1. Christmas
Lecture: Discovering New Earths
So far, 852 planets
around other stars have been found. The first exoplanet was found 20 years ago
in 1992 orbiting a pulsar. It is expected that there are many billions of
planets in the Milky Way galaxy, not only occurring around stars but also as
free-floating planets without a parent star, gliding through deep
space.
The discovery of extrasolar planets has
intensified interest in the search for extraterrestrial life. A number of
planets with a mass similar to that of Earth, and planets existing in the
so-called "Goldilocks Zone", have been found in recent times.
In our Christmas Public Lecture, Dr
Giovanni Tinetti from University College London will explore the amazing science
behind the discovery of new planets, and how advancements in technology will
allow us to find life-supporting new Earths.
The lecture takes place in Trinity
College Dublin on December 10th at 8pm.
For tickets and DVDs, please click HERE.
2. Christmas
Gifts
Do you have a friend or loved one who is interested in
space and looking at the stars? Why not get them a gift from Astronomy Ireland?
We have a variety of gift ideas including:
-
Gift membership to Astronomy Ireland
-
Season ticket membership, which includes a ticket to - or DVD
of - each monthly public lecture
-
Evening Classes for Beginners
For more information on these gifts, please click
HERE.
3. The Moon and the Planets This
Week
Did you get to see the Moon and Jupiter close together
this week? Did you get up early to spot Venus and Saturn in very close proximity
just before sunrise? Have you taken part in our recent Nationwide Meteor Watch,
or done any casual stargazing?
4. Armagh Planetarium Day
Trip
Our annual trip to Armagh Planetarium takes place this
weekend on Saturday, December 1st. At the planetarium, we will be treated to a
special show in the Star Theatre, and then a tour of the AstroPark and the
grounds of Armagh Observatory. Tickets for the trip are only €40, and the coach
will leave Astronomy Ireland on Saturday morning at 10am.
For
information and ticket booking, please click
HERE.