Save Dunsink Observatory

Minister for Education and Science
Department of Education
Marlborough Street
Dublin 1


Dear Minister,

We would like to express our disappointment and alarm at the recent decision made by the Board of the School of Cosmic Physics of the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies to discontinue research at Dunsink Observatory, and remove its staff to Dublin city. Whilst we recognise that any such decision - to essentially close the Observatory - is fundamentally one to be made by the Institute, such a move has very serious implications for astronomy in Ireland, from both a research and outreach/educational point of view. We outline these below.

The Observatory in Dunsink is the oldest scientific institution in Ireland and is still, after more than 200 years, in full working order. From a historical viewpoint alone, the Observatory is an outstanding example of Irelands technological heritage, containing as it does many instruments of significant importance in the technological development of astronomy. The Observatory fulfills the role of National Observatory, having for example provided the time service for Dublin up to 1939 (which is even mentioned in Joyce's Ulysses).
Dunsink's long tradition of interaction with the public (Open Nights, group visits, provision of lighting-up times for legal purposes etc) makes it the natural reference point for the general public on astronomical issues, as is attested by the numerous daily enquiries.

In the past, the Observatory has made significant contributions to various important astronomical issues, ranging from Asteroids to Cosmology. Recently, it has been involved with the construction of the Optical Monitoring Camera currenly flying on ESA's INTEGRAL satellite, and is also involved with a unique (ground-based) monitoring telescope: both of these put Dunsink at the forefront of astronomical development in Ireland, and open the door to studies of, for example, "gamma-ray bursters" arguably the most enigmatic, and certainly the most luminous, objects in the Universe. This continues a tradition of work in this field in Dunsink (by previous researchers) that stretches back to the mid-1970s. Additionally, the Observatory plans to coordinate a prestigious (250-300 delegate) meeting in Dublin next year under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union.

Dunsink has been synonymous with Irish astronomy for the last 200 years, and we believe that aborting its research now sends the wrong message to the Irish public and the international community about the current state of Irish astronomy. There has never been a time when astronomy in Ireland has been more vibrant, and contributing more to Irish society - witness, for example, the proliferation of astronomy related degrees in almost every Irish university over the last few years. Indeed, Dunsink itself is contributing significantly to the astronomy degree currently being offered by Dublin City University.

In 2005 we celebrate the bicentenary of arguably one of Ireland's greatest scientists, Sir William Rowan Hamilton, who was director of the Observatory from 1827 to 1865. Dunsink would be the natural focus for this celebration and terminating its current successful functioning at this juncture would be particularly unfortunate. Since its foundation in 1940, the (publically funded) Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies has always provided vital support to Irish astronomy, especially in those times when such support was otherwise non-existent.

We ask you as Minister to call upon the Institute to consider very carefully the implications of this decision to close Dunsink, for the future of Irish astronomy. Closure in the short term leaves the Observatory very much at direct physical risk, as recent developments in Dunsink Lane have clearly demonstrated. In the longer term, Irish astronomy would be well served by expansion of both the outreach and research functions of the Observatory, modelled for example on the great success of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.

In any case, we strongly believe that, until definite plans have been made and implemented, any premature withdrawal of manpower from the Observatory could well prove disastrous. The Irish astronomical community, both professional and amateur, appeals to you to use your offices to secure the future of the unique and hugely popular institution that is Dunsink Observatory.

This letter has been signed electronically by the following:

Name Affiliation/Address

Dr Paul Callanan University College Cork
Prof Brian Mc Breen University College Dublin
Prof Anthony Murphy NUI Maynooth
Prof Mike Redfern NUI Galway