April 2010 - astronomy@lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

[Astronomy Ireland] Summer Lecture & DVD, ISS Visible, Armagh Observatory Lecture, Events
by AI Secretary 29 Apr '10

29 Apr '10

20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Summer Public Lecture & DVD On Monday, May 10, Dr. Brian Espey of Trinity College Dublin and the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS) will deliver our Summer Public Lecture in Trinity College. Stars with masses similar to our own Sun pass through an evolutionary red giant stage towards the end of their lives, releasing a significant quantity of processed gas in the form of a stellar wind. Despite the importance of this process in the evolution of stars, planets, and life, very little is known of the details of this cosmic wind. At his lecture, guests will hear Dr. Espey describe the effects that these strong cosmic winds within our Universe have on the planets of our solar system. In the past Brian has given lectures to Astronomy Ireland members which proved to be most enjoyable, fascinating and very successful, so be sure not to miss out! The lecture takes place at 8pm in the SNIAM Building, Trinity College Dublin (MAP HERE), on Monday, May 10. For more information click HERE. A DVD is available to order online for anyone who cannot make the talk on the night. BOOK TICKETS ORDER DVD 2. ISS Visible in Irish Skies Until May 14 The International Space Station (ISS) is visible in Irish skies for the next two weeks, until May 14. The ISS will appear as an extremely bright star-like object in evening skies and is the brightest object in the sky apart from the Moon. This man-made object is a spectacular sight and we urge all of you to go outside and watch as it passes over. For more information about the Space Station click HERE. Remember each time you see this exciting space event email your report to observe(a)astronomy.ie, we will do our best to include it in a forthcoming issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. To receive daily predictions of the times ISS will pass over straight to your mobile phone, text SPACE to 57003 (reply STOP to unsubscribe). Each text costs 1euro, and only one message will be sent per day. Proceeds help to promote interest in astronomy across Ireland. 3. Public Lecture At Armagh Observatory On Thursday, May 13, there will be a public lecture hosted by the Armagh Observatory entitled "Did We Really Land on the Moon?". Dr. Martin Hendry of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, will give this talk which focuses on the surprising number of theories which claim the Apollo 11 Moon walk was an elaborate hoax. In his talk, using real Apollo video footage and a series of simple demonstrations, Dr. Hendry will take a closer look at the science behind the "Moon hoax" claims, and ask whether we really did land on the Moon. The lecture takes place at 8pm in the Rotunda Lecture Theatre, St. Patrick's Trian, Armagh, on Thursday, May 13. There is no charge for the event and it is open to all members of the public, however numbers may be limited. To obtain tickets please contact Mrs Aileen McKee (Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DG) on 028-3752-2928 or email ambn(a)arm.ac.uk. 4. Upcoming Events May 1st - 'Moon' - Apollo 11 Documentary (Dublin 8). Email matthewjanolan(a)gmail.com for more information. May 10 - 'Studying Winds From Red Giants' - May Public Lecture by Dr. Brian Espey (Trinity College Dublin). May 13 - 'Did We Really Land On The Moon?' - Public Lecture (Armagh Observatory) Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop

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[Astronomy Ireland] Nationwide Watches Report, Astronomy Highlights, Events
by AI Secretary 27 Apr '10

27 Apr '10

20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Nationwide Moon, Mars & Saturn Watch - Report Last Thursday, April 22, Astronomy Ireland's Moon, Mars & Saturn Watch was held at various locations nationwide. With powerful telescopes set up around the country, hundreds of people who attended the Watch got to see the Moon and Mars placed very close to each other in the sky. As well as this, Saturn, its rings and some of its larger moons made an appearance over the course of the evening also. With clear skies largely abundant over the country, the Watch was a resounding success and you can read reports from each venue HERE. 2. Astronomy Tips This Week a.. Venus is very bright in the West and will become more and more visible as the weeks go on. b.. Saturn and Mars are still up and look great through telescopes. c.. There is a Full Moon tomorrow night. d.. For more information on what to see in the night sky this week check out the Sky Diary section in the March issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. Don't forget to email what you see to observe(a)astronomy.ie and we will try to publish your pictures and observations in forthcoming issues of the magazine. 3. Upcoming Events May 1st - 'Moon' - Apollo 11 Documentary (Dublin 8). Email matthewjanolan(a)gmail.com for more information. May 10 - 'Studying Winds From Red Giants' - May Public Lecture by Dr. Brian Espey (Trinity College Dublin). May 13 - 'Did We Really Land On The Moon?' - Public Lecture (Armagh Observatory) Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop

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[Astronomy Ireland] Telescope Events Tonight, Radio Society Rally, Astronomy Tips
by AI Secretary 22 Apr '10

22 Apr '10

20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Nationwide Watches Tonight Our Nationwide Moon, Mars & Saturn Watches takes place around the country at 9pm tonight and we encourage everyone to go along to go to your nearest Watch and view Mars, the Moon and Saturn through some of Ireland's largest and most powerful telescopes, set up for you by our Branch Coordinators. This is an entirely free event and everyone is welcome to come along. Mars is a fascinating sight through a telescope, and tonight it will be placed extremely close to the Moon. Not only this, there will be a free draw for everyone who attends the Watches around the country, where you will be in with a chance to win a pair of binoculars from our Shop. There will be Watches in Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Limerick, Sligo, and Waterford. For more information and to check the exact locations click HERE. Please note: Carlow Watch cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Events will go ahead regardless of weather. 2. Radio Society Rally This Sunday, The Dundalk Amateur Radio Society is hosting a radio rally in the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk, Co Louth. Astronomy Ireland will be present at the rally, so be sure to visit us and say hello! There will be a variety of stands including traders, Morse code testing, and a bring and buy sale. The event starts at 11am. For more information please visit www.ei7dar.com/. 3. Astronomy Tips This Week a.. Tonight we have the conjunction of Mars and the Moon, for which Astronomy Ireland is holding its Nationwide Moon, Mars & Saturn Watch (see above). b.. Also tonight is the peak of the Lyrid Meteor Shower. While the Moon may drown out the fainter meteors, still keep an eye out after midnight for any spectacular fireballs that may occur. c.. Mercury is now almost invisible, but Venus continues to blaze over the western horizon after sunset. d.. Saturn is rising in the east and the ringed planet is a favourite telescope target for lots of astronomers. e.. For more information on what to see in the night sky this week check out the Sky Diary section in the March issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. Don't forget to email what you see to observe(a)astronomy.ie and we will try to publish your pictures and observations in forthcoming issues of the magazine. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop

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[Astronomy Ireland] Telescope Events Tonight, Radio Society Rally, Astronomy Tips
by AI Secretary 22 Apr '10

22 Apr '10

20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Nationwide Watches Tonight Our Nationwide Moon, Mars & Saturn Watches takes place around the country at 9pm tonight and we encourage everyone to go along to go to your nearest Watch and view Mars, the Moon and Saturn through some of Ireland's largest and most powerful telescopes, set up for you by our Branch Coordinators. This is an entirely free event and everyone is welcome to come along. Mars is a fascinating sight through a telescope, and tonight it will be placed extremely close to the Moon. Not only this, there will be a free draw for everyone who attends the Watches around the country, where you will be in with a chance to win a pair of binoculars from our Shop. There will be Watches in Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Limerick, Sligo, and Waterford. For more information and to check the exact locations click HERE. Please note: Carlow Watch cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Events will go ahead regardless of weather. 2. Radio Society Rally This Sunday, The Dundalk Amateur Radio Society is hosting a radio rally in the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk, Co Louth. Astronomy Ireland will be present at the rally, so be sure to visit us and say hello! There will be a variety of stands including traders, Morse code testing, and a bring and buy sale. The event starts at 11am. For more information please visit www.ei7dar.com/. 3. Astronomy Tips This Week a.. Tonight we have the conjunction of Mars and the Moon, for which Astronomy Ireland is holding its Nationwide Moon, Mars & Saturn Watch (see above). b.. Also tonight is the peak of the Lyrid Meteor Shower. While the Moon may drown out the fainter meteors, still keep an eye out after midnight for any spectacular fireballs that may occur. c.. Mercury is now almost invisible, but Venus continues to blaze over the western horizon after sunset. d.. Saturn is rising in the east and the ringed planet is a favourite telescope target for lots of astronomers. e.. For more information on what to see in the night sky this week check out the Sky Diary section in the March issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. Don't forget to email what you see to observe(a)astronomy.ie and we will try to publish your pictures and observations in forthcoming issues of the magazine. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop

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[Astronomy Ireland] Nationwide Telescope Events This Week, NEAR fm, Discovery Lands Safely
by AI Secretary 20 Apr '10

20 Apr '10

20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Nationwide Moon, Mars & Saturn Watch This Thursday, April 22, there will be Nationwide Moon, Mars & Saturn Watches taking place at locations around the country. These Watches are being held with the Moon, and the planets Mars and Saturn in mind, as these are all particularly well placed for observation on this night. On the night, Mars will be visible just above and to the right of the Moon, in the constellation of Cancer. This promises to be a breathtaking sight when viewed through the powerful telescopes which will be set up for you. Not only this, Saturn will also be visible, and those in attendance will be given the opportunity to see this ringed planet, as well as some of it's larger moons. All these great astronomical bodies are a spectacular sight through a telescope for established astronomers, amateurs and complete beginners alike and we urge you all to go to your nearest Watch see these cosmic wonders through some of Ireland's largest and most powerful telescopes. This is an entirely free event and everyone is welcome to come along. Watches will begin at locations nationwide at 9pm. CONFIRMED LOCATIONS The locations of currently confirmed Watches are; Carlow, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Limerick, Sligo, and Waterford, however please keep checking our website before Thursday as more locations may be added. FREE COMPETITION There will be a draw for everyone who attends the Watches at locations nationwide. Entry is completely free and you will be in with a chance to win a pair of binoculars from our Shop. FREE DOWNLOAD To download a Sky Diary Map showing all the constellations and planets visible this month click HERE. The map is dated for 9pm on Thursday the 22nd of April, but it can still be used to easily find Mars throughout April. MORE INFORMATION For more information about Nationwide Moon and Mars Watch and to check the location of your nearest Watch click HERE. Alternatively email sec(a)astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777. 2. NEAR fm Astronomy Ireland Chairman was interviewed on NEAR fm (90.3fm) where he spoke about the upcoming Watches taking place at locations around the country on Thursday. If you missed this interview you can listen to it now on our website at www.astronomy.ie/audio. 3. Discover Touches Down The Space Shuttle Discovery has touched down safely in Florida today, April 20. Mission STS-131 ended with a flawless landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility. "It was a great mission," Discovery Commander Alan Poindexter radioed after the shuttle came to a stop on the runway. "We are glad that the International Space Station is stocked up again.". STS-131 carried a host of experiments, supplies and equipment to the orbiting laboratory complex. With this mission completed, Discovery has one more flight on its agenda, STS-133, currently slated as the last mission of the space shuttle program. To read the landing blog click HERE. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop

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[Astronomy Ireland] Spiders on Mercury - Get Your Lecture DVD Now!
by AI Secretary 18 Apr '10

18 Apr '10

*"I had no idea Mercury was so fascinating!" said one smiling guest after the lecture in Trinity College <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> last Monday night. "I saw it in the sky and it was great to get so much excellent information about it!"* Did you know that there is a huge and mysterious geological 'spider' on Mercury? Or did you know that Mercury may have had its own moon in the past? Or what about how the planet has a very strange orbit, that could only be explained by Einstein's Theory of Relativity? Mercury is a lifeless planet, very close to our parent star. In the daytime, temperatures can reach almost 430 degrees C, where at night it drops to a chilling 180 degrees C below zero! The planet is a very dense and heavy lump of rock and metal, and its thousands of craters tell us that there have been no volcanic eruptions or lava flows on Mercury for billions of years. But on Monday, April 12, Dr David Rothery of the Open University in the UK explained how Mercury isn't the boring and dead planet astronomers once thought it was. Observations and studies in recent years have revealed all kinds of new and exciting details about the planet, both on and underneath the surface. Indeed, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft is due to enter orbit around Mercury next year, and BepiColombo - a joint project between Europe and Japan - will reach Mercury in 2020. *Order your Mercury DVD now!* <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> If you didn't get to go to the lecture, don't get left out! Order a DVD<http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php>of Dr Rothery's excellent lecture now, or why not get one for a friend and share your excitement of astronomy? *Astronomy Ireland <http://www.astronomy.ie/>* *The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie* ** *( subscribe / unsubscribe<http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> )* ** *Our Online Telescope Shop <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop.html>* * * * *

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[Astronomy Ireland] Easter Lecture DVD, Space Documentary, Astronomy Tips, Discovery Update
by AI Secretary 15 Apr '10

15 Apr '10

20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Easter Lecture Report & DVD On Monday, April 12, our Easter Public Lecture was packed out by guests eager to hear Dr. David Ruther's talk on Mercury - the innermost planet of the Solar System. Guests were treated to amazing images of Mercury, some findings of Dr. Rothery's research on the mysterious planet, as well as other curious facts about the planet that only 1% of the world's population have ever seen with the naked eye. The history of Mercury's exploration was described, from NASA's Mariner 10 mission right up to the present mission, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, which has provided tantalising glimpses of the amazing images to come when MESSENGER achieves orbit in 2011. To read the full report of the night click HERE. Although the lecture was packed out, we are sure that there are many more of you out there who would have liked to join us. For anyone who couldn't make it on Monday night, or indeed anyone who could that wants to see the lecture again, there is a DVD available to order online. To order just click the link below. ORDER DVD HERE 2. Space Tourists Documentary in IFI This Friday, 16 April, the Irish premiere of a documentary called 'Space Tourists' by Director Chris Frei will be screened in the Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Temple Bar, Dublin. The documentary film delves into the phenomenon of space tourism. Anousheh Ansari dreamt of going into outer space since childhood. A number of years and $20 million later, she realised her dream - Ansari became the first female space tourist. Featuring stunning scenes, the film documents her preparations and accompanies her on her day-to-day existence aboard the International Space Station. The magnificent beauty of space is contrasted with Kazakhstan's almost post-apocalyptic terrain, where disused rockets and space shuttles, the remnants of the Soviet space programme, litter the landscape. Humorous and always utterly fascinating, Space Tourists won Frei a best director prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival and this documentary is well worth going to see. For further details and to reserve tickets click HERE. 3. Astronomy Tips This Week a.. A very thin crescent Moon will hang just above Mercury in the evening sky tonight, April 15, acting as a signpost to the planet that only 1% of the Earth's population has seen! b.. On Friday, April 16, the Moon will be placed above Venus, near the spectacular Pleiades cluster. The best time to view this amazing conjunction will be in the twilight, just after sunset. c.. For more information on what to see in the night sky this week check out the Sky Diary section in the March issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. d.. Don't forget to email what you see to observe(a)astronomy.ie and we will try to publish your pictures and observations in forthcoming issues of the magazine. 4. Discovery Update Space shuttle Discovery's astronauts won't need to make an extra spacewalk after all and are due to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) this Saturday, April 17. NASA had been considering a fourth spacewalk to fix a stuck valve at the International Space Station, but today Mission Control told the crew that the repairs could wait. Mission STS-131 launched on April 5th, is delivering a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module loaded with supplies and equipment to the ISS, as well as carrying out maintenance and improvement on the Columbus Module of the Station. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the International Space Station and marks the 4th last mission of the Space Shuttle before the fleet is decommissioned later this year. For more information about Mission STS-131 click HERE. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop

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[Astronomy Ireland] Easter Lecture & DVD, Aliens, May Magazine, Nationwide Watches
by AI Secretary 08 Apr '10

08 Apr '10

20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Easter Public Lecture & DVD On Monday, April 12th our Easter Lecture will take place in Trinity College Dublin (a DVD is available to order online for anyone who can't make it). Dr. David Rothery's lectures are fascinating and compelling and we are fortunate enough to be receiving our April Lecture from him! Senior lecturer with the Open University and author of several books, Dr.Rothery will give a talk entitled "Mercury - New Insights". Mercury is one of the most mysterious planets in our Solar System and in this fully-illustrated presentation Dr. Rothery will show that Mercury's origins and subsequent evolution close to the Sun have given it a complex volcanic and tectonic history, a dynamic exosphere, and an extremely unstable temperature range (from -173°C to 427°C!). To read more facts about Mercury click HERE. The lecture takes place at 8pm on Monday, April 12 in the SNIAMS Building, Trinity College Dublin (click here for a map). For more information visit our webpage HERE. For anyone who can't make it on the night there is a DVD available to purchase online. After the lecture there will be a social reception in The Lombard (corner of Pearse St. and Westland Row) where all are welcome to join us. Come along for a chat with Dr. Rothery, other lecture-goers, and Astronomy Ireland members, volunteers and staff. Food will be kindly provided by The Lombard. BOOK TICKETS ORDER DVD SEE MERCURY BEFORE THE LECTURE Mercury is visible in the evening sky just above the glowing western horizon after sunset, to the right of Venus. By observing Mercury you will be joining an exclusive 1% club, the small percentage of the world's population that have seen the planet. Mercury is fading away fast as it makes its way around the Sun, so make sure you see it soon! For more information see the Sky Diary section of the April issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. 2. Aliens Among Us? Astronomy Ireland Chairman, David Moore, will speak on Newstalk's The Right Hook this evening, April 8, at 6:20pm. David will join a discussion on a new survey of 23,000 people worldwide which reveals that 1 in 5 people not only believe in aliens, but are of the opinion that they are walking around amongst us in disguise! To hear more interesting statistics from the survey tune your radio to Newstalk on 106 - 108fm, listen to it live HERE or visit www.astronomy.ie/audio where you can listen to the interview from tomorrow onwards. 3. May Issue of 'Astronomy & Space' Magazine There is still time to sign up as a member of Astronomy Ireland in advance of the May issue of the magazine which will be sent to members next week. The forthcoming issue of the magazine is packed with all the latest national and international news including a special report on NASA's STEREO conference which was held in the Science Gallery (TCD) recently, observing highlights for the coming month in our Sky Diary section, as well as a section devoted to readers reports and photographs, and much much more. As 2010 marks our 20th anniversary we have a very special offer for any new members who sign up with us over the coming months - 20 months for the price of 12. Costing just 48euro, this deal is a real bargain and as well as a 20 month subscription to 'Astronomy & Space' magazine, includes members benefits such as special rates for all of our lectures, day trips, evening classes and our annual Star-B-Q. For more information and to sign up for this offer click HERE. 4. Coming Soon... Information on our Nationwide Moon, Mars and Saturn Watch on Thursday, April 22. Watch this space! Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop

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[Astronomy Ireland] Discovery Launch Success, Record Women In Space, Astronomy Tips, Events
by AI Secretary 06 Apr '10

06 Apr '10

20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Mission STS-131 - Shuttle Launch Successful The Space Shuttle Discovery was successfully launched into space yesterday, April 5th, from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 06:21EDT. The primary payload is a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module loaded with supplies and equipment for the International Space Station (ISS). The mission will also remove and replace an ammonia tank assembly outside the station and return a Lightweight Adapter Plate Assembly (LWAPA) plate, located on the Columbus module. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the International Space Station and marks the 4th last mission of the Space Shuttle before the fleet is decommissioned later this year. For more information about Mission STS-131 click HERE. 2. Women Take Over Outer Space. Of the 7 astronauts on board the Discovery Shuttle 3 are women; former high school teacher Dorothy "Dottie" Metcalf-Lindenburger, robotic arm expert Stephanie Wilson and the second Japanese woman ever to reach space Naoko Yamazaki. These three female crew members, along with Space Flight Engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson who is already at the International Space Station (ISS) now hold the record of the first time that four women have been in space at one time! The four female space flyers will meet up on Wednesday when Discovery docks with the Space Station, to form the largest gathering of women in space in history. For more information about these remarkable women click HERE. 3. Astronomy Tips a.. Mercury is well placed for viewing in the evening skies. On April 7 Venus will be placed just 3degrees from Mercury, visible in the West just after sunset. Join the 1% club and be a part of the small percentage of the world's population that have observed the planet Mercury! b.. The planet Saturn continues to be visible reasonably high in the South-East, well placed near the galaxy clusters in Virgo. c.. Mars is visible also high in the South. d.. For more information on what to see in the night sky this week check out the Sky Diary section in the March issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. Don't forget to email what you see to observe(a)astronomy.ie and we will try to publish your pictures and observations in forthcoming issues of the magazine. 4. Events April 12 - 'Mercury - New Insights' Public Lecture by Dr. Dave Rothery (TCD) April 22 - Telescope Watches (Nationwide) More information to follow. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop

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[Astronomy Ireland] Gerry Ryan & The Afternoon Show, Rare Planetary Alignment, Events
by AI Secretary 01 Apr '10

01 Apr '10

20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Astronomy Ireland On National TV & Radio GERRY RYAN SHOW Astronomy Ireland Chairman, David Moore, appeared on RTE 2FM's Gerry Ryan Show this morning, April 1st, where he spoke about the rare planetary alignment of Venus and Mercury, visible in the West just after sunset this evening. David also made a very important public announcement regarding this once-in-a-generation inner-planet alignment. To read more about this see the article below or click HERE. If you missed the feature on the show, you can listen to a recording on our website at www.astronomy.ie/audio. AFTERNOON SHOW Astronomy Ireland appeared on RTE Television's The Afternoon Show last Monday, March 22, in a special feature focussing on the planet Mars. The slot on RTE's flagship daytime television show saw Astronomy Ireland members at a night-time observing session in the Phoenix Park. The telescope gathering which was filmed last month shows members successfully observing Mars, it's polar ice caps, and the Moon. As well as the pre-recorded feature, there was an array of powerful telescopes from the Astronomy Ireland Shop on display in studio for viewers to see. If you missed this feature on national television don't worry, it's available to view on our website at www.astronomy.ie/tv. 2. Mercury & Venus In Rare Planetary Alignment As we mentioned above, the planets Venus and Mercury will be lining up in the sky this evening to form a once-in-a-generation alignment. The planet Venus is the brightest star like object in the night sky and can be seen low in the West immediately after sunset (from 7pm in Ireland). To the naked eye it looks like a brilliant light blazing in the West. The planet Mercury is visible to the naked eye just to the right of Venus. Note that Venus is about 10 times brighter than Mercury. This is a great opportunity for Irish people as less than 1% of the Earth's population have ever seen Mercury despite it being plainly visible to the naked eye. This is your chance to become a member of the elite 'Mercury Club'! For more information click HERE. Don't forget to email what you see to observe(a)astronomy.ie and we will try our best to publish your pictures and observations in forthcoming issues of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. For more information on what to see in the night sky this week check out the Sky Diary section in the April issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. 3. Upcoming Events April 1 - Rare planetary alignment between Mercury and Venus (Nationwide) April 12 - 'Mercury - New Insights' Public Lecture by Dr. Dave Rothery (TCD) Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop

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