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.