March 2012 - astronomy@lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

[Astronomy Ireland] Mars Watch Tonight, Trip to Beijing
by AI Secretary 29 Mar '12

29 Mar '12

Spring Sale DVD Membership Shop 1. Nationwide Mars Watch Tonight! Tonight's the night! Giant telescopes will be set up across Ireland tonight at 8pm to show the planet Mars which is now closer to Earth than it will be for two years! At the Mars Watch, Astronomy Ireland is setting up telescopes at locations around the country to give the general public an opportunity to see for themselves the planet that has captured humankind's imagination for years. David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland, spoke on Newstalk and East Coast FM about the Mars Watch, and will appear on further shows throughout the day. You can listen to these interviews and others at www.astronomy.ie/audio Already Mars can be seen with the naked eye as a brilliant 'star' with a definite red colour. But in the powerful telescopes it will be possible to see surface features like the white north polar ice cap and the dark markings that many thought were canals about 100 years ago when Mars came even closer to Earth sparking all the stories of intelligent Martians which are now such a prominent feature of science fiction stories about aliens. EVENT DETAILS Mars Watches will take place in: Athy, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin, Leitrim/Sligo. For more information and a map of the location of your closest Watch click HERE. The event will begin at 8pm at all locations. TELESCOPE VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS WANTED We already have several large telescopes for our Nationwide Mars Watch but if you have a medium to large telescope (at least 6-inch, preferably 8-inch or larger) why not bring it along to one of the Watches and share the excitement of the general public as they are amazed by views of Mars? If you want to get involved call us on (01) 890 11 11 or email sec(a)astronomy.ie. 2. Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing - Deadline Approaching There are still places available on our upcoming trip to Beijing to observe the last transit of Venus we will see in our lifetimes, but note that full payment must be made by April 4th. To celebrate this year’s Transit of Venus across the Sun, something which will not happen again for 105 years, Astronomy Ireland have organised a group tour to Beijing where it should be visible for almost seven hours. When Venus passes directly between the earth and the Sun, the distant planet is seen as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun. Since this will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime Astronomy Ireland, in association with Project Travel, has put together a six night tour to the city of Beijing. As well as the chance of seeing the Transit, you will also get to experience the amazing history and culture of this stunning city with a visit to Beijing’s Ancient Observatory plus tours to The Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace. The six day fully guided tour, which is also open to the general public and non-members of Astronomy Ireland, is from June 3rd to 9th and must be booked by April 4th. The €1795 pp sharing price (single supplement €325) includes: a.. Return flights from Dublin, b.. B&B accommodation in a 4* hotel within walking distance of The Forbidden City and central shopping districts c.. All transfers and tours in China including an English speaking guide d.. Entry fees for tours e.. Some meals and entertainment Further details and booking forms are available on www.astronomy.ie, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Nationwide Mars Watch to Reveal Alien World This Thursday
by AI Secretary 27 Mar '12

27 Mar '12

Spring Sale DVD Membership Shop 'God of War' to Dominate Thursday's Night Sky Nationwide Mars Watch to reveal alien world This Thursday, March 29th, at various locations nationwide, Astronomy Ireland will be setting up powerful telescopes focused on the planet Mars, named after the Roman God of War, as it looms in the night sky. With excellent weather conditions expected, Astronomy Ireland invites everyone to come along to their nearest Mars Watch to be amazed by the Red Planet. Members of the general public will be able to use some of the most powerful telescopes in the country, which will reveal stunning detail on this alien world. "The telescopes on the night will let you see things like the polar ice caps on Mars, as well as its vast, dried-up lakes that were once full of water millions of years ago," said David Moore. Chairman of Astronomy Ireland. "Mars will be bigger, brighter and better than it has been in Irish skies for years, it will be a mesmerising spectacle to the naked eye and even more breath taking to those who come along and look through the numerous giant telescopes which will be set up at around the country!" To the naked eye Mars looks like any other bright star in the sky, however, once peered at through a telescope, tremendous surface detail can be detected. Mars will be the main target at Watches but staff and volunteers will also show people how to find their way around the sky revealing the constellations and other planets. This is an ideal opportunity to make use of the good weather and to get together with friends and family to do some amazing astronomy! EVENT DETAILS Current confirmed locations are: Athy, Cork, Down, Dublin, Leitrim/Sligo. For more information, updated locations, and to check the location of your closest Watch click HERE Please keep checking our Mars Watch webpage for any updates. TELESCOPE VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS WANTED We already have several large telescopes for our Nationwide Mars Watch but if you have a medium to large telescope (at least 6-inch, preferably 8-inch or larger) why not bring it along to one of the Watches and share the excitement of the general public as they are amazed by views of Mars? If you want to get involved call us on (01) 890 11 11 or email sec(a)astronomy.ie. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Public Lecture, Trip to Beijing, Sun Shows
by AI Secretary 23 Mar '12

