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.
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
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