Aurora Trip Membership DVD Shop 1. Neil Armstrong Passes Away Aged 82 On Saturday last, August 25th, the world was saddened to learn that Neil Armstrong - the first man on the Moon, and the most famous human of all time - had died aged 82. Armstrong visited Ireland in 2003 to be interviewed by Gay Byrne in the National Concert Hall, and Astronomy Ireland's David Moore had a chance to talk to the renowned astronaut. "While we talked, Neil revealed to me that he managed to trace his ancestry back to Ireland," said Mr Moore. "In fact, he joked that he was actually descended from a family of cattle-rustlers from Fermanagh!" During their friendly chat about space and astronomy, Armstrong briefly interrupted the conversation to point out to the organisers who were present that he was extremely impressed with the contribution that amateur astronomers make to the subject. Astronomy Ireland invites people who have been influenced by Armstrong to share their thoughts and memories by emailing editor@astronomy.ie. Astronomy Ireland would like to extend its thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Neil Armstrong, a brave pioneer who inspired humanity to reach for the stars. 2. Irishman Discovers Second Supernova 123 million years ago a huge star exploded releasing light and energy into space. On Saturday last, August 22nd, Astronomy Ireland member David Grennan became the first person in the world to spot the light streaming from this dying star, using his telescope at his home in North Dublin. This event, known as a supernova, has been designated 2012ej and is Grennan's second supernova discovery! This unbelievably powerful event is the second supernova to have been discovered from Ireland - the first was also discovered by Grennan in 2010 - and required lots of patience and some of the most sophisticated equipment in Irish hands. David Grennan will feature at this year's Star-B-Q (see below) as a keynote speaker, where he will talk to the audience about how he actually makes such discoveries. For more information on this massive supernova and to see Grennan's discovery images, please click HERE. To find out more about the Star-B-Q at which he will speak please click HERE or see below. 3. Higgs Boson Lecture Postponed Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Higgs Boson lecture to be given by Dr Cormac O'Raifeartaigh will be postponed until October 8th (original provisional date given as September 3rd). All tickets bought for this lecture are still valid for the new date. We apologise for the inconvenience; if you have any queries about the new arrangement please contact us on (01) 890 11 11 or email sec@astronomy.ie 4. Public Lecture: In Search of the Northern Lights 2013 is expected to be the peak of the current solar cycle, meaning that northern lights should be more and more visible, even from Ireland! In this talk, Dr James Wild of Lancaster University will talk about the aurora borealis, or northern lights. What are they? How are the caused? Do they have any relevance to our daily lives or are they just objects of great beauty and wonder? How can we predict when they will be visible? All these questions will be answered at the talk with the aid of some amazing images of the breathtaking phenomenon. The lecture will take place on September 10th at 8pm in Trinity College Dublin. For tickets and DVDs of the lecture, please click HERE. 5. Star-B-Q 2012 The country's biggest annual telescope night takes place this year on September 15th and will feature BBC's The Sky at Night presenter Pete Lawrence and Irish supernova hunter David Grennan, who recently discovered his second supernova from Dublin! Lawrence will speak about the amazing northern lights, which are expected to get even better next year, and Grennan will talk about how he makes amazing discoveries in space from his own back garden. Exhibitions on the night will include The Irish Rocketry Society and astrophotography by Tom O'Donoghue. The Star-B-Q will also have dozens of powerful telescopes to give visitors an opportunity to see the wonders of the Universe from some of Ireland's darkest skies in Roundwood in the Wicklow Mountains, serve delicious barbecued food freshly prepared by professional caterers, and much more! Tickets for this fun-filled evening of astronomy are only €39 (€29 for under-16s with an adult), and family and group rates are available For more information and booking, please visit www.astronomy.ie/sbq Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )