Always been a bit curious about what happens in space?

As the New Year settles in, January is the perfect time to expand your intellectual horizons—and what better way to do so than by exploring the vast mysteries of the universe, all while enjoying a craft beer?

If you’ve ever found yourself gazing at the night sky, intrigued by galaxies, black holes, or the cosmic dance of binary stars, an upcoming event in Cork offers the perfect opportunity to satisfy your curiosity. On January 21st, Astronomy on Tap will take over the Franciscan Well Brewery & Brewpub on the North Mall, hosted by real, live professional astrophysicists.

The event, which begins at 7pm, offers a relaxed yet enlightening evening with two public talks. This month’s speakers are Dr. Sofia Savvidou and Sorcha Kennelly.

Ever heard of a cosmic spider?

“Our first event was a huge success, with over 100 people showing up ready to learn and ask questions.” one of the organisers, Michael Tremmel, told us.

“We are hoping for similar crowds this time. We even have a special guest: Dr. Sofia Savvidou is visiting from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg. She is an expert in planet formation and will be talking about the “wildest planets” in the Galaxy. We also have a UCC masters’ student, Sorcha Kennelly, who studies binary stars, speaking about “cosmic spiders” (don’t worry they aren’t scary).”

Each talk will be followed by a Q&A session where you can pose your burning questions. Whether you’re a science aficionado or a casual stargazer, these talks promise to make complex cosmic concepts both accessible and engaging.

Arrive early, and you’ll have time to settle in, order a pint (or two) of the brewery’s finest, and even enjoy a slice of pizza before the cosmic discussions begin.

Book your free ticket here.