There are only 2 days to go until the Astronomy Ireland Evening Classes begin in Tralee and Sligo. These extremely popular classes are aimed at the beginner and cover everything you ever wanted to know about the Universe! There are 8 classes in total and content covered includes introduction to the night sky, the Sun and the Moon, planets and stars, history of astronomy, deep sky objects, the big bang and even a class on telescopes and how to use one. The first class takes place this Thursday, October 29. For more information call us on (01) 847 0777 or visit www.astronomy.ie/class. Book your place now by clicking the links below:

If you are in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick or Waterford and have missed the first 3 Classes, or in Dundalk or Letterkenny where you have missed only 2 classes, you may be interested in our Late Registration Special Offer for courses in these locations. If you enrol for the remainder of the classes you will receive a 50% reduction on the original course fee AND full membership to Astronomy Ireland, including a subscription to Astronomy & Space. To avail of this special offer simply write 'Late Registration Offer - 50% Off' in the comments box when filling out the online form or call us on (01) 847 0777.

Jupiter is located close to the Moon tonight, October 27, and will be a spectacular sight in the night sky. For more information see the diagram on page 26 of the October issue of Astronomy & Space magazine. Throughout the week, Mars is located in the South-East, and appears as an orange-tinted star. It's not particularly bright at the moment, but can be easily found by looking to the left of Orion. Saturn is visible just before sunrise in the East near Venus. Venus, however, will be more of a challenge as it is close to the Sun (Note: Please be careful when using optical equipment near the Sun). For more information on what to see in the night sky refer to the Sky Diary section of the October magazine.

Oct 19 to 30 - FETTU Exhibition (Blackrock Castle Observatory)

Oct 29 - Evening Classes commence in TRALEE and SLIGO

Nov 2 - The Cosmology of Distant and Dusty Galaxies (RIA Public Talk in Dublin)

Nov 3 - The Cosmology of Distant and Dusty Galaxies (RIA Public Talk in Belfast)

Nov 7 - Armagh Planetarium (Astronomy Ireland Annual Trip)

Nov 9 - The Big Bang (Public Lecture - order DVD HERE)

Now - Clearance Sale - Get ready for the dark nights!