To all our Friends and Members, on behalf of all at Astronomy Ireland we would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events in 2010 and celebrating Astronomy Ireland's 20th Anniversary with us next year.

On December 31, the Moon will pass through the Earth's shadow, getting darker and darker until 7:20pm, when a "chunk" of the Moon will appear black. Throughout the evening the Moon will get darker as it becomes engulfed in the Earth's shadow. This is a particularly unique lunar eclipse as it falls on a Blue Moon - a second full Moon in a single month, a rare occurrence in itself. The eclipse will be best viewed between 7pm and 8pm, when part of the Moon will appear completely black. Click HERE for more information.

This New Year's Eve eclipse is particularly fortuitous as it will mark the end of the hugely successful United Nations International Year of Astronomy (IYA) and not only that, but it will also signify the beginning of Astronomy Ireland's 20th Anniversary Year. Over the coming year, we have a fantastic line-up of events to celebrate Astronomy Ireland's 20th Birthday, beginning with our Anniversary Lecture on January 25 given by none other than Professor Allan Chapman. For more information about this and the rest of our events for 2010 click HERE.

EVENING CLASSES: Beginning again on February 3, 2010, Astronomy Ireland's ever-popular Evening Classes are the perfect Christmas present for anyone interested in taking up Astronomy in the new year.

SEASON TICKET: Why not give a little extra with a season lecture ticket including membership? Remember, as it's the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), that means that your friend will get 15 magazines and 15 lectures or DVDs!

MEMBERSHIP: This year, 2009, marks the UN declared International Year of Astronomy (IYA) and to celebrate this Astronomy Ireland are running a special offer on membership - giving you 15 months for the price of 12.

For more information or to purchase one of these great gifts visit www.astronomy.ie/gift. If you are unsure which gift to get, why not call us on (01) 847 0777 or email sec@astronomy.ie for more details.