The third series of the BBC's popular astronomy show begins tonight (Tuesday) at 8pm featuring musician and astronomer Professor Brian Cox, and comedian and physicist Dara O'Briain. In tonight's episode, the presenters will investigate the exploration of Mars and what it means for our understanding of planets and life.

Astronomy Ireland will hold a special free Telescope Night at its premises in Airside Enterprise Centre this Friday at 8pm to celebrate the show. This event will go ahead regardless of weather, and people of all ages and experience can come to learn how to use a telescope and hopefully get to see the wonders of the Universe for themselves!

For more information on Stargazing Live and the Telescope Night, please click HERE.

2. New Year Sale

Check out the newest deals from the Astronomy Ireland Shop in the New Year Sale. Get some great prices on telescopes, binoculars, and accessories to help you build up your collection of equipment, whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned astronomer.

For details on the great offers you can avail of in the New Year Sale, click HERE or call the Astronomy Ireland Shop on (01) 890 11 11.

3. New Year Lecture: Mars: Curiosity, Water, and Life

A car-sized robot, known as Curiosity, is currently exploring the Red Planet, where it is investigating the origins of life. Did life ever exist on Mars? Did Mars's weather and geology allow for life to evolve? Will humans be able to travel to Mars in a second step to the stars?

In Astronomy Ireland’s special New Year Public Lecture, Dr Peter Grindrod from the University of London, will examine the rover's goals, which include the search for water on Mars and thus ultimately the search for life. He will present the most up to date results and breathtaking images from this most advanced mission so far to our near planetary neighbour.

The lecture will take place in Trinity College Dublin on January 14^th at 8pm.

For tickets and DVD orders, please click HERE.

4. BBC's The Sky at Night

"Reaching for the Stars" In this edition, recorded just before his death, Sir Patrick Moore and his team offer advice to those who are discovering astronomy for the very first time.

Mon Jan 07 at 12:00am BBC 1 Northern Ireland (effectively Sunday night, note!)
Thu Jan 10 at 07:30pm BBC FOUR
Fri Jan 11 at 11:50pm BBC HD
Sat Jan 12 at 09:40am BBC 2 Northern Ireland
Sun Jan 13 at 07:00pm BBC FOUR

Note that the BBC1 and BBC2 programmes are shorter versions (20 minutes).
Try to watch BBC FOUR or BBC HD transmissions (30 minutes).

Astronomy Ireland
The world's most popular astronomy club
www.astronomy.ie

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