20 Months Membership Offer 2010 Events DVDs Shop 1. Christmas Lecture On Monday, December 13th, the world's top astronomer will explain why astronomy is the most important subject in the world at Astronomy Ireland's Christmas Public Lecture in Trinity College Dublin. The General Secretary of the IAU, Dr Ian Corbett, who is the representative of all the professional astronomers in the world, will give highly visual talk explaining the aspects of astronomy that have particular influence in our everyday lives and show why we cannot just simply decide to ignore our universe around us. Astronomy Ireland wants everyone to come along to this lecture and learn about the work that goes into astronomy and what society gets out of it. The lecture takes place in the Ed Burke Theatre (Arts Building), Trinity College Dublin, on Monday, December 13th. Tickets cost 7euro (5euro member's rate) and there is a DVD available for anyone who cannot make it to the talk on the night. After the lecture there will be a party in The Lombard. All our welcome to attend and you will have the opportunity to chat with Dr Corbett, other guests, and Astronomy Ireland staff and volunteers. BOOK TICKETS ORDER DVD 2. TV Shows Astronomy Ireland's David Moore appeared on the new regular TV Show on TV3's Morning Show with Martin King and Aisling O'Loughlin on Thursday, December 9th where he announced some of the more exciting upcoming celestial events, he also discussed how the world's top astronomer will explain why astronomy is important at our upcoming Christmas Lecture by Dr Ian Corbett. If there are any topics you would like David Moore to discuss on this regular slot, please email your suggestions to tv@astronomy.ie One of Astronomy Ireland's Education Officers, Lee Hurley, appeared on Elev8 Wednesday, December 8th to talk about recently discovered forms of life that are based on arsenic. These shows are currently available to view on our website. 3. Geminid Meteor Shower What is promising to be the best meteor shower this year, the Geminid Meteor Shower is set to peak on December 13th; meteors will be visible on the evening of December 13th and well into the morning of December 14th. Early evening sightings of the meteor shower will appear low on the horizon, they will appear overhead later at night. The Geminids are unusual in that they are caused by dust and debris left over from an asteroid and not a comet, asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Astronomy Ireland is urging everyone to go outside over the next few nights and count how many shooting stars they see, as the Geminid Meteor Shower takes place. To take part in Astronomy Ireland's Nationwide Meteor Watch, click HERE. Remember, no special equipment is needed, and this is a great way to get friends and family to do some astronomy with you! Simply count the number of meteors you see every 15 minutes (starting on the hour, or quarter past), and email your report along with your name and location to meteor@astronomy.ie. 4. Events December 13 - Does Astronomy Matter? - Public Lecture by Dr Ian Corbett December 13 - Jupiter Moon Conjunction December 13 - Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks December 21 - Total Lunar Eclipse Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie (subscribe/unsubscribe)