THE 1st TRANSNATIONAL MEETING IN LITHUANIA

THE 1st TRANSNATIONAL MEETING IN LITHUANIA (2017-12-4/5)

The participants visit Lithuanian Ethnocosmology Museum and Molėtai Astronomical Observatory (Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy, Vilnius University) which is one of the most important observatories in Lithuania, exploring sky and its bodies.

At the Lithuanian Ethnocosmology Museum they are guided by a professional guide of the musem. The participants are told about the cosmos’s connection to cultural ideas of hell, heaven and earth in its bubble-shaped exhibition centre. The participants are also introduced with the ethnology and the Lithuanian nation’s connection with the sky, Sun, Moon, and stars. That is the origins of the title of the museum – ethnocosmology.  The excursion starts at the underground gallery and goes up as if ascending the roots of the World Tree. Five halls contain different items that reflect humanity’s connection with the Cosmos (measurement equipment, calendars, astronomy, astronautics, search for extra-terrestrial life forms, future prospects for our civilization). On a big screen in the hall slides are shown where various high quality photos of the universe are presented to illustrate everything from our own planet and its uniqueness, to the furthermost galaxies. And from the hall the participants go 32 metres up (by stairs or elevator as required) to the observation spot.

At Astronomy observatory visitors get information about achievements of the world and Lithuanian astronomy, take a look at the telescopes and their equipment. They also have a lecture, illustrated by wonderful photographs of various sky objects: planets, stars, nebulas, star clusters and galaxies, accompanied by space music, observe the southern wall of the observatory a sundial is mounted. The participants also visit the telescope that is 165 centimetres in diameter and is the biggest device for science research in North Europe.