Aurora Trip Membership DVD Shop 1. Moon Near Saturn and Mars Tonight Tonight, July 25th, the Moon will be placed close to Saturn in the south-west just after sunset, with Mars located nearby. This way, the Moon can be used a 'signpost' so you can find these planets easily! Through a telescope, Mars will show its red disc, and the polar ice caps may be visible, as well as some of the large dark surface features. With a telescope you will see Saturn's famous rings and the shadow they cast on the planet itself. You will also see its largest moons as they orbit the ringed planet. For advice on viewing and photographing the Moon and the planets, visit our Shop or call us on (01) 890 11 11. Click HERE for information and a chart of the sky. Please send your observation reports and photos to observe@astronomy.ie for publication in an upcoming issue of Astronomy Ireland. 2. Northern Lights Tour to Norway Following this year's successful trip to Norway to see the northern lights, we have teamed up with Project Travel again to give you another opportunity to see this fantastic natural phenomenon! In February 2013 we will visit Tromsø to explore its surroundings, its history, and of course, the northern lights. Travellers will have the opportunity to visit the Science Centre & Planetarium, to go dog-sledding, to take an aurora photography workshop, and much, much more! For more details, a full itinerary, and booking details, please visit www.astronomy.ie/norway 3. Star-B-Q 2012 The country's biggest annual telescope night takes place this year on September 15th and will feature BBC's The Sky at Night presenter Pete Lawrence. The UK astronomer is an expert in solar astronomy and space weather, and his keynote talk at this year's event will explore the amazing northern lights, which are becoming regularly visible over Ireland. As well as some great speakers, the Star-B-Q will also have dozens of powerful telescopes to give visitors an opportunity to see the wonders of the Universe from some of Ireland's darkest skies in the Wicklow Mountains, serve delicious barbecued food freshly prepared by professional caterers, and much more! If you book your ticket before August 15th you can avail of the early bird rate on adult tickets at only €29 (normal price after this date is €39). For more information and booking, please visit www.astronomy.ie/sbq Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )