duplicate at home. Upload your video or photos of your efforts to bend light or grow sourdough to be in with a chance to win a #Tyndall200 prize pack!
Tyndall Scout Badge 15 - 23 August
As part of Heritage Week, Scouting Ireland will be announcing a new badge celebrating John Tyndall through appropriate science and environment achievements. Activities will encourage engagement with contemporary STEM and with the historical scientific contributions of John Tyndall.
Invisible Light 07 October -29 November
Encompassing Science Week 2020, this ambitious exhibition imaginatively explores the Electromagnetic Spectrum in relation to history, society, creation and art conservation. This SFI-funded exhibition is presented in partnership with Crawford Art Gallery, Tyndall National Institute, IPIC, and School of Looking.
Additional Celebrations 2020
Additional celebrations to mark this 200th anniversary are planned to the end of 2020. These include plans for a John Tyndall mural in Cork City; a live audience panel discussion and quiz show; and exhibitions at the Carlow County Museum.