We are flying over Dr. Tim O'Brien of the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory to discuss how life developed on Earth and if there could be forms of life on Mars and other planets or moons in our Solar System.

Jodrell Bank observatory is the UK's national radio astronomy observatory and is run by the University of Manchester's School of Physics and Astronomy. The world famous radio telescope at Jodrell Bank was the only scientific instrument in the world able to track the carrier rocket of the very first Sputnik when it was launched into space in October 1957. For a long time the giant dish was the biggest steerable radio telescope in the world and is still the 3rd largest. Dr. O'Brien is a Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics and Head of Outreach at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

Now that more than 250 planets have been discovered outside our own Solar System in the last 12 years the potential for discovering life and, indeed, intelligent life would appear to increase with time. Dr. O'Brien will also update us on the role of Jodrell Bank in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and how YOU could be the person who discovers extraterrestrial intelligent life.

The 2007 Christmas Lecture takes place in Trinity College Dublin in the Physics Building (see map on our website) at 8pm on Monday December 10. A DVD will be made for everyone in Ireland who cannot get along in person.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL: We strongly advise that you book your seat in advance for our Christmas and New Year Public lectures. We have already booked a larger venue for the Christmas Lecture by Dr. O'Brien because bookings so far have been particularly strong. Dr. O'Brien is due to appear on the Pat Kenny Show on RTE radio 1 on the morning of the lecture so please book now to ensure your place.

Admission is just €5 for adults so bring as many friends and family as you can. There is a concession rate of €3 for paid-up AI members, under 18s, students, unwaged and OAP.

Book now at www.astronomy.ie or call Astronomy Ireland on (01) 847 0777 ALL WELCOME

DVD available: If you are unable to make it to the lecture it will be available on DVD for only €5 each (plus P&P). You can order these now online at www.astronomy.ie and click 'Lecture DVDs' in the menu on the left-hand-side.

Christmas Party: Join us immediately after the Christmas Lecture in Kennedy's (on the corner of Lincoln Place and Westland Row) for a social get together and perhaps a beverage or two to celebrate Christmas and another successful year for the society.

2. Mars and Meteor Watch

On Friday 14 December Astronomy Ireland will be holding Watches at five different locations around Ireland. Mars is visible and closer to the Earth than it will be until the year 2016. In addition this time of year the Geminid meteors produce a celestial fireworks display second to none.

Below is a list of the venues and Astronomy Ireland co-ordinators in your area (alphabetical by county):

Co.Carlow - TBA, Gerry Moloney (087) 9184000

Co. Cork - John F. Kennedy Park, Centre Park Road. Martin Lynch (087) 2404104

Co Down -Downpatrick - Michael McAleenan (028) 44614455

Dublin - Phoenix Park, car park at Papal Cross - Ben Emmett (01)847 0777

Co. Louth - Seabank, Dromiskin. Derek Watters (086) 0806908

3. Evening Classes: Astronomy Ireland's Beginner's Evening Classes begin again on Wednesday 30th January. We are especially delighted to announce that the classes will be held in three different locations throughout the country, Cork, Athlone and Dublin. This is the first time that the course will be held outside Dublin giving more people a chance to brush up on their knowledge of astronomy and perhaps socialise a little too. This course is specially designed with the beginner in mind and no knowledge of maths is required. So, blow the Winter cobwebs away by checking out www.astronomy.ie/eveningclass for further details or call (01) 847 07 77

Each of the eight classes lasts for two hours with a 10-15 minute break. The style is informal and questions are very much encouraged.

The course includes:

An Introduction to the Night Sky, The Sun & the Moon, The Planets, Stars, The History of Astronomy, Telescopes, Deep Sky Objects, and Cosmology.

Cost: €180 for non-members to include a subscription to Astronomy and Space magazine for one year. €130 for members.

To hear Pat Kenny and Chairman David Moore discuss the Astronomy Ireland classes that commenced in February 2005 go to www.astronomy.ie/audio/patkenny_20050201.mp3

4. SDAS Meeting

The South Dublin Astronomical Society will hold their next informal monthly meeting on Thursday 6 December at 8pm in Gonzaga College, Ranelagh. Refreshments will be served and there will be a talk about the Moon and how it formed. All welcome.

5. Astronomy Ireland Membership

If you are not already a member of Astronomy Ireland and receiving our full colour monthly magazine you can support us and join here: www.astronomy.ie/sub

The annual subscription is only €48. At just €4 a month we think the magazine and work the society does to promote interest in astronomy is exceptional value for money.

Don't just read these emails, please support us and sign up now. We need your support more now than ever!

Click here www.astronomy.ie/sub or post €48 to Astronomy Ireland, P.O.Box 2888, Dublin 5.

Astronomy Ireland

www.astronomy.ie

Christmas Telescope Advice:

Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat