1. Just a reminder that our Uranus Watches take place in Dublin's Phoenix Park (Papal Cross car park) tonight Nov. 13 and at venues across Ireland from Cork to Donegal (all at 8pm). However, the comet of the century, Comet Holmes, has hijacked the event. When we told you on Oct. 24 that it had exploded into view, brightening by a factor of 1 million times overnight, we didn't expect it would last very long, but 3 weeks later it is still 2nd magnitude (as bright as the North Star and the stars of the Plough!). So, we are going to look at the Comet first and Uranus second! After all, Uranus will likely be visible for another few billion years but this is a once in a lifetime chance to see a bright naked eye comet up close.

There is an article about Comet Holmes in the December issue of our magazine "Astronomy & Space" which you can order online for immediate delivery by post at www.astronomy.ie/sub

2. In association with Athlone Institute of Technology, Astronomy Ireland's David McCann is giving a Public Lecture on "The Big Bang" in Athlone I.T. at 8pm on Wednesday November 14th. Admission is free and it's in the Earl of Rosse Theatre, appropriately enough. More details on www.astronomy.ie/athlone_nov07.php

This, our November 12 lecture in Dublin (a superb lecture by the way, now available on DVD at www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.html for 5euro + postage), and the Comet+Uranus Watches are all part of NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK. See www.scienceweek.ie for details of 400 events.

3. For other events coming up in November (and comet charts and more) see www.astronomy.ie e.g. Armagh Daytrip Nov. 24, Astro-Expo Nov. 25, Christmas Lecture Dec. 10....