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1.  We're on National Radio Tonight

In a two hour show on Newstalk tonight, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland, David Moore, will talk about the Winter Solstice, what it is, and how it affected astronomy through the ages. On Coleman at Large between 10pm and midnight, David will also speak about current affairs as part of a panel including a singing politician and many others. So be sure to tune in to 106-108FM or online at www.newstalk.ie.

 

OTHER SHOWS

Christmas Eve, December 24th, 1:30pm: RTE Radio 1 - Documentary on One - In this fascinating documentary produced over the last year David will explain how that on Christmas of last year he noticed that Santa was missing a reindeer as he flew over Wexford!

Friday, December 30th, 1:30pm: Newstalk - Moncrieff - David will speak about current affairs, what happened throughout 2011, and what he expects 2012 to bring.

 

If you miss any of these shows, recordings will be available on www.astronomy.ie/audio.

 

 

2.  Winter Solstice Watch

This evening, Wednesday, December 21st, Astronomy Ireland will host a special Solstice Watch at its premises in Airside Enterprise Centre, Swords, Co Dublin at 4pm. As the Sun sets the longest night of the year will begin, and we will have some powerful telescopes set up to let people see some of the amazing sights of the Universe.

 

The highlight of the evening will be the gas giant Jupiter, the biggest planet in the Solar System. Through the telescopes you will easily see its vast cloud belts and storms, as well as its biggest moons as they orbit the planet. Seeing Jupiter through a telescope is a sight you won't forget!

 

This is a free event and a great opportunity for friends and family to get together and try some astronomy this Christmas. The Watch will run from 4pm to 6pm.

 

 

3.  International Space Station and Space Chase!

As the Soyuz spacecraft launches today carrying three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), skywatchers in Ireland should be able to see a space chase tonight and tomorrow.

 

The ISS is currently passing over Ireland each night and will continue to do so until January 3rd. There are websites that will allow you to figure out the time the ISS will pass over, but to receive a message to your mobile each day with the time to see it already worked out simply:

 

text SPACE to 57003

 

Each text costs 1euro, and only one message will be sent per day. Proceeds help to promote interest in astronomy across Ireland. Text STOP to unsubscribe.

 

Remember to email your observations of the ISS to iss@astronomy.ie and we will do our best to include your report in a forthcoming issue of Astronomy & Space magazine.

 

 

 

Astronomy Ireland

The world's most popular Astronomy Club
www.astronomy.ie

 

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