Magazine Offer Events DVDs Shop 1. Shuttle and tank visible over Ireland The space shuttle Discovery launched on Saturday morning, August 29 at 4:59am and was visible over Ireland 19 minutes later with its huge orange external fuel tank and a small debris fragment (probably ice) just below it. Described by many as the most amazing sight they have ever seen, this is the second time in as many months that Irish people were in the unique position of seeing this rare and incredible event. In July, the shuttle Endeavour was seen cruising over Ireland just after launch with its fuel tank visible below it, sparking huge media interest and causing our office to be inundated with calls and emails from all of you who were eager to report what you saw. The shuttle Discovery is on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) where it will deliver a collection of experiments, and also leave behind astronaut Nicole Stott who is joining the crew on board. Don't forget, If you saw the shuttle and fuel tank last Saturday, email your report to observe@astronomy.ie and we will try to include it in the forthcoming issues of our magazine. 2. Jupiter close to Moon this week There will be a very spectacular sight, visible to the naked eye, this week when the Full Moon lies very close to Jupiter on Wednesday, September 2. The two rise around 8pm as the Sun sets, with Jupiter as a brilliant 'star' just 3 Moon widths below the Moon. This promises to be a truly awesome sight with both bodies remaining visible all night long until dawn. Jupiter will again be the centre of attention on Sunday, September 6, as its moon Europa will eclipse the moon Ganymede in a rare mutual moon event. For more details and times to view these and similar events, see the Sky Diary pages of our September magazine. We encourage all of you to go outside and witness these remarkable sights. Don't forget to email what you see to observe@astronomy.ie. Early risers should also note that Mars is in the same binocular field as the star cluster M35 this week, and Venus is right next to the Beehive star cluster (M44) all this week. These provide lovely sights in binoculars and great photo opportunities. Please email reports or photos to observe@astronomy.ie. 3. Upcoming Events a.. Sept 14 - "Planets Around Other Stars" Lecture and DVD b.. Sept 17 to 19 - European Light Pollution Symposium c.. Sept 17 - "What is Light" by Leo Enright (Armagh) d.. Sept 18 - "What is Light" by Leo Enright (Dublin) e.. Sept 25 - Jupiter Watches Nationwide f.. Oct 8 - Evening Classes Nationwide Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop or Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat