1. Star-B-Q 2010 Report

Unperturbed by the overcast skies and the slight drizzle, guests gathered inside Roundwood GAA hall on September 4th for Astronomy Irelands Star-B-Q. David Moore began the proceedings giving the first talk of the evening - "The Hitchhickers Guide To The Universe". Next up was "The Secrets of the Stones" by Anthony Murphy, who explored Ireland's rich history of ancient astronomy. He explained to a captivated audience how the passage tombs in the Boyne Valley and elsewhere were not just graves, but were also important astronomical observatories that defined the life of an ancient culture. Our keynote speaker, Dr Martin Hendry, fascinated guests with the consipiracy theories surrounding the Moon landings. Like a true scientist, Dr Hendry tested each one of the claims - lack of stars, waving flags, strange shadows - and showed us his results. Using his unique sense of humour and analytical method he succeeded in showing us that we did, in fact, land on the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s.

While the main talks were taking place there were a number of other activities taking place: Kevin O'Kelly exhibited his work from his travels to Australia, where he had the amazing opportunity to do some astronomy in professional observatories with a strange sky. Eamonn O'Fearcháin entertained our younger astronomers with quizzes and activities, while many opted to get their faces painted! As the clouds did not disappear, Emlyn Jones then gave a practical tutorial on navigating through the heavens, and displayed some of his amazing photographs. To read a full report of the event and see pictures taken on the day click HERE.