1. 20 Years of Reaching for the Stars

This year, Astronomy Ireland celebrates its 20th birthday, and to mark this occasion, we are offering all new members a 20 month membership for the price of 12! As well as getting 20 issues of Astronomy & Space delivered to your door, you will also enjoy special members' discounts and rates to all our special birthday events! Astronomy is a fun and inexpensive hobby that everyone can enjoy, and is a great opportunity for family and friends to get together and spend some time learning about the wonders of the Universe.

Astronomy Ireland has grown from strength to strength over the last two decades - will you join us and celebrate this wonderful hobby?

Non-members: Join now for 20 months and celebrate with us!

Current members: Inspire your friends and family to share this hobby with you!

2. BT Young Scientist Exhibition

Astronomy Ireland will be present at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition next week from Thursday to Saturday next week. If you are at the RDS for the Exhibition, be sure to come over and say hello. If you are a teacher, you may be interested in speaking to a staff member about our Education Programme. Telescopes will be set up at the stand for you to try out, and staff will be on-hand to give you all the advice you need.

3. New Year Sale In Astronomy Ireland Shop

Don't forget to check out the fantastic New Year Sale at the Astronomy Ireland Shop in Artane (www.astronomy.ie/map). With up to 50% off selected items and 1000euro off the CPC925 w/XLT Coatings, there has never been a better time to buy a powerful telescope. To view our sale click HERE and for more information call our Shop Staff on (01) 847 0777 or email sales@astronomy.ie.

4. Happy Birthday, Professor Hawking

World-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking celebrates his birthday this Friday, January 8th. Astronomy Ireland would like to wish Professor Hawking a very happy birthday and best wishes for the future. Happy birthday, Professor Hawking!

5. Astronomy Tips For The Week Ahead

The cold weather can cause optical phenomena when there is some haze in the upper atmosphere. Look out for sun dogs, appearing as 'blobs' of light in the sky.

Jupiter is getting lower in the evening skies, but still worth seeing through binoculars or a telescope after sunset.
Mars is rising earlier and earlier, and can be seen in the Eastern sky as a bright orangey-red 'star'.

Telescopes available in our Shop will allow you to see Jupiter's moons and even the canyons and ice caps on Mars! Details of these celestial events (and many more!) can be found in this month's issue of Astronomy & Space.

Be sure to email your observation reports to observe@astronomy.ie so they can be featured in Astronomy & Space.