1.  Astronomy Ireland Author on Pat Kenny December 17th
Scientist, writer and Astronomy Ireland member Kevin Nolan has just published his new book, Mars, A Cosmic Stepping Stone , and will be discussing his fantastic achievement on 'Today with Pat Kenny' tomorrow morning, December 17th between 11:15am and 12:00am, so give your support to a fellow member and tune in! 
 
This is a fascinating book, a perfect Christmas gift for you or a loved one, and is available from our website so order your copy now online at www.astronomy.ie/marsbook or call our office at (01) 847 0777.
 
 
2.  Newgrange and Dublin Winter Solstice Viewings
This Sunday, December 21st, is the shortest day of the year and our Winter Solstice. Newgrange, which is probably the oldest astronomical site in the world , is the perfect place to witness the precision and knowledge Irish astronomers had over 5,000 years ago to be able to craft a narrow opening for the pale winter solstice light to travel down and illuminate the inner chamber.
Tickets for Newgrange have already been snapped up but everyone in Ireland can still enjoy this event from their live webstream at www.newgrange.com/webcast_08
 
For those of you in Dublin, there is another location to witness this sight at Sean Moore Park in Sandymount. It is not well known, but the James Joyce monument in this park, which was erected 10 years ago, was aligned in such a way that if you look at the monument towards another stone 100 metres away the Sun will rise directly behind them.
 
Astronomy Ireland are organising a viewing for this event at the James Joyce Monument in Sean Moore Park in Sandymount for all the public at 8:30 am on Sunday, December 21st. All are welcome!
For more information and facts about the Winter Solstice check out our website at www.astronomy.ie
 
 
3.  The Perfect Gifts for Christmas at Astronomy Ireland
It's nearly that time of year again and here at Astronomy Ireland we have the perfect gift solutions for you and your loved ones under our Christmas Tree.
For these gifts go to www.astronomy.ie or call our office at (01) 847 0777.
 
Gift Classes:
For those budding amateur astronomers who want to learn more, enrol them in our Beginner's Evening Classes which will run nationwide from January 28th. ENROL HERE NOW
 
Gift Subscriptions:
Subscribe you or your loved one to our society and magazine now and for just 48 euro you will receive 12 monthly magazines with all the latest news, articles, book reviews, pictures and a monthly sky diary to keep you up to date on all the latest celestial events. SIGN UP HERE
 
Gift Lectures:
Finally, if you want to add an amazing little stocking filler, book one of our upcoming lectures for the International Year of Astronomy 2009.
    January 12  "Touchdown on Titan"  by Professor John Zarnecki (U.K.)
    February 9  "Cosmic Casualty" by Doug Ellison (U.K.)
    March 16  "The European Space Agency" By Professor David Southwood, Director of Science ESA (France)
 
Christmas Telescopes - now open SUNDAYs too!
There's still time to get one of our superb Celestron telescopes delivered anywhere in Ireland. Visit our online SHOP 
 
 

Merry Christmas!
 
 
 

Astronomy  Ireland
The world's most popular Astronomy Club   AND   Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine
 
 
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