23 Mar '12

Spring Sale DVD Membership Shop 1. Public Lecture “Telescopes for the 21st Century” Astronomical discoveries and the development of technology have always gone hand in hand. Only a few years after its invention, Galileo was using the telescope to revolutionise our view of the Universe. The story is the same in the 21st century, with some truly amazing developments in technology promising massive leaps forward in our understanding of the Universe. In this public lecture on Monday, April 16th, Professor Michael Merrifield from the University of Nottingham will discuss how telescopes have developed to-date, and what is on the drawing board for the coming decades. He will also describe some of the scientific advances that we hope to make with these instruments, ranging from measuring the accelerating expansion of the Universe to making the first detections of life outside the Solar System. This lecture will take place at 8pm on Monday, April 16th, in Trinity College Dublin. A social reception will take place after the lecture in the nearby Lombard Inn where lecture attendees can meet the professor and other astronomy enthusiasts. Details of the March Lecture and tickets for it be found at www.astronomy.ie or by calling (01) 890 11 11. BOOK TICKETS ORDER DVD 2. Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing - Deadline on April 4th There are still places available on our upcoming trip to Beijing to observe the last transit of Venus we will see in our lifetimes, but note that full payment must be made by April 4th. To celebrate this year’s Transit of Venus across the Sun, something which will not happen again for 105 years, Astronomy Ireland have organised a group tour to Beijing where it should be visible for almost seven hours. When Venus passes directly between the earth and the Sun, the distant planet is seen as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun. Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our Solar System. Since this will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime Astronomy Ireland, in association with Project Travel, has put together a six night tour to the city of Beijing. As well as the chance of seeing the Transit, you will also get to experience the amazing history and culture of this stunning city with a visit to Beijing’s Ancient Observatory plus tours to The Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace. The six day fully guided tour, which is also open to non-members of Astronomy Ireland, is from June 3rd to 9th and must be booked by April 4th. The €1795 pp sharing price (single supplement €325) includes return flights from Dublin, B&B accommodation in a 4* hotel within walking distance of The Forbidden City and central shopping districts, all transfers and tours in China including an English speaking guide, entry fees as well as some meals and entertainment. Further details and booking forms are available on www.astronomy.ie, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391. 3. Sun Shows This Saturday Join Astronomy Ireland each Saturday for a fantastic Sun Show at the Astronomy Ireland Shop in Airside Enterprise Centre from 1pm. Each Saturday, the staff of the Astronomy Ireland Shop will be showing the public amazing views of our nearest star. Using special filters and some of the largest telescopes in Ireland we will get to see sunspots bigger than Earth and huge solar flare bursting from our nearest star. If it's cloudy, we will run a telescope demonstration and show you how you can safely observe the Sun and undertake some daytime astronomy using your own telescope. For more information on the Sun Shows, please click HERE. WARNING Looking directly at the Sun is extremely dangerous and can cause instant and permanent blindness. Only observe the Sun under the guidance of professionals with proper safety equipment. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Sun Shows, Trip to Beijing, Mars Watch
by AI Secretary 21 Mar '12

