1. The Moon and Jupiter
on Christmas Day
In a beautiful celestial event, the Moon and
Jupiter will be placed extremely close together on Christmas Day in what might
be considered a modern day Star of Bethlehem! If you're out and about for an
evening stroll on the big day be sure too look up and enjoy the
view.
Get more information on Jupiter and a map of the
sky HERE.
2. International Space Station Over
Ireland
The biggest and most expensive spacecraft ever
put in orbit, the International Space Station (ISS), is currently visible
in our night and early morning skies, and will continue to be visible
until January 1st. Tonight (Thursday, December 20th) it will pass over
Ireland at 6:00pm.
The International Space
Station is a fantastic sight for all the family, and we urge everyone to go out
and see it! The coming days will also allow us to see a "space chase", as
a spacecraft is currently making the voyage to the giant station.
Each afternoon Astronomy
Ireland will publish the times the ISS will be visible at www.astronomy.ie/iss and you can also
receive daily reminders of this time by texting the word SPACE to 57003
(subscription service; one message will be sent each day the ISS is visible
and it costs €1 per message
received).
3. The End of the World?
Unlikely!
In recent years there has been a buildup of hype
surrounding tomorrow, December 21st, 2012. Many people have suggested various
cataclysmic events occurring on this day, signifying the end of the world. This
is, of course, untrue, and many of these stories have come around due to a
misunderstanding of ancient calendars and beliefs in non-existent and mysterious
new planets.
You can rest assured that tomorrow will be a day
just like any other! David Moore spoke on radio today about these theories, and
what you can see in the sky over Christmas. Listen to the interview HERE.
4. Christmas Opening
Hours
The
opening hours for Astronomy Ireland over the season can be viewed online HERE.
We
would like to wish all our friends and members a very happy Christmas and
best wishes for the New
Year!