Spring Sale DVD Membership Shop 1. Public Lecture “Telescopes for the 21st Century” Astronomical discoveries and the development of technology have always gone hand in hand. Only a few years after its invention, Galileo was using the telescope to revolutionise our view of the Universe. The story is the same in the 21st century, with some truly amazing developments in technology promising massive leaps forward in our understanding of the Universe. In this public lecture on Monday, April 16th, Professor Michael Merrifield from the University of Nottingham will discuss how telescopes have developed to-date, and what is on the drawing board for the coming decades. He will also describe some of the scientific advances that we hope to make with these instruments, ranging from measuring the accelerating expansion of the Universe to making the first detections of life outside the Solar System. This lecture will take place at 8pm on Monday, April 16th, in Trinity College Dublin. A social reception will take place after the lecture in the nearby Lombard Inn where lecture attendees can meet the professor and other astronomy enthusiasts. Details of the March Lecture and tickets for it be found at www.astronomy.ie or by calling (01) 890 11 11. BOOK TICKETS ORDER DVD 2. Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing - Deadline on April 4th There are still places available on our upcoming trip to Beijing to observe the last transit of Venus we will see in our lifetimes, but note that full payment must be made by April 4th. 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 April 4th. 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. 3. Sun Shows This Saturday Join Astronomy Ireland each Saturday for a fantastic Sun Show at the Astronomy Ireland Shop in Airside Enterprise Centre from 1pm. Each Saturday, the staff of the Astronomy Ireland Shop will be showing the public amazing views of our nearest star. Using special filters and some of the largest telescopes in Ireland we will get to see sunspots bigger than Earth and huge solar flare bursting from our nearest star. If it's cloudy, we will run a telescope demonstration and show you how you can safely observe the Sun and undertake some daytime astronomy using your own telescope. For more information on the Sun Shows, please click HERE. WARNING Looking directly at the Sun is extremely dangerous and can cause instant and permanent blindness. Only observe the Sun under the guidance of professionals with proper safety equipment. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )