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@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 )