December 2007 - astronomy@lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

[Astronomy Ireland] New Year Public Lecture and DVD - Hold A Meteorite, Evening Classes
by AI Secretary 27 Dec '07

27 Dec '07

ASTRONOMY IRELAND INVITES YOU TO OUR NEW YEAR PUBLIC LECTURE Monday January 14 2007 at 8:00pm Physics Building Trinity College, Dublin 2 "METEORITES - NEW EVIDENCE UNCOVERED" BY DR. IAN SANDERS, TCD. Also available on DVD Have you ever wanted to touch or hold a real meteorite? Come along to our new year lecture on January 14th and you can. Dr. Ian Sanders is Ireland's leading Meteorite expert. He will reveal his new evidence about the origins of meteorites, their formation and just how they ended up falling to Earth. He will pass around a variety of actual meteorites that fell to the Earth from outer space for you to hold. There aren't too many people out there who can honestly say that they have held a piece of an exploded planet. This is an opportunity not to be missed! Early booking is advised. For more information and to book your tickets, click on the link below www.astronomy.ie/lecture200801.html To order your copy of the DVD, click below. www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.html or call us today on (01) 847 0777 to reserve your place. Admission 5 euro (3 euro members and concessions) All proceeds help subsidise membership fees for everyone in Ireland. Evening Classes - we need your help! As well as the beginners astronomy classes already organised for Cork, Athlone and Dublin, we expect to announce classes in Galway and limerick soon. Please let us know if you would attend Classes in other areas too? We need your help to tell us which local newspapers and radio stations we should contact in each of the above 5 towns. Your local knowledge would be invaluable to us as we need to promote the classes. Do you know anyone working in any of these newspapers or radio stations who might be able to help us promote Classes in your area? Please reply to this email even if it's just to give the name of your local newspaper or radio station. To book any of the classes click www.astronomy.ie/eveningclass.html Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Telescope Advice: Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat

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[Astronomy Ireland] Holiday Season Opening Times, Loads to See
by AI Chairman 23 Dec '07

23 Dec '07

1. OPENING HOURS Astronomy Ireland and the Shop is open Sunday December 23rd and Monday December 24th on both days 10am to 6pm. We will re-open on Thursday December 27th, Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Monday 31st with opening times of 10am to 6pm. The office and Shop will be open as usual, and we will be running a full mail order service for your orders as usual. Staff levels will be reduced on the 27, 28th and 29th and 31st so please be patient when telephoning and allow extra time for orders to be packed. Just to re-cap: Sun Dec 23 open 10am-6pm (nationwide pre-Christmas delivery still possible) Mon Dec 24 open 10am-6pm (nationwide pre-Christmas delivery still possible) Tue Dec 25 closed Wed Dec 26 closed Thu Dec 27 open 10am-6pm Fri Dec 28 open 10am-6pm Sat Dec 29 open 10am-6pm Sun Dec 30 closed Mon Dec 31 open 10am-6pm Tue Jan 1 closed Then Wed January 2nd onwards we're open 9:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays 10am-6pm as normal May I take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Astronomy Ireland to wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. Thank you for your support during 2007 and with an exciting programme of events due in the New Year I am positive that 2008 will be even better. Please do not hesitate to contact us again should you have any questions. David Moore BSc FRAS, Chairman, Astronomy Ireland. www.astronomy.ie (01) 847 0777 2. THINGS TO SEE Report: As highlighted in our December magazine (page 26) The Seven Sisters Star Cluster next to the Moon last night was quite spectacular with stars being 'occulted' by the Moon every few minutes. Email observe(a)astronomy.ie and tell us what you saw for our magazine report. Solstice: See the sunrise recorded at Newgrange online: www.heritageireland.ie/en/Solstice2007 ***Amazing***: On Sunday night (Dec. 23) the Moon moves closer to Mars until 3:30am Monday morning when Mars will be the brilliant 'star' stuck on the edge of the Moon - an amazing sight - see page 26 of our December magazine or page 12 of Saturday's Irish Independent - they interviewed us about this event, it should be on radio too! Email observe(a)astronomy.ie when you see it please. Mars at opposition on Dec. 24 (i.e. Sun-Earth-Mars lined up). Mars is now at its closest until 2016. Good quality telescopes are showing polar caps and surface detail. Call for advice if you're not seeing this - it's the best telescopic sight of the winter! International Space Station makes one last pass across the sky. Text SPACE to 57003 for predictions (1euro each) or call 1550-111-442 (95cent/min). Venus blazing in morning skies (not the Christmas Star returning as some think!) with Saturn well to its upper right (Moon near Saturn on night of Dec. 28/29 - see December magazine). View Venus before dawn say 8am. Saturn rises after 10pm and is then on view until dawn. Loads more events coming in January (and Total Moon Eclipse in February!) S see our magazine's Sky Diary pages every month for more details and more sights to see. Only 4euro a month: www.astronomy.ie/sub Don't miss an issue and support A.I. Gift subs welcome too. Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Christmas Telescope Advice: Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat

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[Astronomy Ireland] Evening Classes Nationwide
by AI Secretary 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

Are you still trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for that someone special? Still don't know what to get for the person who seems to have everything? Look no further ASTRONOMY IRELAND presents "ASTRONOMY FOR BEGINNERS" EVENING CLASSES in ATHLONE CORK DUBLIN Our very successful evening classes will begin again on January 30th 2008. At just 180 euro for non members and 130 euro for members why not avail of this fantastic course for yourself or a loved one this Christmas. The eight week course has been carefully designed for the beginner or those who just want to freshen up on their astronomical knowledge. No knowledge of maths required. You don't need anything except an interest in astronomy as these classes are all presented with the beginner in mind. So, give a gift that won't be forgotten this Christmas and call us at the number below to book your place or visit our website and book online today. Astronomy Ireland (01) 847 0777 www.astronomy.ie/eveningclass.html Book early to avoid disappointment!

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[Astronomy Ireland] Geminids & Mars, Sunday Opening, Gift Sub
by AI Director 14 Dec '07

14 Dec '07

1. MARS & GEMINID WATCHES: Tonight (Friday Dec. 14) as the Geminid Meteor Shower rages overhead (see December issue of our magazine) at four locations around the country; Carlow, Cork, Dublin and Louth, Astronomy Ireland will give everyone in the country a chance to see Mars up close and personal through some of the largest portable telescopes in the country. No ticket or booking is necessary, just wrap up warm and get along to your nearest venue at 8:00pm. Further details of the venues and contact numbers can be found at: www.astronomy.ie/marsgeminid.html Mars will be a fine sight close up in a telescope for many months to come but then you have to wait until 2016 to see it closer than it will be this winter! Telescopes we recommend to see this planet in particular are our NexStar SE range (see www.astronomy.ie/nexstarSE.html) but there are others as well, just call the number below for advice. The Geminid Meteors peak tonight (Dec. 14) but there will be significant numbers over the weekend also. They appear anywhere in the sky and all point back towards Gemini, hence the name. This is the best shooting star shower of the year. Email observe(a)astronomy.ie and tell us how many you see and what times and how long you viewed 2. SUNDAY OPENING: Our Shop (the biggest telescope shop in Ireland) is open every Sunday in the run up to Christmas i.e. Dec. 16 and Dec. 23 from 10am to 6pm. So we are now open 7 days a week! Most people in Ireland buy their telescopes from us so drop in and see the huge range on display or call for advice and delivery anywhere in Ireland. 3. GIFT MEMBERSHIP: Remember you can sign up family and friends for a subscription to our magazine at www.astronomy.ie/sub for just 48euro 4. I.S.S.: The International Space Station continues to blaze across the sky until Dec. 21 at a different time each evening. Dan Tani, one of the 3 astronauts onboard is married to an Irishwoman from Cork. Text SPACE to 57003 and we'll send a reminder to your mobile every afternoon for just 1euro per prediction or call 1550-111-442 (calls cost 95cent/min). Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Christmas Telescope Advice: Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat Now open SUNDAYS also!

