March 2009 - astronomy@lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

[Astronomy Ireland] 100 Hours of Astronomy, David Southwood DVD, Earth Hour, Cork Lecture
by AI Secretary 31 Mar '09

31 Mar '09

1. 100 Hours of Astronomy >From April 2nd to 5th, the International Year of Astronomy is running 100 Hours of Astronomy, a Cornerstone Project for IYA2009. This is the biggest event of IYA for us amateurs. (Paid up members: see the IYA booklet posted with your last Astronomy & Space magazine). 140 countries are taking part and Astronomy Ireland will set up telescopes all over the country to celebrate this global event. We want everyone to attend their local watch and see some of the most amazing sights in the Universe with us! For more details of your local branch, please see HERE. VOLUNTEERS We need volunteers to support our Branch coordinators for this huge event, e.g. to hand out leaflets and the like. Or, do you have a larger telescope you could bring? If you can help out in any way in your area, please email us at sec(a)astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777 and let's get a Branch going in your area for IYA. 2. David Southwood Lecture Report and DVD With nobody leading NASA at present, Professor David Southwood - the "Trillion Dollar Man" and Director of Science at the European Space Agency - is possibly the most important person in space exploration on the planet. He proved he is the man for the job when he gave an astounding St Patrick's Eve Lecture in Trinity College Dublin, treating guests to breathtaking videos of the surface of Mars. Professor Southwood outlined missions already undertaken by ESA (Hubble Space Telescope, Cassini-Huygens, International Space Station), and missions that are taking place now and in the future, including Planck (to look for shockwaves from the Big Bang), Herschel Space Observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope and much more. A fascinating summary of space exploration in the 21st Century from a man who knows! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED If you were not able to attend David Southwood's lecture on March 16, you can order a DVD of the lecture HERE at a cost of 7euro (plus p&p). Read the report HERE. 4. Earth Hour Report Telescope nights for Earth Hour took place in several locations all over Ireland. Clear skies were reported over most of the country, including Dublin, where 400 people came to Phoenix Park to see amazing sights in the sky. Read more and see photos HERE. 3. "New Views of the Red Planet" - Cork Lecture Tonight - UCC and Cork Astronomy Club Leo Enright will present an illustrated talk on Mars, with the latest data from recent missions. The lecture will take place tonight, March 31, in University College Cork in the Geography Dept lecture theatre GG_LT and will begin at 8pm. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Space Chases, Earth Hour, Telescope Talk by David Moore, New Asteroid, Sign Writers, Jobs, Economist
by Astronomy Ireland Secretary 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

*1. Space Chases* Last night the Space Shuttle Discovery undocked from the International Space Station. Ireland is uniquely placed to witness the "space chases" that will result as Discovery returns to Earth. Tonight, tomorrow, and possibly Saturday and Sunday, observers will be able to see the Shuttle follow behind the ISS as they pass over in the sky. Various websites give predictions of when to watch, or you can text SPACE to 57003 to receive details of the ISS a couple of hours before it passes. Texts cost €1 per message received and proceeds help us to promote astronomy in Ireland. *2. Earth Hour* Astronomy Ireland will be out during Earth Hour, Saturday March 28, to highlight the issue of bad lighting in towns and cities, how it wastes energy and money, and how it has obscured our view of the wonders of the night sky. This is a global event, please join us in our endeavours to reduce light pollution and to tackle Global Warming. Telescope Watches are taking place at various locations around the country from 8:30 - 9:30pm. Come along and show your support for this important international cause. See HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/earthhour2009.html> for more details and your nearest Watch. *3. Telescope Talk by David Moore for Shop Customers* Ireland's best known astronomer, and Chairman of Astronomy Ireland David Moore <http://www.astronomy.ie/dmbio.html> will a talk all about telescopes and their use on Wednesday April 1st at 7:30pm in Trinity College Dublin. David Moore is an expert on telescopes. He ground his first mirror at age 15 and then went on to set up the Dublin Telescope Group (DTG) where he built over 100 telescopes personally, many of which are still in use today. In the late 1990s DTG built the then biggest telescope in Ireland, the 21-inch Millennium Telescope which is still used at major events such as the annual Star-B-Q, Ireland's biggest annual gathering of telescopes, which is set for August 22nd this year (click here <http://www.astronomy.ie/sbq/sbq2009.html>). David now runs the Telescope Shop <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop> at Astronomy Ireland (which absorbed DTG), one of the biggest in Europe and by far Ireland's leading Telescope Shop, and there will be a large display of telescopes from our Shop <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop> at this talk and several of the staff to give you advice. This lecture is *free of charge*, to customers who have bought a telescope from our Shop and places are limited so you must call to reserve a place(s) or email sec(a)astronomy.ie . This is a 2 hour talk from 7:30pm to 9:30pm but there will be a 15 minute break in the middle. A DVD is being made of this talk, call to order a copy. *4. Astronomy Ireland Member Discovers THIRD Asteroid* David Grennan, member of Astronomy Ireland, discovered his third asteroid early this week. The asteroid is designated 2009 FV19 and was found using a Celestron CGE 1400 purchased at the Astronomy Ireland Shop<http://www.astronomy.ie/shop.html>. David currently holds the record for the most asteroids discovered from Ireland by one person. Further details and discovery images can be found HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/2009fv19.html>. ** ** *5. Sign Writers* Do you or anyone you know have an artistic flair? We’re looking for a sign writer to help create signs and banners for us to display at our public events all around Ireland. Contact sec(a)astronomy.ie or call the office on (01) 847 0777 for more details. *6. Jobs* Astronomy Ireland is expanding rapidly and we are recruiting key players for our team. We have vacancies in all departments but are especially interested in hiring someone with a proven track record in fundraising. If you are interested in working within a growing organisation and enjoy a challenging and exciting role, please send your CV to jobs(a)astronomy.ie with a brief note about yourself. ** ** *7. Economist* Astronomy Ireland’s goal is to build a science culture for Ireland. We need advice from an economist to assist us in highlighting awareness of Ireland’s economic position, especially in relation to science and education. Are you, or do you know, an economist that would be willing to discuss current issues with our Chairman, David Moore? Please call our office on (01) 847 0777 or email sec(a)astronomy.ie. ** ** *Astronomy Ireland <http://www.astronomy.ie/>* The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub> *www.astronomy.ie* <http://www.astronomy.ie/> *Call Our Telescope Shop <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop>* Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here<http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Space Chases, Earth Hour, Telescope Talk by David Moore, New Asteroid, Sign Writers, Jobs, Economist
by Astronomy Ireland Secretary 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

*1. Space Chases* Last night the Space Shuttle Discovery undocked from the International Space Station. Ireland is uniquely placed to witness the "space chases" that will result as Discovery returns to Earth. Tonight, tomorrow, and possibly Saturday and Sunday, observers will be able to see the Shuttle follow behind the ISS as they pass over in the sky. Various websites give predictions of when to watch, or you can text SPACE to 57003 to receive details of the ISS a couple of hours before it passes. Texts cost €1 per message received and proceeds help us to promote astronomy in Ireland. *2. Earth Hour* Astronomy Ireland will be out during Earth Hour, Saturday March 28, to highlight the issue of bad lighting in towns and cities, how it wastes energy and money, and how it has obscured our view of the wonders of the night sky. This is a global event, please join us in our endeavours to reduce light pollution and to tackle Global Warming. Telescope Watches are taking place at various locations around the country from 8:30 - 9:30pm. Come along and show your support for this important international cause. See HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/earthhour2009.html> for more details and your nearest Watch. *3. Telescope Talk by David Moore for Shop Customers* Ireland's best known astronomer, and Chairman of Astronomy Ireland David Moore <http://www.astronomy.ie/dmbio.html> will a talk all about telescopes and their use on Wednesday April 1st at 7:30pm in Trinity College Dublin. David Moore is an expert on telescopes. He ground his first mirror at age 15 and then went on to set up the Dublin Telescope Group (DTG) where he built over 100 telescopes personally, many of which are still in use today. In the late 1990s DTG built the then biggest telescope in Ireland, the 21-inch Millennium Telescope which is still used at major events such as the annual Star-B-Q, Ireland's biggest annual gathering of telescopes, which is set for August 22nd this year (click here <http://www.astronomy.ie/sbq/sbq2009.html>). David now runs the Telescope Shop <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop> at Astronomy Ireland (which absorbed DTG), one of the biggest in Europe and by far Ireland's leading Telescope Shop, and there will be a large display of telescopes from our Shop <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop> at this talk and several of the staff to give you advice. This lecture is *free of charge*, to customers who have bought a telescope from our Shop and places are limited so you must call to reserve a place(s) or email sec(a)astronomy.ie . This is a 2 hour talk from 7:30pm to 9:30pm but there will be a 15 minute break in the middle. A DVD is being made of this talk, call to order a copy. ** *4. Astronomy Ireland Member Discovers THIRD Asteroid* David Grennan, member of Astronomy Ireland, discovered his third asteroid early this week. The asteroid is designated 2009 FV19 and was found using a Celestron CGE 1400 purchased at the Astronomy Ireland Shop<http://www.astronomy.ie/shop.html>. David currently holds the record for the most asteroids discovered from Ireland by one person. Further details and discovery images can be found HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/2009fv19.html>. ** ** *5. Sign Writers* Do you or anyone you know have an artistic flair? We’re looking for a sign writer to help create signs and banners for us to display at our public events all around Ireland. Contact sec(a)astronomy.ie or call the office on (01) 847 0777 for more details. *6. Jobs* Astronomy Ireland is expanding rapidly and we are recruiting key players for our team. We have vacancies in all departments but are especially interested in hiring someone with a proven track record in fundraising. If you are interested in working within a growing organisation and enjoy a challenging and exciting role, please send your CV to jobs(a)astronomy.ie with a brief note about yourself. ** ** *7. Economist* Astronomy Ireland’s goal is to build a science culture for Ireland. We need advice from an economist to assist us in highlighting awareness of Ireland’s economic position, especially in relation to science and education. Are you, or do you know, an economist that would be willing to discuss current issues with our Chairman, David Moore? Please call our office on (01) 847 0777 or email sec(a)astronomy.ie. ** ** *Astronomy Ireland <http://www.astronomy.ie/>* The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub> *www.astronomy.ie* <http://www.astronomy.ie/> *Call Our Telescope Shop <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop>* Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here<http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Limerick Classes, Earth Hour, Email Problems, Saturday Job, National Meeting
by Astronomy Ireland Secretary 24 Mar '09

24 Mar '09

*1. Limerick Evening Classes* Don't forget, you can still register for our Limerick Evening Classes on Thursday, March 26 at 7:30pm. The classes cost 180euro and include membership to Astronomy Ireland and an annual subscription to our full-colour magazine, Astronomy & Space. Fully paid up members get 50euro discount on the evening classes, costing only 130euro. Click HERE<http://www.astronomy.ie/class/limerick.html> to enrol or call us on (01) 847 0777. *2. Earth Hour* Astronomy Ireland will be out during Earth Hour, Saturday March 28, to highlight the issue of bad lighting in towns and cities, how it wastes energy and money, and how it has obscured our view of the wonders of the night sky. This is a global event, please join us in our endeavours to reduce light pollution and to tackle Global Warming. Telescope Watches are taking place at various locations around the country from 8:30 - 9:30pm. Come along and show your support for this important international cause. See HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/earthhour2009.html>for more details and your nearest Watch. *3. Email Problems* We are experiencing a technical difficulty with getting emails out to some institutions (e.g. www.spamhaus.org/SBL seems to be rejecting us, some other sites too). If you are an expert in this field, and can help us, please call Conor on (01) 847 0777 or email sec(a)astronomy.ie. *4. Saturday Shop Staff* Our Shop wishes to employ a person to help on Saturdays with dispatching, assisting with sales, and light cleaning duties. Please send CVs to jobs(a)astronomy.ie or call (01) 847 0777. *5. Astronomy Ireland National Meeting* *April 25* We are holding a National Meeting on Saturday, April 25 at 3pm in the Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin. We are hosting this event as part of the United Nations International Year of Astronomy (IYA), to inspire members, Branch Coordinators and everyone in Ireland to promote astronomy and science on a national scale. Click HERE<http://www.astronomy.ie/meeting_april09.html>for more information. We invite you to attend this meeting and help take astronomy and science to a new level in Ireland, and to learn more about Astronomy Ireland's plans for this exciting year. RSVP to sec(a)astronomy.ie . ** *Astronomy Ireland <http://www.astronomy.ie/>* The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub> *www.astronomy.ie* <http://www.astronomy.ie/> *Call Our Telescope Shop <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop>* Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here<http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Space Shuttle & ISS, 4FM, Venus
by Astronomy Ireland Secretary 20 Mar '09

20 Mar '09

*1. Space Shuttle & ISS Visible Until March 30* The Space Shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on St. Patrick's Day, then the new huge solar panels were installed. This not only makes the ISS-Discovery complex the biggest man-made object in space, but it also makes it brighter than it has ever been before. ISS will blaze across the evening skies until March 30. To get the exact times of when the ISS will be visible you can have reminders sent to your mobile phone each day by simply texting the word 'SPACE' to 57003 (Texts cost 1euro per message received). Each day the ISS is visible, you will receive one text message a couple of hours beforehand to give you the most up-to-date predictions of times and locations. For a one-off prediction, you can phone 1550 111 442, every day after 12noon, for the time to watch that night (calls cost 95c/min). More information and background details for ISS are available on www.astronomy.ie/iss. Please email observe(a)astronomy.ieevery time you see it, and we will include you in our monthly magazine report. ** *2. 4FM* Our chairman David Moore was interviewed on 4FM, the new multi-city radio station, on Wednesday March 18. They were supposed to discuss what it says in the papers, but they ended up talking about space, Irish involvement in the European Space Agency, and lots more besides. You can listen to the interview HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/audio/>. ** ** *3. Venus* After dominating evening skies for over 3 months, Venus is now very low in the West at Sunset, but it is a huge crescent when seen in binoculars or a telescope. Venus will be in conjunction with the Sun on March 27, but you can still try to spot it a few minutes after the Sun sets by looking directly above the sunset point. Please email observe(a)astronomy.ie if you spot the Venus with its crescent nearly 60 arc seconds wide, an amazing sight. *Astronomy Ireland <http://www.astronomy.ie/>* The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub> *www.astronomy.ie* <http://www.astronomy.ie/> *Call Our Telescope Shop <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop>* Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here<http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> )

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[Astronomy Ireland] David Southwood, St. Patrick's Day, Limerick Classes, ISS, Birr Castle, Venus Success
by Astronomy Ireland Secretary 16 Mar '09

16 Mar '09

*1. David Southwood: "European Space Science And Exploration"* Just a quick reminder that Prof. David Southwood, Director of Science, European Space Agency, will give our public lecture for the International Year of Astronomy tonight, in Trinity College Dublin. He will describe the trillion dollars worth of space missions that he and his thousands of scientists are responsible for. *Please Note: The time of this lecture is 8:00pm and not 7:30pm, as previously stated in our email dated March 11. We apologise for this error. The lecture takes place in the Edmund Burke Theatre in the Arts Building. Doors will open at 7:30pm with the lecture beginning at 8:00pm sharp.* Prof. Southwood spoke at 7:50am Friday March 13 on 4FM (94FM / 104FM). You can listen to this interview online HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/audio/>. Details of the event are on our website www.astronomy.ie. If you cannot get to Dublin, you can order the DVD of this lecture *HERE*<http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.html> . ** ** *2. St. Patrick's Day Parades: Astronomy Themes* As part of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), the St Patrick's Day Celebrations in Dublin, Cork and Downpatrick will incorporate astronomy themes into their parades. 'The Sky is the Limit' is the universal theme this year, and will be represented in the parades in the following ways: *Dublin:* Euxodia - Exploring an imaginary city and mapping of the heavens, referencing the constellations and featuring an orrery. *Cork: *Cosmic Chaos - In collaboration with Blackrock Castle Observatory, Dan Tani, a NASA astronaut will act as the parade's Grand Marshall. *Downpatrick: *The Earth, Sun and Moon - Featuring street performances and displays from all over Europe, each presenting their own interpretation of the theme. ** ******** ** *3. Limerick Evening Classes* Do you know how the Universe was born? Did you know that you are made of almost 50% comet juice? Did you know that the Zinc in your body, which you need to live, was created by an exploding star? The Astronomy Ireland Evening Classes will answer all these questions and more and begin in Limerick on March 19 at 7:30pm. These classes are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. There is no complex mathematics involved or any other educational requirement for these classes. Learn about the pioneers of astronomy and their painful history, the mysterious world of dark energy, dark matter and black holes, how our Solar System was formed, how a telescope works and much, much more. The classes cost 180euro and include membership to Astronomy Ireland and an annual subscription to our full-colour magazine, Astronomy & Space. Our monthly magazine gives all the latest national and international news, and is packed full of features, photos and a diary of spectacular celestial events that everyone can see for the coming month. Fully paid up members get 50euro discount on the evening classes, costing only 130euro. Be sure to book online now at www.astronomy.ie/class/limerick.html or over the phone on (01) 847 0777, as bookings cannot be taken on the night*!* ** *4. ISS Blazes Over Irish Skies* The international Space Station (ISS) which recently had a close encounter with a piece of space debris, will once again blaze across the evening skies from March 18. The ISS is the largest spacecraft ever built and is a collaboration of space agencies all over the world. To get the exact times of when the ISS will be visible you can check various sites on the internet, but if you would like to have reminders sent to your mobile phone each day simply text the word 'SPACE' to 57003 (Texts cost 1euro per message received). Each day the ISS is visible, you will receive one text message a couple of hours beforehand to give you the most up-to-date predictions of times and locations. Background details for ISS are on www.astronomy.ie/iss. *5. Lecture in Birr Castle* David Block, The South African author of "Shrouds of the Night"<http://www.springer.com/astronomy/practical+astronomy/book/978-0-387-78974-3> is coming to Birr Castle on Saturday 21 March at 2:30pm, where he will give a mini lecture in conjunction with the launch of his book which is lavishly illustrated and includes some of the work of Birr Castle. We understand over five hundred astronomical enthusiasts attended the launch of the book in South Africa, and believe still greater numbers expected for the launches in London and at the Smithsonian to follow. Birr Castle counts itself lucky to have tempted the authors to choose Birr for a mini launch in between. Autographed copies of the book will be available at Birr. Admission is free but places are limited, so book your place now at estate(a)birrcastle.com. *6. **Venus Watches A Success! Keep Watching* Last Thursday and Friday's Venus Watches at our Telescope Shop in Dublin had sufficiently clear skies to show one of the most amazing views of Venus ever seen, from Ireland. The air was very steady allowing unusually high magnification to see the huge but extremely thin crescent. Venus bows out of evening skies this week and won't be visible in the evening skies again for 3 years. So, please try to spot it every evening this week and email observe(a)astronomy.ie with what you see, for our magazine report. Dust off those telescopes, between, Venus, Saturn at its best and Comet Lulin there are lots of things to see this month! ** *Astronomy Ireland* <http://www.astronomy.ie/> *The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND **Ireland's Only Astronomy **Magazine* <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub> *www.astronomy.ie* <http://www.astronomy.ie/> *Call Our Telescope Shop* <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop> *Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat* *( subscribe / unsubscribe **here*<http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> * )*

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[Astronomy Ireland] David Southwood, DVD, Limerick Classes, New Asteroid, Bye-Bye Venus
by AI Secretary 11 Mar '09

11 Mar '09

1. David Southwood: "European Space Science And Exploration" On Monday we're bringing the Trillion Dollar Man to Ireland for you - will you be there? Perhaps the most important person we have ever brought to Ireland will be giving a Public Lecture on March 16 in TCD. David Southwood is the Director of Science at the European Space Agency and as such is responsible for finding out the age of the universe, was Einstein right, is there life on Mars, where in the Universe is the next planet that has life on it, and much, much more. The ESA has successfully landed on other worlds, flown through Halley's Comet, launched giant space telescopes, shares the Hubble Space Telescope and the ISS with NASA, and more. Its plans for the future are even more ambitious and the man at the top of all this space exploration will give a talk in Ireland that we want each and everyone of you to attend. Some of his missions include: a.. Hubble Space Telescope b.. The James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble's successor c.. ExoMars d.. Rosetta e.. Mars Express f.. Venus Express g.. Cassini-Huygens ...to name but a few! This lecture is a hugely anticipated event and promises guests a fantastic and enthralling insight into the work of the European Space Agency, how it has developed and where it will go in the 21st Century. "We are exceptionally lucky to have secured such an important speaker as Professor David Southwood during IYA to explain how Europe is forging its place in space exploration," said David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland. You can hear Prof. Southwood speak at 7:50am Friday March 13 on 4FM (94FM / 104FM). You can listen online at www.4fm.ie. The lecture takes place at 7:30pm, Monday March 16 in the Edmund Burke Theatre, Arts Building (note new bigger venue), Trinity College Dublin. Tickets cost 5euro for members and 7euro for non-members and are available online at www.astronomy.ie/lecture200903.html or by calling us on (01) 847 0777. BOOK HERE before tickets sell out! 2. DVD For Everyone In Ireland We are delighted to make the DVD of the David Southwood lecture available to everyone in Ireland to make this a truly national event. For those who cannot make it to Trinity College on the night, the DVD costs just 7euro (plus p&p), the same price as a ticket, and can be ordered online at www.astronomy.ie//lectureDVD.html or by calling (01) 847 0777. 3. Limerick Evening Classes Do you know how the Universe was born? Did you know that you are made of almost 50% comet juice? Did you know that the Zinc in your body, which you need to live, was created by an exploding star? The Astronomy Ireland Evening Classes will answer all these questions and more and begin in Limerick on March 19 at 7:30pm. These classes are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. There is no complex mathematics involved or any other educational requirement for these classes. Learn about the pioneers of astronomy and their painful history, the mysterious world of dark energy, dark matter and black holes, how our Solar System was formed, how a telescope works and much, much more. The classes cost 180euro and includes membership to Astronomy Ireland and an annual subscription to our full-colour magazine, Astronomy & Space. Our monthly magazine gives all the latest national and international news, and is packed full of features, photos and a diary of spectacular celestial events that everyone can see for the coming month. Fully paid up members get 50euro discount on the evening classes, costing only 130euro. Be sure to book online now at www.astronomy.ie/class/limerick.html or over the phone on (01) 847 0777, as bookings cannot be taken on the night! 4. Astronomy Ireland Member Discovers Second Asteroid Astronomy Ireland member, David Grennan has made history by becoming the first Irish person to discover 2 asteroids. David made the remarkable discovery on Sunday, March 1. The asteroid is over quarter of a million times fainter than the human eye can see (mag. 19.6) and is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, over twice as far from the Sun as Earth. It measures approximately 3 - 4 km in diameter and is provisionally named 2009 EN1. David will get to name the new asteroid in the near future. David discovered his first asteroid in October 2008, which was one of the first asteroids discovered from Ireland in 160 years. Full details will appear in our magazine and you can see the discovery images HERE. Congratulations David! 5. Venus Bows Out, And FREE Venus Watch The planet Venus is visible in the night sky for the next week only, after which it will drop off rapidly below the horizon. Venus is visible as a huge crescent in the evening sky around sunset.This twilight phenomenon is not to be missed. Astronomy Ireland urge you to take out your telescope or binoculars to view this remarkable celestial sight, as you will not see Venus as such a huge evening crescent for another 3 years! On Thursday and Friday this week (March 12 & 13), Astronomy Ireland will hold FREE Venus Watches for everyone at our Telescope Shop in Butterly Business Park, Kilmore Road, Artane, Dublin 5. See the huge Crescent Venus for yourself, from 5 - 7pm at our premises each evening, in some of the most powerful telescopes in Ireland. If you can't get to Dublin but would like to get your own telescope to view Venus, or indeed the rest of the universe, you can contact our shop staff for advice, 6 days a week, by emailing sales(a)astronomy.ie, or by calling (01) 847 0777. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Kepler, Facebook, 100 Hours, Venus-Moon Watches, Wireless
by AI Secretary 04 Mar '09

04 Mar '09

1. Kepler launch this Saturday March 7th On Saturday March 7th at 3:50am the spacecraft Kepler will be launched into space from Florida. Kepler is a spaceborne telescope designed to search the nearby region of our galaxy for Earth-size planets orbiting in the habitable zone of stars like our sun. The Kepler spacecraft will watch the same patch of space for 3.5 years or more for signs of Earth-sized planets moving around stars similar to the sun. A prelaunch webcast is available from NASA at www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/launch/webcast.html. The launch will stream live on Friday 6th March at www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ with Launch Control Audio beginning 2 hours before the space launch. 2. Astronomy Ireland on Facebook! Astronomy Ireland is now an established group on international social networking giant, Facebook. By joining the Astronomy Ireland group on Facebook you can stay informed of future events, read reviews of recent events, look at pictures of recent events, and communicate with other members and fans of Astronomy Ireland on the Discussion Board. We want you to join Astronomy Ireland on Facebook today and help us to promote Astronomy and Science both nationwide and internationally by inviting your friends and family to join too! Click the following link to go directly to the page http://www.facebook.com/group.php?&gid=53321612786. 3. 100 Hours of Astronomy: An Event 400 Years in the Making As part of International Year of Astronomy 2009, Astronomy Ireland will take part in a 100-hour, round-the-clock, round-the-globe event that includes live webcasts from research observatories, public observing events and other activities around the world. This cornerstone event for the IYA 2009 takes place from the 2nd to 5th April and one of the key goals of 100 Hours of Astronomy is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. As part of this, Astronomy Ireland will be holding nationwide 1 hour telescope events each night for 4 consecutive nights, from 2nd to 5th April. The Moon and Saturn will be the highlights of these observing events among other celestial sights. Details of these nationwide events will be available soon at www.astronomy.ie. If you would like to run an event in your area, click "reply" or email sec(a)astronomy.ie. 4. Report of Nationwide Venus-Moon Watches Last Friday, February 27th, Astronomy Ireland hosted Venus-Moon Watches at 11 locations throughout the country. All Watches had successful turnouts, with the Moon and Venus making appearances in Clare, Cork and Sligo where the view was described as brilliantly spectacular. The post-event reports from our nationwide Branches are available at www.astronomy.ie/venusmoon2009(feb)report.html. 5. We need wireless adapters Astronomy Ireland is expanding, our office is developing its computer network and we are looking for USB wireless adaptors. If you have any to donate, please email sec(a)astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777. We greatly appreciate any donations. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

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