1. Evening Classes: Astronomy Ireland's Beginner's Evening Classes begin on Thursday 11th October in Trinity College, Dublin. This course is specially designed with the beginner in mind and no knowledge of maths is required. So, if you always wanted to tell your friends that you attended Trinity College, then find out more and make good use of those wintry evenings ahead while meeting like minded people by checking out www.astronomy.ie/eveningclass.html or call (01) 847 07 77 Each of the eight classes lasts for two hours with a 10-15 minute break. The style is informal and questions are very much encouraged. The course includes: Introduction to the Night Sky The Sun & the Moon The Planets Stars The History of Astronomy Telescopes Deep Sky Objects Cosmology Cost: ?180 non-members including subscription to Astronomy and Space magazine for one year. ?130 for members. To hear Pat Kenny and Chairman David Moore discuss the Astronomy Ireland classes that commenced in February 2005 go to http://www.astronomy.ie/audio/patkenny_20050201.mp3 We are also working towards providing these classes in Cork, Athlone and possibly other centres throughout the country. We will keep you updated through the magazine and these emails. 2. October Public Lecture & DVD: Next Monday 8th October Astronomy Ireland is flying in world expert Dr. Ian Stevens of Birmingham University to Ireland to give a public lecture on "Extrasolar Planets and The Search For Life in The Universe". For everyone in Ireland this lecture will be available on DVD for just 5euro plus P&P. Extrasolar planets are planets that orbit stars other than the Sun and constitute perhaps the most exciting and rapidly developing area of astronomy today. From their initial discovery in 1995, around 250 are known ranging from planets larger than Jupiter down to the realm of Super-Earths (planets a few times the mass of the Earth, and presumably rocky bodies). Dr. Stevens will discuss the various ways of finding extrasolar planets, and our current understanding of them. He will also map out the exciting developments that will occur in the new few years and the possibility of directly imaging the surface of these distant extrasolar planets within the next 50 years. For more information on Dr. Stevens and his talk in The Physics Building Trinity College go to www.astronomy.ie/lecture200710.html 3 Treasurer: Astronomy Ireland requires a volunteer to help maintain the club's accounts. If you would like to help the society in this way then please write to director@astronomy.ie Many thanks and much gratitude is due to Sean Quinn who has provided this essential service for a number of years now. Unfortunately Sean will not be in a position to continue as treasurer of Astronomy Ireland from next January. Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Telescope Advice Monday to Saturday: Tel (01) 847 0777 (ask for the new 2007 catalogue)