1. Extra Chances to See the International Space Station

The biggest and most expensive spacecraft ever put in orbit, the International Space Station had its orbit successfully boosted yesterday. This increase of 10km in altitude has changed the orbit enough to give Irish observers unexpected opportunities to see the ISS over the weekend.

The International Space Station currently holds a crew of six astronauts, including five men and one woman. The ISS is a great opportunity for people to watch the sky with friends and family!

Each afternoon Astronomy Ireland will publish the times the ISS will be visible at www.astronomy.ie/iss and you can also receive daily reminders of this time by texting the word SPACE to 57003 (subscription service; one message will be sent each day the ISS is visible and it costs €1 per message received).

2. Exhibition: A View of the Cosmos by Tom O'Donoghue

Tom O'Donoghue - one of Ireland's leading astrophotographers - is holding an exhibition of his stunning images at the Centre for Creative Practices from September 6th to 12th. This exhibition, entitled A View of the Cosmos, will feature some of Tom's newest single frame images and widefield mosaics of up to 60 hours of exposure time per photograph.

A View of the Cosmos begins at 6pm on September 6th at 15 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2, and it will be launched by Astronomy Ireland's David Moore.

See some of Tom's work on his website at www.astrophotography.ie

3. Star-B-Q

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. The UK astronomer is an expert in solar astronomy and space weather, and his keynote talk at this year's event will explore the amazing northern lights, which are becoming regularly visible over Ireland.

As well as some great speakers, 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!

Exhibitions on the night will include Tom O'Donoghue's stunning astrophotography and a display of amateur rockets from the Irish Rocketry Society.

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