1. Shuttle Visible Over
Ireland
If you've been following www.nasa.gov/shuttle you'll know that the
launch of the space shuttle Discovery has been delayed a third time this
week. The launch is now scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 4:59am
Irish time. As with the launch of Endeavour on July 15, people in
Ireland will be fortunate enough to see the shuttle and its huge external fuel tank flying over 18 minutes after launch
(so that'll be 5:17am our time), a sight that was described by many as
"the most spectacular sight they have ever seen".
Not only that, but in the nights following the
launch, there will be a "space chase" as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station
(ISS), and for times to view this amazing sight, and more
details, click HERE. Don't forget, If you see any of these extremely rare sights
please email observe@astronomy.ie to be included
in our magazine report. So, definitely set your alarm clock and outside and
watch the show.
2. 400th Anniversary of Galileo's
Telescope
It is 400 years this week since
Galileo unveiled to Venetian merchants his new creation - a
telescope - the instrument that would ultimately bring him scientific
immortality. The telescope - a timeless symbol of scientific discovery - has
come alone in leaps and bounds over the last 400 years, however Galileo's
telescope with just 8 times magnification is accredited with completely changing
the Earth's view of the heavens. This monumental anniversary falls within
the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) a year-long global
celebration of astronomy, declared by the United Nations, which celebrates
astronomy and its contributions to society and culture - something with arguably
began when Galileo brought the heavens into focus for so many people 400 years
ago. Don't forget we are celebrating IYA with a special offer www.astronomy.ie/offer
3. Education Programme
Testimonials
With schools reconvening both this week and
next, Astronomy Ireland are now once again taking bookings for our
Education Programme which has to date seen Kevin, our Education Officer, travel
all around Ireland giving talks on astronomy to schools. The Programme has
been very successful to date with an incredibly enthusiastic response from
pupils, teachers and parents alike. But don't just take our word for it,
to read what other teachers have to
say about our Education Programme click HERE.
4. Mars Near Cluster This
Weekend
Mars can be seen with the naked eye as a
fairly bright 'star' rising in the East from 1am this week. It is at its highest
though just before dawn begins to break. Take a close up look in binoculars and
you will see it is near the lovely open star cluster M35 in Gemini. If you have
a suitable camera this would make a superb photograph. A close up star map
showing Mars at 5am on each date is here. The field
of view is 10 degrees wide, so it is similar to the view in many binoculars.
Mars is closest to M35 on Saturday morning but the planet and cluster are in the
same field of view for several days as you can see. If you get up to see the
Shuttle, or ISS, be sure to check Mars out too, and watch out for Venus in
morning skies also. Jupiter, of course, dominates evening skies. Lots more
planet viewing details in our magazine - see special offer
above.
Astronomy Ireland
or
Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat
