1. Saturn Watch Report

On Saturday, July 10th, skies were almost perfectly clear for our Saturn Watch at the Astronomy Ireland Shop. Astronomy Ireland Chairman, David Moore, was joined by members of the public at the event where a Celestron CPC 11-inch telescope showed the ringed planet and its moons in all its glory, as well as the planets Mars and Venus.

Just before 10pm, almost as if on cue, skies cleared and the crowd had 3 hours of near uninterrupted viewing under excellent conditions. Saturn's rings were clearly visible despite being closer to edge on than we will see them for 15 years and Titan was easily observed to the left of the planet. Guests were also treated to terrific views of deep sky objects such as the Ring Nebula (M57), the Hercules Globular Cluster (M13) and much more.

The event was a great success and gave guests a taste of what was to come at our Saturn Lecture on Monday, July 12th (Report to follow - Order DVD HERE).

Click HERE to read the full report of this event, and see some of the images and movies of the ringed planet captured on the night.

2. Star-B-Q 2010

Astronomy Ireland's annual STAR-B-Q takes place this year in Roundwood, Co. Wicklow, on Saturday, September 4th. The Star-B-Q is Ireland's biggest annual telescope event and offers unparalleled dark skies just 30 minutes outside of Dublin. This year, why not come along and experience the wonders of the universe through Ireland's most powerful telescopes with your family and friends?

Star-B-Q 2010 promises to be our biggest ever with an exciting night of guest speakers, an array of telescopes to look through, junior section for children, evening entertainment, and Astronomy Ireland Shop displays. All of this is included in the price of your ticket, as well as food and refreshments.

For more information about STAR-B-Q 2010 click HERE or call us on (01) 847 0777.

To read a report and see pictures from last year's Star-B-Q click HERE.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OFFER

Book before July 31st to receive 10euro off each adult ticket purchased.

Full price tickets cost 39euro (adults) or 29euro (U16). Family and group rates are available on request.

BOOK TICKETS

3. Higgs Boson Discovered?

The particle physics community is buzzing following a blog post by a University of Padua physicist saying that he's been hearing rumours about a "light Higgs boson" discovery at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois. Tommaso Dorigo, a physicist and blogger posted a blog entitled 'Rumours About A Light Higgs' saying, "an experiment at the Tevatron is about to release some evidence of a light Higgs boson signal".

The UK's Telegraph was quick to declare that the Tevatron "has found Higgs boson". However, science journal New Scientist was more cautious, speculating that there might be a big announcement coming soon. So, watch this space! To read more about Higgs boson and this piece of news click HERE.