1. Schools' Education Programme Astronomy Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of its Education Outreach Programme, an exciting initiative which aims to promote astronomy and science in Ireland. The Initiative is aimed towards the general public, especially schools (primary and secondary), social clubs, youth clubs, community meetings and any other group interested in learning more about astronomy. We have recently appointed our first Education Officer, Mr. Kevin Sweeney, who will head the programme. Kevin, who runs his own observatory in Co. Meath, can tailor any talk to suit your group's needs based on the criteria of age group, subject knowledge and level of interest. The programme is aiming to be both fun and educational, while also helping us fulfil our endeavour of building a Science Culture for Ireland. For more information on this exciting programme go to www.astronomy.ie/outreach. If you would like to submit a booking for your group, please contact: Ciara Dowdall Email: sec@astronomy.ie Phone: (01) 847 0777 2. David Moore on 4FM and Gerry Ryan Show Astronomy Ireland Chairman, David Moore, will feature on the radio show, 'Weekend Breakfast on 4 with Michael Comyn', this Sunday, May 3 from 9:30 - 10:00am, on the new multi-city radio station 4FM. David will speak about Astronomy Ireland and its upcoming events, what to see in the night sky, and his own involvement in Astronomy in Ireland over the years. To listen to this interview on Sunday morning tune in to 94FM/104FM in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick or click HERE. But don't worry, if you miss the live interview you can listen to it in our Media Archive at www.astronomy.ie/audio. David Moore also gave an interview to The Gerry Ryan Show on Monday April 27. David spoke about yet another possible fireball seen over Ireland last Sunday night, but it turned out to be a different 'UFO'. He also discussed Astronomy Ireland's Public Lecture, 'Shamrock and Space', which takes place on May 11, coinciding with the return of the International Space Station (ISS) to Irish evening skies. To listen to this interview and David's other Gerry Ryan Show Interview on April 6, go to www.astronomy.ie/audio. Professor Tom Ray of DIAS appeared on RTE Six One News last week in a report about how they have explained Hubble's famous photo, 'Pillars of Creation'. This is the cover story of our June magazine, which is out the end of next week. Watch the news clip on RTE HERE ("Irish Scientists..."). 4. More Astronomy Tips There is loads to see in the sky at present, including some very rare events in the coming days and weeks: - Mercury is a rare 'evening star' and spectacularly close to Pleiades ("Seven Sisters" star cluster) this weekend. - Saturn is perfectly placed for evening viewing high in the South. It's moons are putting on spectacular once-in-15-year displays right now. - Moon is close to Saturn this Sunday and Monday nights. - Jupiter is in morning skies. - Venus and Mars are close together, but low in morning skies. See the Sky Diary pages of our magazine for diagrams and lots more details. 5. Spectacularly Successful National Meeting Astronomy Ireland's National Meeting, last Saturday April 25, was a huge success with people travelling from all over the country to hear all the plans for IYA and how A.I. is to raise 1 million euro a year for more astronomy events across Ireland, and generate a Science Culture for Ireland over the coming decade. An immensely enjoyable day was had by all. A full report of this fantastic event will follow, however if you have any feedback about the day, we would be delighted to hear from you, please email ideas@astronomy.ie. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )