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1. Astronomy Ireland Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing
To celebrate this year’s Transit of Venus across the Sun, something which will not happen again for 105 years, Astronomy Ireland have organised a group tour to Beijing where it should be visible for almost seven hours.
When Venus passes directly between the earth and the Sun, the distant planet is seen as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun. Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our Solar System. Since this will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime Astronomy Ireland, in association with Project Travel, has put together a six night tour to the city of Beijing.
As well as the chance of seeing the Transit, you will also get to experience the amazing history and culture of this stunning city with a visit to Beijing’s Ancient Observatory plus tours to The Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace.
The six day fully guided tour, which is also open to non-members of Astronomy Ireland, is from June 3rd to 9th and must be booked by 4th April. The €1795 pp sharing price (single supplement €325) includes return flights from Dublin, B&B accommodation in a 4* hotel within walking distance of The Forbidden City and central shopping districts, all transfers and tours in China including an English speaking guide, entry fees as well as some meals and entertainment.
Further details and booking forms are available on www.astronomy.ie, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391.
2. Nationwide Mars Watch
On Thursday, March 29, at various locations nationwide, Astronomy Ireland will be setting up powerful telescopes focused on the planet Mars. We encourage everyone to tell everyone you know about the Mars Watch and to come along with friends and family. Please note that the all Watches will go ahead regardless of weather.
EVENT DETAILS
Current confirmed locations are: Athy, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin, Leitrim/Sligo.
For more information, updated locations, and to check the location of your closest Watch click HERE
Please keep checking our Mars Watch webpage as more locations may be confirmed over the coming weeks.
TELESCOPE VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS WANTED
We already have several large telescopes for our Nationwide Mars Watch but if you have a medium to large telescope (at least 6-inch, preferably 8-inch or larger) why not bring it along to one of the Watches and share the excitement of the general public as they are amazed by views of Mars? If you want to get involved call us on (01) 890 11 11 or email sec@astronomy.ie.
3. SolarMonitor.org
Our March lecture speaker, Dr Peter Gallagher, and his team in the TCD Solar Physics Group have developed a new website called www.SolarMonitor.org to allow people to see how conditions on our nearest star are changing and developing on an ongoing basis. "SolarMonitor.org gives everyone the ability to follow the weather on the Sun, and to find out when the northern lights, also called the aurora borealis, are likely to be visible," said Dr Gallagher. The team have also launched a smartphone version of website to allow people to monitor the Sun on the go.
Want to see what's going on the Sun right now? Just open up your computer or phone browser and go to www.SolarMonitor.org.
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