About this Event
The daily rhythm of day (light) and night (dark) is a constant on our planet, within which almost all life evolved.
Our discovery or invention of artificial light - first through fire - both protected us and helped us build communities, telling stories of the skies and myth-making around the campfire.
But has our reliance on artificial light at night gone too far? Because of it, many of us have never experienced a true night sky. Increasing research is even suggesting that light at night may be harmful to our own health and well-being, as well as damaging organisms and ecosystems.
Join us at the Armagh Observatory & Planetarium for a truly unique, inclusive, and participatory event. Comprising a documentary film premiere, a series of accessible exploratory activities, and a facilitated collective assembly, we will learn and discuss together what future we want for our night skies in Ireland.
This event is free, with registered participants also having the opportunity to explore the Planetarium's exhibition and exclusive access to one of their (usually ticketed) "dome screenings".
Some drinks and refreshments will be provided.
Indicative Timetable (subject to slight revision)
13.30-14.00 Reception & onboarding
14.00-14.45 "Night Law" Film Premiere (WATCH)
14.45-15.00 Break/Refreshments
15.00-16.15 Mini-programme of interactive activities and microtalks (and the opportunity to explore the Planetarium) with optional "dome screening" (EXPLORE)
16.15-16.30 Break/Refreshments
16.30-17.45 The "Nocturnal Assembly" (facilitated collective discussion) (DELIBERATE)
17.45-18.00 Conclusions
This event is organised and led by Dr Conor Heaney (Kent Law School) in collaboration with the arts and culture organisation , with facilitatory support from Dr Joel Lazarus (Rhizome).
Recording/photography will be taking place during the event.
This event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 5-14 November 2026. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please see beinghumanfestival.org
This event is additionally part of a broader research project, "Night Law: Cultural and Policy Impact on the Mitigation of Urban Light Pollution", led by Conor Heaney in collaboration with ATLA, and support by an AHRC Impact Accelerator Account at the University of Kent, Canterbury (part of the London and South East University Group (“LASE”)).
Header image: Étienne Léopold Trouvelet - Aurora Borealis (1882).
Event venue & nearby stays
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh, United Kingdom
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