The Winter Solstice rising sun alignment into the chamber of Newgrange is now one of the best known archaeo-astronomical phenomena in Ireland. But this event is one of many that take place across the world. Places also seem linked together with mythologies and names. Betty Jo drew together threads that connect America, Europe and beyond through our archaeology, mythologies and astronomy.

Followed by tea, biscuits and a chance to exchange ideas, views and experiences.

About Betty Jo Harper

Betty Jo "B.J." Harper was an American astronomy educator whose teaching career spanned 42 years. A graduate of West Virginia University, she also held a master's degree in secondary education from Indiana University.

During the final fourteen years of her teaching career, Betty Jo taught astronomy and directed the planetarium at Northrop High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Known as "The Starlady", she shared her enthusiasm for astronomy with students and the wider community.

Her particular interests included astronomy and archaeo-astronomy. In 1996, an Eli Lilly Endowment grant enabled her to travel to Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland as part of her research into Neolithic people and their attempts to understand the world through the movements of the Sun, Moon and stars.

Betty Jo was also a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador and served on the board of the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society for almost fifteen years, including as vice-president and programme chairman. Following her retirement from Fort Wayne Community Schools in 2006, she continued to give astronomy presentations to students and community groups.

Betty Jo Harper died in May 2014, aged 75. Her long career in science education and her interest in archaeo-astronomy made her a particularly appropriate speaker on the ancient relationship between monuments, people and the sky.