We are flying over Dr. Tim
O'Brien of the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory to discuss how life
developed on Earth and if there could be forms of life on Mars and other planets
or moons in our Solar System.
Jodrell Bank
observatory is the UK's national radio astronomy observatory and is run by
the University of Manchester's School of Physics and Astronomy. The world famous
radio telescope at Jodrell Bank was the only scientific instrument in the world
able to track the carrier rocket of the very first Sputnik when it was launched
into space in October 1957. For a long time the giant dish was the biggest
steerable radio telescope in the world and is still the 3rd largest. Dr. O'Brien
is a Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics and Head of Outreach at Jodrell Bank
Observatory.
Now that more than 250
planets have been discovered outside our own Solar System in the last 12
years the potential for discovering life and, indeed, intelligent life
would appear to increase with time. Dr. O'Brien will also update us on the role
of Jodrell Bank in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and how
YOU could be the person who discovers extraterrestrial
intelligent life.
The 2007 Christmas Lecture
takes place in Trinity College Dublin in the Physics Building (see map on our
website) at 8pm on Monday December 10. A DVD will be made for everyone in
Ireland who cannot get along in person.
BOOKING
ESSENTIAL: We strong advise that you book your seat in advance as our
Christmas and New Year Public lectures are very special and can some times get
lots of publicity. For instance the New Year Public Lecture in January was
packed out and 50-100 people had to be turned away! Already two top rating
RTE Radio 1 shows have said they want to interview our speaker about the
event.
Admission is just 5euro for
adults so bring as many friends and family as you can. There is a concession
rate of 3euro for paid-up AI members, under 18s, students, unwaged and
OAP.
Book now
at www.astronomy.ie or call Astronomy Ireland on (01) 847 0777 ALL WELCOME
DVD available: If you are unable to make it to the lecture it will be available on DVD
for only 5euro each (plus P&P). You can order these now online at www.astronomy.ie and click 'Lecture DVDs' in the menu on the
left-hand-side.
2. BEAT THE SUB
INCREASE!
If you are not already a member of
Astronomy Ireland and receiving our full colour monthly magazine you can support
us and join here: www.astronomy.ie/sub
On December 1st, after 5 years the
annual 40euro AI subscription rate will increase to 48euro, roughly in line with
inflation. At just 4euro a month we think the magazine and work the society does
to promote interest in astronomy is exceptional value for money.
Don't just read these emails, please
support us and sign up now. If you sign up before December 1st you will get the
40euro rate so get clicking and support astronomy in Ireland - we need your
support more now than ever!
Astronomy
Ireland
Christmas Telescope
Advice:
Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat