The International Space Station (ISS) is visible in Irish skies until July 9th, appearing as an extremely bright star-like object gliding smoothly across the sky. This man-made object, larger than Croke Park, is the brightest object in the sky apart from the Moon and is an awe inspiring sight.

There are predications available on various website, however to receive a message to your mobile each day with the time the ISS will pass over, simply text SPACE to 57003 (reply STOP to unsubscribe). Each text costs 1euro, and only one message will be sent per day. Proceeds help to promote interest in astronomy across Ireland.

For more information about the ISS visit www.astronomy.ie/iss. 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.

2. Magnetic Saturn and Cassini-Huygens - Excellent Public Lecture

Our next Public Lecture takes place on Monday, July 12th, and will be given by Dr. Caitriona Jackman, a member of the Cassini Magnetometer Instrument Science Team at the Space and Atmospheric Physics Group at Imperial College London. In this fascinating talk Dr. Jackman will show results from the hugely successful Cassini-Huygens mission to the planet Saturn, with particular focus on data that characterises the magnetic environment around the giant planet. Dr. Jackman will elaborate on some of the stunning discoveries of the mission, including the plumes of water from the icy moon Enceladus, and the spectacular aurora on Saturn, similar to our own northern lights on Earth. For more information click HERE.

This talk takes place at 8pm on Monday, July 3rd, in Trinity College Dublin. Tickets costs 7euro (5euro members rate) and can be purchased online by clicking the link below or over the phone by calling us on (01) 847 0777. There is a DVD available to pre-order online for anyone who cannot make it on the night.

BOOK HERE ORDER DVD

3. Sun Watch This Weekend

The Sun is currently coming out of what's known as a 'century-class minimum', where there was very little activity on the surface of our parent star. Recently, however, activity has jumped greatly, and sunspots can appear on the Sun on often a daily basis!

This Saturday, July 3rd, there will be a Sun Watch at the Astronomy Ireland Headquarters in Artane, Dublin 5 (click HERE for a map). Using special equipment from our shop, guests will be able to view the disk of the Sun close up, revealing sunspots bigger than our own planet! Sunspots are regions on the Sun that are relatively cooler and darker than the surrounding material. They are linked to magnetic activity, and sometimes these regions can 'explode', sending millions of tonnes of material through space towards Earth, causing spectacular aurora, or Northern Lights.

The Sun Watch will take place at 1pm on July 3rd, and this free event is open to all members of the public. For more information visit www.astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777.

WARNING

Looking directly at the Sun is extremely dangerous and can cause instant and permanent blindness.

Only observe the Sun under the guidance of professionals with proper safety equipment.