On Monday, April 12th our Easter Lecture will take place in Trinity College Dublin (a DVD is available to order online for anyone who can't make it). Dr. David Rothery's lectures are fascinating and compelling and we are fortunate enough to be receiving our April Lecture from him! Senior lecturer with the Open University and author of several books, Dr.Rothery will give a talk entitled "Mercury - New Insights".

Mercury is one of the most mysterious planets in our Solar System and in this fully-illustrated presentation Dr. Rothery will show that Mercury's origins and subsequent evolution close to the Sun have given it a complex volcanic and tectonic history, a dynamic exosphere, and an extremely unstable temperature range (from -173°C to 427°C!). To read more facts about Mercury click HERE.

The lecture takes place at 8pm on Monday, April 12 in the SNIAMS Building, Trinity College Dublin (click here for a map). For more information visit our webpage HERE. For anyone who can't make it on the night there is a DVD available to purchase online.

After the lecture there will be a social reception in The Lombard (corner of Pearse St. and Westland Row) where all are welcome to join us. Come along for a chat with Dr. Rothery, other lecture-goers, and Astronomy Ireland members, volunteers and staff. Food will be kindly provided by The Lombard.

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SEE MERCURY BEFORE THE LECTURE

Mercury is visible in the evening sky just above the glowing western horizon after sunset, to the right of Venus. By observing Mercury you will be joining an exclusive 1% club, the small percentage of the world's population that have seen the planet. Mercury is fading away fast as it makes its way around the Sun, so make sure you see it soon! For more information see the Sky Diary section of the April issue of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine.

2. Aliens Among Us?

Astronomy Ireland Chairman, David Moore, will speak on Newstalk's The Right Hook this evening, April 8, at 6:20pm. David will join a discussion on a new survey of 23,000 people worldwide which reveals that 1 in 5 people not only believe in aliens, but are of the opinion that they are walking around amongst us in disguise! To hear more interesting statistics from the survey tune your radio to Newstalk on 106 - 108fm, listen to it live HERE or visit www.astronomy.ie/audio where you can listen to the interview from tomorrow onwards.

There is still time to sign up as a member of Astronomy Ireland in advance of the May issue of the magazine which will be sent to members next week. The forthcoming issue of the magazine is packed with all the latest national and international news including a special report on NASA's STEREO conference which was held in the Science Gallery (TCD) recently, observing highlights for the coming month in our Sky Diary section, as well as a section devoted to readers reports and photographs, and much much more.

As 2010 marks our 20th anniversary we have a very special offer for any new members who sign up with us over the coming months - 20 months for the price of 12. Costing just 48euro, this deal is a real bargain and as well as a 20 month subscription to 'Astronomy & Space' magazine, includes members benefits such as special rates for all of our lectures, day trips, evening classes and our annual Star-B-Q. For more information and to sign up for this offer click HERE.