1. "Shamrocks in Space" - Major Public Lecture by NASA Scientist Ireland's national emblem, the Shamrock, is a key element in developing research which will pave the way for future generations, to live and breath in outer space. In May 1996, the first specimens of the Irish Shamrock plant were grown in space - a project that will have an enormous impact on the success of future space exploration. On Monday, May 11, Dr. Anthony Heijenga will discuss the significance of this little plant, its application in Human life support in space and the implications for Human life on Earth, at Astronomy Ireland's Summer Public Lecture. Dr. Heijenga, a NASA Scientist, will explain how the Irish Shamrock is helping him to assist in the provision of breathable air and a renewable food supply in outer space. Long-term human presence in space, on the Moon or Mars for example, will require sustainable plant growth, which provides food and breathable air and Dr. Heijenga's ability to grow plants such as Shamrock in space will have an enormous impact on the success of such long-term residency in space. Dr. Heijenga's projects have flown on satellites, space shuttles, MIR and the ISS, and he will discuss these exciting endeavours at the lecture. David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland, said "It is absolutely amazing that the humble shamrock - a symbol of Ireland - plays such an important role in providing life support and food for future astronauts". The lecture will take place at 8pm next Monday May 11, details are available HERE. Tickets are 7euro (non-members) or 5euro (members and concessions). A DVD of the lecture will be available for purchase for everyone all over Ireland at a cost of 7euro (plus 5euro p&p). To book your tickets for this lecture click HERE To order the DVD of this lecture click HERE 2. Astronomy Ireland Needs You To Twitter For Us Astronomy Ireland need a dedicated Tweeter to Twitter on our behalf. If you would like to Twitter for us, you may find yourself following the Tweets of amateur astronomers, scientists (or Scientwists as they are known to the Twitter community), astronauts or even NASA. If you are an avid follower of online social networks, and would like to Tweet for Astronomy Ireland, simply email joseph@astronomy.ie or call Joseph on (01) 847 0777. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )