Next Monday, December 14, Astronomy Ireland will host its annual Christmas social gathering in The Lombard (corner of Pearse Street and Westland Row) and we will be there at around 9:30pm. All are welcome to attend and we encourage you to come along and mix with Astronomy Ireland staff, volunteers and other members as we celebrate Christmas and reflect on the fantastic year that has been the International Year of Astronomy.

The party takes place after our Christmas Lecture which will be delivered by Professor Tim de Zeeuw, director of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Prof. de Zeeuw is the man in charge of the world's largest and most powerful telescopes, and his lecture promises to be one of the highlights of our 2009 Lecture Programme. The lecture takes place in the Hamilton Building, TCD, at 8pm. For more information about the lecture or to book your tickets click HERE, alternatively you can call us on (01) 847 0777.

2. Christmas Gift Ideas - Evening Classes 2010

Astronomy Ireland's ever-popular Evening Classes start up again on February 3rd, 2010 and are the perfect Christmas present for anyone interested in taking up Astronomy in the new year. The topics will give the student a good grounding in the night sky, the Sun, stars and planets, galaxies, telescopes, and much more. The Classes are aimed for the complete beginner, and at only €180 (course fee includes membership to Astronomy Ireland) they're a great gift for a friend who wants to learn more about the wonders of the Universe. For more information or to sign-up a friend or family member click HERE.

Know someone interested in Astronomy but not sure what to get them for Christmas? For even more great gift ideas from Astronomy Ireland go to www.astronomy.ie/gift.

3. FREE NASA 2010 Calendar

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of continuous residence aboard the International Space Station, NASA has released a special 2010 calendars for members of the public. The calendar contains unique images and highlights historic space exploration milestones as well as facts about the international
laboratory. Each month has its own theme and offers a glimpse into topics such as a typical day in the life of a crew member, the staff that supports the station, and the massive dimensions of the orbiting research facility. The calendar is available for free download HERE.