21 Mar '12

Spring Sale DVD Membership Shop 1. Sun Shows Each Saturday Join Astronomy Ireland each Saturday for a fantastic Sun Show at the Astronomy Ireland Shop in Airside Enterprise Centre from 1pm. Each Saturday, the staff of the Astronomy Ireland Shop will be showing the public amazing views of our nearest star. Using special filters and some of the largest telescopes in Ireland we will get to see sunspots bigger than Earth and huge solar flare bursting from our nearest star. If it's cloudy, we will run a telescope demonstration and show you how you can safely observe the Sun and undertake some daytime astronomy using your own telescope. For more information on the Sun Shows, please click HERE. WARNING Looking directly at the Sun is extremely dangerous and can cause instant and permanent blindness. Only observe the Sun under the guidance of professionals with proper safety equipment. 2. Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing - Deadline Approaching There are still places available on our upcoming trip to Beijing to observe the last transit of Venus we will see in our lifetimes, but note that full payment must be made by April 4th. To celebrate this year’s Transit of Venus across the Sun, something which will not happen again for 105 years, Astronomy Ireland have organised a group tour to Beijing where it should be visible for almost seven hours. When Venus passes directly between the earth and the Sun, the distant planet is seen as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun. Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our Solar System. Since this will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime Astronomy Ireland, in association with Project Travel, has put together a six night tour to the city of Beijing. As well as the chance of seeing the Transit, you will also get to experience the amazing history and culture of this stunning city with a visit to Beijing’s Ancient Observatory plus tours to The Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace. The six day fully guided tour, which is also open to non-members of Astronomy Ireland, is from June 3rd to 9th and must be booked by April 4th. The €1795 pp sharing price (single supplement €325) includes return flights from Dublin, B&B accommodation in a 4* hotel within walking distance of The Forbidden City and central shopping districts, all transfers and tours in China including an English speaking guide, entry fees as well as some meals and entertainment. Further details and booking forms are available on www.astronomy.ie, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391. 3. Nationwide Mars Watch On Thursday, March 29th, at various locations nationwide, Astronomy Ireland will be setting up powerful telescopes focused on the planet Mars. We encourage everyone to tell everyone you know about the Mars Watch and to come along with friends and family. Please note that the all Watches will go ahead regardless of weather. EVENT DETAILS Current confirmed locations are: Athy, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin, Leitrim/Sligo. For more information, updated locations, and to check the location of your closest Watch click HERE Please keep checking our Mars Watch webpage as more locations may be confirmed over the coming weeks. TELESCOPE VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS WANTED We already have several large telescopes for our Nationwide Mars Watch but if you have a medium to large telescope (at least 6-inch, preferably 8-inch or larger) why not bring it along to one of the Watches and share the excitement of the general public as they are amazed by views of Mars? If you want to get involved call us on (01) 890 11 11 or email sec(a)astronomy.ie. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )

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[Astronomy Ireland] St Patrick’s Day Astronomy, Nationwide Mars Watch, Trip to Beijing
by AI Secretary 16 Mar '12

16 Mar '12

Spring Sale <http://astronomy.ie/springoffers.php> <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> DVD <http://astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> Membership <http://astronomy.ie/shop/CPC/index.html> Shop 1. St Patrick’s Day Astronomy Over the St Patrick's Day weekend there are a number of planets visible in the sky. The new highlight this month is the planet Mars, which is making its way through the south-eastern sky in the evenings and throughout the night. Mars is easily recognisable as it's quite a bright object and has an orange-red hue. However, those with telescopes will get to see some great detail on the Red Planet, as it's currently as close to Earth as it will be for the next two years as well as being on almost the exact opposite side of the sky to the Sun (in 'opposition'). A telescope will reveal its polar ice caps and the vast dark patches covering the planet. For more details on viewing Mars this month, visit our special webpage <http://www.astronomy.ie/viewingmars.php> HERE. Venus and Jupiter form a magnificent pair in the western sky, visible just after sunset. We have already received countless calls and emails from people who have spotted these two planets. This is a spectacular sight and one that can't be missed! For the early-morning astronomers among us, Saturn will be visible near the bright star Spica, and will be best viewed around 3am when it's at its highest point in the sky. If you get to see any of the planets, please email observe(a)astronomy.ie and let us know what you saw. 2. Nationwide Mars Watch On Thursday, March 29, at various locations nationwide, Astronomy Ireland will be setting up powerful telescopes focused on the planet Mars. Current confirmed locations are Athy <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Clare <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Cork <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Down <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Dublin <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Leitrim/Sligo <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , and please keep checking our <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatches29jan10.html> Mars Watch webpage as more locations may be confirmed over the coming weeks For more information, updated locations, and to check the location of your closest Watch click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> 3. Astronomy Ireland Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing Astronomy Ireland have organised a group tour to Beijing to celebrate this year’s Transit of Venus across the Sun, which will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime As well as the chance of seeing the Transit, you will also get to experience the amazing history and culture of this stunning city with a visit to Beijing’s Ancient Observatory plus tours to The Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace. The six day fully guided tour, which is also open to non-members of Astronomy Ireland, is from June 3rd to 9th and must be booked by 4th April. The €1795 pp sharing price (single supplement €325) includes return flights from Dublin, B&B accommodation in a 4* hotel within walking distance of The Forbidden City and central shopping districts, all transfers and tours in China including an English speaking guide, entry fees as well as some meals and entertainment. Further details and booking forms are available on <http://www.astronomy.ie> www.astronomy.ie, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391. <http://www.astronomy.ie/> Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club <http://www.astronomy.ie/> www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Trip to Beijing, Nationwide Mars Watch, SolarMonitor.org
by AI Secretary 13 Mar '12

13 Mar '12

Spring Sale <http://astronomy.ie/springoffers.php> <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> DVD <http://astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> Membership <http://astronomy.ie/shop/CPC/index.html> Shop 1. Astronomy Ireland Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing To celebrate this year’s Transit of Venus across the Sun, something which will not happen again for 105 years, Astronomy Ireland have organised a group tour to Beijing where it should be visible for almost seven hours. When Venus passes directly between the earth and the Sun, the distant planet is seen as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun. Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our Solar System. Since this will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime Astronomy Ireland, in association with Project Travel, has put together a six night tour to the city of Beijing. As well as the chance of seeing the Transit, you will also get to experience the amazing history and culture of this stunning city with a visit to Beijing’s Ancient Observatory plus tours to The Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace. The six day fully guided tour, which is also open to non-members of Astronomy Ireland, is from June 3rd to 9th and must be booked by 4th April. The €1795 pp sharing price (single supplement €325) includes return flights from Dublin, B&B accommodation in a 4* hotel within walking distance of The Forbidden City and central shopping districts, all transfers and tours in China including an English speaking guide, entry fees as well as some meals and entertainment. Further details and booking forms are available on <http://www.astronomy.ie> www.astronomy.ie, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391. 2. Nationwide Mars Watch On Thursday, March 29, at various locations nationwide, Astronomy Ireland will be setting up powerful telescopes focused on the planet Mars. We encourage everyone to tell everyone you know about the Mars Watch and to come along with friends and family. Please note that the all Watches will go ahead regardless of weather. EVENT DETAILS Current confirmed locations are: Athy <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Clare <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Cork <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Down <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Dublin <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Leitrim/Sligo <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> . For more information, updated locations, and to check the location of your closest Watch click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> Please keep checking our <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatches29jan10.html> Mars Watch webpage as more locations may be confirmed over the coming weeks. TELESCOPE VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS WANTED We already have several large telescopes for our Nationwide Mars Watch but if you have a medium to large telescope (at least 6-inch, preferably 8-inch or larger) why not bring it along to one of the Watches and share the excitement of the general public as they are amazed by views of Mars? If you want to get involved call us on (01) 890 11 11 or email <mailto:sec@astronomy.ie> sec(a)astronomy.ie. 3. SolarMonitor.org Our March lecture speaker, Dr Peter Gallagher, and his team in the TCD Solar Physics Group have developed a new website called <http://www.SolarMonitor.org> www.SolarMonitor.org to allow people to see how conditions on our nearest star are changing and developing on an ongoing basis. "SolarMonitor.org gives everyone the ability to follow the weather on the Sun, and to find out when the northern lights, also called the aurora borealis, are likely to be visible," said Dr Gallagher. The team have also launched a smartphone version of website to allow people to monitor the Sun on the go. Want to see what's going on the Sun right now? Just open up your computer or phone browser and go to www.SolarMonitor.org. <http://www.astronomy.ie/> Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club <http://www.astronomy.ie/> www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> )

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[Astronomy Ireland] AURORA UPDATE: Friday, March 9th, NASA Scientist Public Lecture
by AI Secretary 09 Mar '12

09 Mar '12

New Year Sale DVD Membership Shop 1. Aurora Update Yesterday's coronal mass ejection (CME) unfortunately did give rise to the northern lights as was hoped. However, conditions in space have since changed and the interplanetary magnetic field has rearranged itself. This may trigger a display of the northern lights and - as the CME was particularly strong - Astronomy Ireland is urging skywatchers to monitor the night sky throughout the night for signs of auroral activity. Report Your Observation If you see the aurora borealis, please let us know what you saw by emailing observe(a)astronomy.ie. We will aim to include reports and photographs in an upcoming issue of Astronomy & Space. As geomagnetic storms can affect radio communications we also welcome reports from amateur radio operators. 2. NASA Scientist to Explain Solar Flares and Northern Lights Coincidentally, the recent solar flares and northern lights come in advance of Astronomy Ireland's March Public Lecture, Seeing Solar Storms from Ireland, which will be delivered by top solar astronomer and NASA scientist, Dr Peter Gallagher, on Monday, March 12th at 8pm in Trinity College Dublin. Dr Gallagher is helping develop the Irish section of a European-wide radio telescope called LOFAR. This amazing project will allow scientists to study the Sun and its solar flares to give us a better understanding of how we can protect our satellites and communications systems from these potentially harmful outbursts. To book tickets or to order DVDs of this lecture, please visit www.astronomy.ie Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )

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[Astronomy Ireland] AURORA ALERT: Potential activity for Tuesday, March 8th, Public Lecture
by AI Secretary 08 Mar '12

08 Mar '12

New Year Sale DVD Membership Shop 1. Aurora Alert Following a massive X5-class solar flare on the Sun yesterday, Earth is expected to be hit by the resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) today. This cloud of energised gas is expected to trigger auroral displays all over the world, including Ireland, throughout Thursday night and Friday morning, March 8th/9th. When to View There is a significant chance that the aurora borealis (northern lights) will be visible from Ireland. We suggest keeping an eye on the northern sky throughout Thursday evening and into Friday morning. If it appears, the aurora will have a faint glow and if the activity is particularly strong it may have a green and/or red colour. The aurora will most likely be visible just over the northern horizon, but a strong display can result in the aurora being visible all over the sky. Where to View Ideally it is best to watch the aurorae from a location as far north as possible, but considering on the strength of this particular CME from the Sun, they may be visible further south. We recommend picking anywhere that has a dark sky with a clear northern horizon. This can be a location just outside a town or city, or a dark parkland area. Report Your Observation If you see the aurora borealis, please let us know what you saw by emailing observe(a)astronomy.ie. We will aim to include reports and photographs in an upcoming issue of Astronomy & Space. As geomagnetic storms can affect radio communications we also welcome reports from amateur radio operators. 2. Public Lecture: "Seeing Solar Storms from Ireland" The solar flare and upcoming northern lights come in advance of Astronomy Ireland's March Public Lecture, Seeing Solar Storms from Ireland, which will be delivered by top solar astronomer, Dr Peter Gallagher, on Monday, March 12th at 8pm in Trinity College Dublin. Dr Gallagher is helping develop the Irish section of a European-wide radio telescope called LOFAR. This amazing project will allow scientists to study the Sun and its solar flares to give us a better understanding of how we can protect our satellites and communications systems from these potentially harmful outbursts. To book tickets or to order DVDs of this lecture, please visit www.astronomy.ie Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Planets in March Sky, Public Lecture, The Sky at Night
by AI Secretary 06 Mar '12

06 Mar '12

Spring Sale DVD Membership Shop 1. Planets in the March Sky Over the last week we've received countless calls and emails from people who have spotted the magnificent pairing of Venus and Jupiter in the night sky, and Mars as it rises in the east. Not only that, but many people also managed to see Mercury after sunset just before it disappeared below the horizon! Venus and Jupiter will continue to move closer and closer over the coming week, and will be at their closest on the evenings of March 12th and 13th next week. This will be a spectacular sight and one that can't be missed! For more information on the Jupiter-Venus conjunction, please click HERE. If you get to see any of the planets, please email observe(a)astronomy.ie and let us know what you saw. 2. Public Lecture “Solar Storms and Northern Lights: Observing the Sun from Ireland” Despite being our ultimate energy source on Earth, the Sun can have more sinister effects due to its solar flares. While these solar storms can produce spectacular auroral displays, they can sometimes cause dropouts in telecommunications systems, failures of satellites, interruptions in electrical power supply networks, and errors in GPS signals. At Astronomy Ireland's Public Lecture on March 12th, Dr Peter Gallagher will describe the source of solar storms, how these can effect the technologies that we rely on as part of our every-day lives, and how Irish scientists are using cutting-edge scientific instruments, such as the new Europe-wide LOFAR radio telescope, to better forecast the effects of solar storms on Earth. This lecture will take place at 8pm on Monday, March 12th, in Trinity College Dublin. A social reception will take place after the lecture in the nearby Lombard Inn where lecture attendees can meet Dr Gallagher and other astronomy enthusiasts. Details of the March Lecture and tickets for it be found at www.astronomy.ie or by calling (01) 890 11 11. BOOK TICKETS ORDER DVD 3. The Sky at Night This month Sir Patrick Moore looks at citizen science and how regular people can contribute to the world of science. Thu 07:30pm BBC FOUR Fri 12:15am BBC FOUR Sat 12:00pm BBC 2 NI Sun 12:55am BBC FOUR Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Public Lecture, Employment Opportunity, Trip to Beijing
by AI Secretary 02 Mar '12

02 Mar '12

Spring Sale DVD Membership Shop 1. Public Lecture “Solar Storms and Northern Lights: Observing the Sun from Ireland” Despite being our ultimate energy source on Earth, the Sun can have more sinister effects due to its solar flares. While these solar storms can produce spectacular auroral displays, they can sometimes cause dropouts in telecommunications systems, failures of satellites, interruptions in electrical power supply networks, and errors in GPS signals. At Astronomy Ireland's Public Lecture on March 12th, Dr Peter Gallagher will describe the source of solar storms, how these can effect the technologies that we rely on as part of our every-day lives, and how Irish scientists are using cutting-edge scientific instruments, such as the new Europe-wide LOFAR radio telescope, to better forecast the effects of solar storms on Earth. This lecture will take place at 8pm on Monday, March 12th, in Trinity College Dublin. A social reception will take place after the lecture in the nearby Lombard Inn where lecture attendees can meet Dr Gallagher and other astronomy enthusiasts. Details of the March Lecture and tickets for it be found at www.astronomy.ie or by calling (01) 890 11 11. BOOK TICKETS ORDER DVD 2. Employment Opportunity Astronomy Ireland's Education Programme is growing, and we are seeking a new member for the team. This is primarily a telesales position, and would be ideal for a person who is energetic, enthusiastic, and target-driven, with previous experience in the area. Download a job specification HERE for further details. Please direct queries to careers(a)astronomy.ie 3. Astronomy Ireland Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing If you miss this year's Transit of Venus across the sun on June 6th you'll have a long wait for the next one... 105 years to be exact. That’s why Astronomy Ireland hopes to maximise the viewing time for this year's event by arranging a group tour to Beijing where it should be visible for almost seven hours. When Venus passes directly between the earth and the Sun, the distant planet is seen as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun. Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our Solar System. Since this will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime Astronomy Ireland, in association with Project Travel, has put together a six night tour to the city of Beijing. As well as the chance of seeing the Transit, you will also get to experience the amazing history and culture of this stunning city with a visit to Beijing’s Ancient Observatory plus tours to The Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace. The six day fully guided tour, which is also open to non-members of Astronomy Ireland, is from June 3rd to 9th and must be booked by 4th April. The €1795 pp sharing price (single supplement €325) includes return flights from Dublin, B&B accommodation in a 4* hotel within walking distance of The Forbidden City and central shopping districts, all transfers and tours in China including an English speaking guide, entry fees as well as some meals and entertainment. Further details and booking forms are available on www.astronomy.ie/beijing, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )

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