1. Saturn and the Cassini mission Lecture Report and DVD

On Monday evening, July 12th, at Astronomy Ireland's Public Lecture avid astronomy attendees got a glimpse into the fascinating world of Saturn and it's moons. Dr. Catriona Jackman touched on many topics pertaining to Saturn, from it's history in terms of exploration, the Cassini mission and her specific work on the magnetospheric data that is constantly being retrieved from the spacecraft. Guests were treated to some marvellous insights into the science behind Dr Jackman's work on the planet Saturn and were shown tantalising images from Cassini, such as the jetspots of Enceladus, the veinated surface of Titan and auroras on Saturn. In fact, it is thanks to the work of Dr. Jackman's team that scientists have found clues of underground seas on Enceladus!

Following Dr. Jackman's lecture guests took part in a lively question and answer session that finished up at the social reception in the Lombard.

To read a full report of the evening click HERE.

If you missed the event of the year so far, or indeed if you were there but want to relive the experience over and over again, a DVD is available to order online for just 7euro. Click the link below or call us on (01) 847 0777.

To order your copy of the DVD today visit www.astronomy.ie/dvd.

2. Sun Watch This Saturday

This Saturday, July 17 Astronomy Ireland will host a Sun Watch at our Shop in Artane (click HERE for map). Members of the public are welcome to come along and observe the Sun, our nearest star. Using special filters, you will be able to view the disk of the Sun close up, revealing many fascinating features on the surface such as sunspots bigger than our own planet Earth!

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 aurorae, or Northern Lights.

The Sun Watch takes place this Saturday, July 17th, at 1pm. This is a free event open to all members of the public.

For more information visit www.astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777.

***WARNING ***

Please note that looking 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.

3. Events
August 9 - Gamma-ray Astronomy: A New Window on the Extreme Universe (Trinity College Dublin)

September 4 - Star-B-Q (Roundwood)

October 7 - Autumn Evening Classes Commence (Nationwide)