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[Astronomy Ireland] Lecture RTE, Christmas Telescopes, Mars and Geminid, ISS
by AI Chairman 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

1. CHRISTMAS LECTURE (and DVD): Come along to Trinity College Dublin (Hamilton Building) on Monday Dec. 10 at 8pm to hear Tim O'Brien from Jodrell Bank (U.K.) talk about their search for intelligent life in the universe using one of the world's biggest radio telescopes! All welcome. Doors open 7:30pm when you can buy tickets at the door (5euro/3euro). Tim was booked to talk to Pat Kenny on RTE Radio 1 Monday morning 10am-noon. Details or order the DVD at www.astronomy.ie/lecture200712.html PLEASE BRING ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! 2. CHRISTMAS TELESCOPES: Beware of all the alleged "high quality" telescopes offered by supermarkets and camera shops whether they are inexpensive or cost hundreds. Optical quality is the most important factor and you'll need lots of advice using them after you buy them if you want to see more than the Moon. Astronomy Ireland has the largest telescope shop in Ireland with the lowest prices for quality telescopes. If you are going to spend hundreds on a telescope wouldn't you want the backup and support of your national astronomy society? And why spend more? Call our Shop staff for the best prices and after sales support. No one in Ireland should need to buy their telescopes anywhere else is our motto - be it for price or support. Tel (01) 847 0777 seven days a week until Christmas. SUNDAY OPENING! Our Shop is now open 7 days a week: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm and Sat & Sun 10am-6pm With Mars now at its closest (until 2016) and Comet Holmes visible with the naked eye overhead there has never been a better time to own a telescope from Astronomy Ireland. 3. MARS & GEMINID WATCHES: Remember this Friday Dec. 14 sees the best shooting star shower of the year, the Geminids. We're setting up telescopes all around Ireland to show you Mars (and Comet Holmes) while watching the meteors. Details at www.astronomy.ie/marsgeminid.html 4. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION: The Shuttle mission due for launch to ISS this weekend has been postponed until January but you can still see I.S.S. blaze across the sky every night from Dec. 10 to Dec. 23rd. Call our Newslines on 1550-111-442 (Republic of Ireland: 95cent/minute) or 09001-88-1950 (U.K.: 60p/minute) Or text SPACE to 57003 for a reminder 1 hour before ISS flies over each night (each costs 1euro and proceeds help us promote astronomy in Ireland). Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Christmas Telescope Advice: Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat

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[Astronomy Ireland] Christmas Lecture & Party, Meteors and Mars Watch, Evening Classes, SDAS meeting
by AI Director 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

CHRISTMAS LECTURE "The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence" by Tim O'Brien from Jodrell Bank Monday December 10 at 8pm in Trinity College Dublin The World famous Jodrell Bank, this year celebrating its 50th anniversary, is joining forces with Astronomy Ireland to present a very special Christmas Lecture this year on The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence so advance booking is advised, see below. We are flying over Dr. Tim O'Brien of the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory to discuss how life developed on Earth and if there could be forms of life on Mars and other planets or moons in our Solar System. Jodrell Bank observatory is the UK's national radio astronomy observatory and is run by the University of Manchester's School of Physics and Astronomy. The world famous radio telescope at Jodrell Bank was the only scientific instrument in the world able to track the carrier rocket of the very first Sputnik when it was launched into space in October 1957. For a long time the giant dish was the biggest steerable radio telescope in the world and is still the 3rd largest. Dr. O'Brien is a Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics and Head of Outreach at Jodrell Bank Observatory. Now that more than 250 planets have been discovered outside our own Solar System in the last 12 years the potential for discovering life and, indeed, intelligent life would appear to increase with time. Dr. O'Brien will also update us on the role of Jodrell Bank in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and how YOU could be the person who discovers extraterrestrial intelligent life. The 2007 Christmas Lecture takes place in Trinity College Dublin in the Physics Building (see map on our website) at 8pm on Monday December 10. A DVD will be made for everyone in Ireland who cannot get along in person. BOOKING ESSENTIAL: We strongly advise that you book your seat in advance for our Christmas and New Year Public lectures. We have already booked a larger venue for the Christmas Lecture by Dr. O'Brien because bookings so far have been particularly strong. Dr. O'Brien is due to appear on the Pat Kenny Show on RTE radio 1 on the morning of the lecture so please book now to ensure your place. Admission is just ?5 for adults so bring as many friends and family as you can. There is a concession rate of ?3 for paid-up AI members, under 18s, students, unwaged and OAP. Book now at www.astronomy.ie or call Astronomy Ireland on (01) 847 0777 ALL WELCOME DVD available: If you are unable to make it to the lecture it will be available on DVD for only ?5 each (plus P&P). You can order these now online at www.astronomy.ie and click 'Lecture DVDs' in the menu on the left-hand-side. Christmas Party: Join us immediately after the Christmas Lecture in Kennedy's (on the corner of Lincoln Place and Westland Row) for a social get together and perhaps a beverage or two to celebrate Christmas and another successful year for the society. 2. Mars and Meteor Watch On Friday 14 December Astronomy Ireland will be holding Watches at five different locations around Ireland. Mars is visible and closer to the Earth than it will be until the year 2016. In addition this time of year the Geminid meteors produce a celestial fireworks display second to none. Below is a list of the venues and Astronomy Ireland co-ordinators in your area (alphabetical by county): Co.Carlow - TBA, Gerry Moloney (087) 9184000 Co. Cork - John F. Kennedy Park, Centre Park Road. Martin Lynch (087) 2404104 Co Down -Downpatrick - Michael McAleenan (028) 44614455 Dublin - Phoenix Park, car park at Papal Cross - Ben Emmett (01)847 0777 Co. Louth - Seabank, Dromiskin. Derek Watters (086) 0806908 3. Evening Classes: Astronomy Ireland's Beginner's Evening Classes begin again on Wednesday 30th January. We are especially delighted to announce that the classes will be held in three different locations throughout the country, Cork, Athlone and Dublin. This is the first time that the course will be held outside Dublin giving more people a chance to brush up on their knowledge of astronomy and perhaps socialise a little too. This course is specially designed with the beginner in mind and no knowledge of maths is required. So, blow the Winter cobwebs away by checking out www.astronomy.ie/eveningclass for further details or call (01) 847 07 77 Each of the eight classes lasts for two hours with a 10-15 minute break. The style is informal and questions are very much encouraged. The course includes: An Introduction to the Night Sky, The Sun & the Moon, The Planets, Stars, The History of Astronomy, Telescopes, Deep Sky Objects, and Cosmology. Cost: ?180 for non-members to include a subscription to Astronomy and Space magazine for one year. ?130 for members. To hear Pat Kenny and Chairman David Moore discuss the Astronomy Ireland classes that commenced in February 2005 go to www.astronomy.ie/audio/patkenny_20050201.mp3 4. SDAS Meeting The South Dublin Astronomical Society will hold their next informal monthly meeting on Thursday 6 December at 8pm in Gonzaga College, Ranelagh. Refreshments will be served and there will be a talk about the Moon and how it formed. All welcome. 5. Astronomy Ireland Membership If you are not already a member of Astronomy Ireland and receiving our full colour monthly magazine you can support us and join here: www.astronomy.ie/sub The annual subscription is only ?48. At just ?4 a month we think the magazine and work the society does to promote interest in astronomy is exceptional value for money. Don't just read these emails, please support us and sign up now. We need your support more now than ever! Click here www.astronomy.ie/sub or post ?48 to Astronomy Ireland, P.O.Box 2888, Dublin 5. Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Christmas Telescope Advice: Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat

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