Star-B-Q <http://astronomy.ie/sbq/> Membership <http://astronomy.ie/join> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/dvd> ACCOMODATION Probably due to the nova in Delphinus, we're getting a lot of enquires about the Star-B-Q, including from people travelling long distances from all around Ireland and even abroad! The nearest hotel to the event we know of that has accommodation is Parkview Hotel in Newtownmountkennedy, but there are lots of B&Bs in the area. For details contact Wicklow County Tourism on www.visitwicklow.ie or call (0404) 20070. NOVA IN DELPHINUS The nova in Delphinus is not fading as fast as we initially thought, and it still could be visible to the naked eye even on the night of the Star-B-Q. This will be an extremely rare treat and we'll have the most powerful handheld laser in Ireland to point out its location. It will be easy to spot in binoculars and extremely bright through our powerful telescopes. This will surely make Star-B-Q 2013 a unique event in the annals of Irish astronomical history! We have a huge venue with lots of telescopes and superb dark sky so we can cater for an almost unlimited number of people. If you know anyone who's interested in an amazing evening under the stars, please direct them to www.astronomy.ie to book their tickets as soon as possible so we can tell our caterers how many to expect. IRISH EXAMINER FEATURES STAR-B-Q The event is always popular with the media, and today’s Irish Examiner newspaper has an extensive article on what has become Ireland's biggest annual telescope gathering, which is aimed at the general public. Buy a copy, or read the article HERE <http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/astronomy-ireland-gearing-u p-for-irelands-biggest-telescope-festival-241188.html> . The Irish Independent featured the Star-B-Q previously also: see HERE <http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/irish-news/telescopes-to-put-on-sta r-show-26766037.html> . If you see any more coverage in the print media, please reply to this email so we can get a copy for our press clippings scrapbook. We expect to do lots of radio interviews in the coming days, so check www.astronomy.ie/audio daily for updates, especially if you want to know more about the nova. HOW DO WE ‘GUARANTEE’ A CLEAR SKY? Currently the weather forecast looks promising for Saturday night, but here is how we can ‘guarantee’ that people will get to see the wonders of the Universe: if skies are not sufficiently clear, we will set up telescopes on the following or Friday or Saturday night after the Star-B-Q; whichever night is clear. We did this last year and one of the most amazing fireballs ever seen in Irish skies streaked across the sky at the repeat event! In fact, it turned out to be a giant meteorite skimming off the atmosphere back into space. (Details are in the November 2012 issue of our magazine.) BOOK NOW So, you can be sure of a clear sky, great talks and demonstrations, and tasty food, but please help us by booking early. This is our main annual fundraiser, and tickets include all food and soft drinks, talks, telescope use, and are €39 for adults (€29 for children; family rates available) if booked in advance. Note that tickets will be €50 at the gates on the night, so book in advance to avail of the discount. It’s going to be a fantastic event, perhaps our best ever! Book now online at www.astronomy.ie or call (01) 890 11 11. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular astronomy club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> ) _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3392 / Virus Database: 3211/6614 - Release Date: 08/27/13