1.  Sun Watch This Saturday

This Saturday, July 3rd, there will be a Sun Watch at the Astronomy Ireland Headquarters in Artane, Dublin 5 (click HERE for a map). The Sun is currently coming out of what's known as a 'century-class minimum', where there was very little activity on the surface of our parent star. Recently, however, activity has jumped greatly, and sunspots can appear on the Sun often on a daily basis!

Using special equipment from our shop, guests will be able to view the disk of the Sun close up, revealing sunspots bigger than our own planet! Sunspots are regions on the Sun that are relatively cooler and darker than the surrounding material. They are linked to magnetic activity, and sometimes these regions can 'explode', sending millions of tonnes of material through space towards Earth, causing spectacular aurora, or Northern Lights. 

The Sun Watch takes place this Saturday, July 3rd, at 1pm. This is a free event open to all members of the public.

For more information visit www.astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777.

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.   Comet McNaught in A&S Magazine

The July issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine covers the exciting news of comet McNaught with a full map to allow comet hunters follow its progress. The comet is visible in Irish skies for another few nights, so get out, get observing and send your reports to observe@astronomy.ie. In the next issue of the magazine, we will investigate whether the comet was a spectacular as was hoped by the astronomy community in Ireland. The August issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine, due to be distributed to members in the coming weeks, will feature an excellent article on Comet McNaught, as well as including some of your photographs and observations of the comet.

COMET SPECIAL

If you would like to receive a copy of the July and August issues of the magazine why not sign up for our special offer and receive 8 FREE MAGAZINES! As 2010 marks our 20th anniversary we have a very special membership offer - 20 months for the price of 12. This means that for just 48euro you will get 20 magazines, one delivered to your door each month, as well as having all the members benefits for the next 20 months. To sign up for this offer and receive the July and August issues of the magazine featuring articles on Comet McNaught visit www.astronomy.ie/offer.

3.  Events

July 3rd - Sun Watch (Astronomy Ireland Headquarters)

Until July 9th - ISS Visible in Irish Skies (Nationwide)