1. DVD available - Was Einstein Right Or Wrong? LECTURE REPORT: World-leading gravitational wave astronomer Dr. Harry Ward of The Institute of Gravitational Research, University of Glasgow enthralled a packed lecture theatre on February 11th. Astronomy Ireland flew him in especially to present his lecture on "LISA" (Laser Interferometry Space Antenna) - A billion euro mission planned for 2012 which will detect gravitational waves in outer space.This mission will ultimately prove or disprove Einstein's general theory of relativity. LISA is a group of three separate spacecraft placed 5 million kilometres apart whose position is measured by lasers to an astonishing accuracy of a fraction of the width of an atom using the newest technologies. The LISA spacecraft will form a triangular shape and will be placed 50 million kilometres from Earth. Dr. Ward gave a fantastic presentation in which he described in great detail, the mission, its development and what it hopes to achieve, detecting black holes and other exotic mysteries of the universe. He dazzled the audience with pictures and even played the sound of a supermassive black hole consuming a giant star. Gravitational waves are going to revolutionise our understanding of the universe, Dr. Ward in this lecture explained how. This is an amazing lecture which we highly recommend you watch. RTE Radio 1's top rating "Mooney" show interviewed our speaker, read RTE's webpage HERE and listen to the interview HERE To order your DVD of this lecture for just 5 Euro plus 5 Euro P&P ORDER HERE 2. Two Stunning March Lectures & DVD's This coming March sees Astronomy Ireland holding two lectures. On Monday March 10th we have our very own Carl O'Beirnes and David Grennan present their lecture "Shooting The Eclipse With Sir. Patrick Moore". Carl and David have been invited to appear on the BBC's 'The Sky at Night' with Sir Patrick Moore for the second time. Their latest trip to Sir Patrick's home in West Sussex is set to coincide with the total lunar eclipse taking place on February 21st. David and Carl will finish the presentation with a report on the trip, filming and the eclipse. Go to www.astronomy.ie/lecture200803a.html for more information. On Sunday March 30th we are delighted to welcome Lars Lindbergh Christiansen, Head of Communications ESA/Hubble in Germany who will present his talk "Adventures with the Hubble Space Telescope" In this lecture he will talk about the incredible Hubble Space Telescope and how it has increased our knowledge of the Universe beyond expectations. Go to www.astronomy.ie/lecture200803.html for more information. Don't forget, everyone who attends the Hubble lecture or orders the Hubble lecture DVD will receive a FREE DVD titled "HUBBLE, 15 years of discovery" a truly delightful look at Hubble from the beginning to present day with stunning imagery and excellent narration. Book March 10th tickets HERE Book March 30th tickets HERE To order your DVD for just 5 Euro plus 5 Euro P&P ORDER HERE 3. NEW WEBSITE, ECLIPSE, SPY SAT We have changed the look of our website. Let us know what you think of it at comments@astronomy.ie ECLIPSE: Details of tonight's eclipse are still on our website. Please send your report and any photos to observe@astronomy.ie SPY SATELLITE: The U.S. military may shoot down the "USA 193" tonight while the eclipse is on. We'll keep you posted on a new webpage on www.astronomy.ie Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine One of Europe's Biggest Telescope Shops: Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat