STAR-B-Q 2009 Dear Friends of Astronomy Ireland, Ireland's biggest annual Star Party is being held in the highest village in Ireland soon and offers members of the public unparalleled views of the night sky, that most people in the world will never see, and lots more besides. We want you to get all your family and friends to come along so we can give them an amazing evening. This is Ireland's biggest annual astronomy event so don't miss it or you'll have to until next year! Here's some details to whet your appetite. Astronomy Ireland's huge annual fundraiser - Star-B-Q - takes place next Saturday, August 22 in Roundwood, Co. Wicklow with a stunning line up of events and telescopes. Already, record numbers of people have booked, from all around Ireland so this year our flagship event is set to be the biggest telescope party Ireland has ever seen so we want you and all your friends and family to join us for a sensational party under the stars. Some of the highlights of the event include the following: 3-D TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE THIRD EARL OF ROSSE LIVE LINK UP WITH AUSTRALIA FIRE DANCERS LIVE MUSIC DELICIOUS FOOD LASER TOUR OF THE NIGHT SKY POWERFUL TELESCOPES MICROSOFT WORLD WIDE TELESCOPE KIDS' TALKS 'FROM EARTH TO THE UNIVERSE' POSTER EXHIBITION ...AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED Talks: - 3rd Earl of Rosse (who died in 1867! ) builder of what was once the World's largest telescope, at Birr, Co. Offaly. - "The Universe" talk by David Moore, Ireland's best known astronomer. - "Things You Should Know About Astronomy And Stretching Your Mind" by Emlyn Jones from our magazine. - Kevin Sweeney (A.I. Education Officer) gives a kids talk for budding astronomers. - And more to be announced There will be unlimited viewing all evening through Ireland's largest and most powerful telescopes where guests will be able to see: - Jupiter with its cloud belts, moons, and its Great Red Spot and possibly its recent impact scar (both will be on the side facing us that night!) - Neptune, the blue planet, invisible to the naked eye so be amongst the few in the world that have ever seen it! - The Wonders of the Universe, Andromeda and Whirlpool Galaxies(and more), Open & Globular Star Clusters, gas clouds and lots more We'll have Ireland's newest and most powerful hand held laser (a whopping 500mW) shooting a 100km beam all the way to the edge of space to point out the stars and constellations to newcomers. And lots more besides, see the list above and the webpage below. THERE ARE JUST 7 DAYS TO GO AIMED AT THE GENERAL PUBLIC - IS THAT YOU? HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR TICKET YET? The event, bursting with entertainment, will be fun-filled, exciting and captivating. Note: Star-B-Q is aimed at members of the general public from all over Ireland (and abroad!). We provide everything, telescopes, food, soft drinks, just bring all your friends and family for an incredible night out under the stars! Please forward this email to everyone you know and let's make Star-B-Q 2009 the biggest and best ever! Thank you! For more information and tickets visit www.astronomy.ie/sbq or call (01) 847 0777