Tonight Dr. Ed Barnett will describe the upcoming Transit of Venus that happens on June 8 for the first time in 122 years. The next time Ireland will get to see a Transit as good as this will be in 243 years time! This is why we are advising you all to book one days holidays from work on June 8 - what's the sense is getting 20+ days holidays a year if you don't use them for historic occasions after all! HISTORIC EVENT The planet Venus passes in front of the Sun on Tues, 8 June, 6:19am - 12:23pm It will be visible to millions across the world including Ireland PUBLIC LECTURE - ALL WELCOME On Monday May 10 Dr Ed Barnett (Space Encounters) will give the Astronomy Ireland Public Lecture which will explain everything about this historic event: o Past Transits (Captain Cook discovered Australia as a by-product of a Venus Transit) o When and how to observe this year's event IN SAFETY to avoid being blinded o How Transits occur and why they are so rare Bring a friend along to the Henry Grattan Building, Dublin City University at 8pm May 10. See http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture0405.html for more details (including map of DCU campus) BOOKS: We will have copies for sale of Eli Maor's new book (see May issue 'rave' review on page 32) and also Patrick Moore's book on Transits at 19.50 and 34.92 euros respectively. SIR PATRICK MOORE has written an article for our magazine "Astronomy & Space" June issue giving his guide to viewing the Transit. We also have a major feature article about the Transit by Emmet Mordaunt. All this is in the JUNE issue which will be out at the end of the week. If you do not subscribe yet, you can order this JUNE 'Venus Transit' special issue online at www.astronomy.ie/sub (select "current issue" and in the comments box just say "June issue"). It only costs 5euro including post & packing. Give yourself several weeks to practice safe solar viewing, especially if you intend photography or drawing. Please order now as we expect a huge last minute rush like we had for the August 1999 eclipse. Our Shop also has stocked up on AstroSolar filters (safe to use for naked-eye, BINOCULARS, and telescopes) and small refractors that are ideal for viewing the Sun in general all year round and the Transit in particular - see the special offer in the June issue out on Friday, or call the Shop now (01) 847 0777. See you at the lecture tonight. David Moore, Chairman, Astronomy Ireland. www.astronomy.ie info@astronomy.ie Tel (01) 847 0777