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.
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.
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