Join Magazine Events DVDs Shop 'Planets Around Other Stars' 1. Star-B-Q 2009 Astronomy Ireland's annual Star-B-Q went ahead as planned last Saturday, August 22 and the event was a huge success. Over 600 people turned up for the vast line-up of talks, performances and demonstrations we had planned, as well as the delicious professionally catered food and drinks. You can see a full report of Ireland's biggest annual astronomy festival, and pictures of the event on our website HERE. We would like to thank everyone who supported us at the event and we will be sending you a separate email in the coming days with special offers and details of the repeat telescope session. Star-B-Q 2010 takes place next year on September 4, and for all you early birds out there you can book now: BOOK STAR-B-Q 2010 2. Irish Independent - Heavenly Hobby Picks There is a full-page article in today's Irish Independent (page 47), August 25, which explains how in a recession people turn to their hobbies, especially astronomy. The article features Astronomy Ireland member, Gillian Deenihan, who gives her personal account of the hobby and her involvement with A.I. It also gives an outline of the work carried out by Astronomy Ireland. Make sure to pick up your copy this evening to read the full piece, and don't forget, the special offer referred to in the article is available at www.astronomy.ie/offer 3. Shuttle Launch Delayed - "Space Chase" The scheduled launch of the space shuttle Discovery, has been delayed due to bad weather. The launch is now set to take place at 6:10am (Irish time) on Wednesday, August 26. Mission STS-128 will deliver a collection of experiments to the International Space Station (ISS), as well as carrying a crew of seven astronauts, one of whom (Nicole Stott) will stay on board the ISS after the mission. Once launched, Ireland will be in a unique position to see a 'Space Chase' as Discovery approaches ISS and to see this spectacle click HERE for details and the times to watch. ISS will be visible again in evening skies from September 6 - 22. Lots of websites will give you times when it will pass over, but to get reminders just a couple of hours before it passes, text the word SPACE to 57003. Each text costs ?1 and proceeds help us to promote science and astronomy in Ireland Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )