1. Irish Man Puts Down Roots in Space It's not often that we are lucky enough to get a visit from a NASA scientist however, this Monday, May 11 we have the good fortune of meeting not only a NASA scientist, but one who is Irish by birth. Dr. Anthony Heijenga will deliver Astronomy Ireland's Summer Public Lecture, discussing his ground breaking research in space involving the Irish Shamrock plant. The Shamrock is a key element in Dr. Heijenga's research which will pave the way for long-term residency in outer space. Dr. Heijenga's ability to grow the Irish Shamrock in space will have an enormous impact on the success of such long term human presence, which will require sustainable plant growth and the generation of clean, breathable air. Dr. Heijenga has conducted experiments on satellites, space shuttles, MIR and the ISS and in May 1996 the first specimens of the Irish Shamrock plant were grown in space. Dr. Heijenga and his experiments are a credit to international space research, and also make a notable contribution to Irish scientific research. This exciting lecture takes place at 8pm this Monday, May 11 in the Physics Building, Trinity College Dublin, more details available HERE. Tickets are 7euro (non-members) or 5euro (members and concessions). A DVD of the lecture will be available for purchase for everyone all over Ireland at a cost of 7euro (plus 5euro p&p). To book your tickets for this lecture click HERE To order the DVD of this lecture click HERE Social Meeting & ISS Viewing There will be a social session with Dr. Heijenga immediately after the lecture in The Lombard, Pearse St., from where we will hopefully see the ISS pass over at about 10:50pm. Please join us there. 2. Education and Outreach Programme There has been an excellent response to our recently launched Schools' Lecture Programme. If you are a parent, teacher or pupil and would like a visit to your school please click www.astronomy.ie/outreach, call Ciara or Joseph on (01) 847 0777 or email sec@astronomy.ie. 3. Viewing Tips There are several special events in Irish skies in the next few days: a.. Saturn is well placed for evening viewing high in the South. It's moons are putting on spectacular once-in-15-year displays right now. b.. There is a Full Moon on Saturday c.. Antares is just 2 degrees to upper right of Moon on Sunday night. d.. Jupiter is in morning skies, closing in on Neptune - closest on May 17! e.. Venus and Mars are close but low in morning skies. Email what you see to observe@astronomy.ie and we'll put you in our monthly magazine report. See Sky Diary pages of our magazine (only 5euro inc. p&p) for diagrams and lots more details all month long! Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )