Christmas Gifts <http://www.astronomy.ie/gifts> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> 1. International Space Station Over Ireland The International Space Station is visible over Ireland in the evenings until the end of December. There are currently six astronauts on board the spacecraft, and because it’s usually very easy to see, we recommend that everyone goes out to see it! It will look like a bright, moving ‘star’ in the south and southwest. The times the ISS will be visible will be put online each afternoon on www.astronomy.ie/iss. To get a text reminder each day the ISS is visible, text the word SPACE to 57003 (each text received costs €1; proceeds help us promote astronomy and science in Ireland). 2. New Year Lecture: Einstein and the Expanding Universe In the New Year our special guest lecturer Dr Cormac O’Raifeartaigh will explain the Big Bang and the evolution of the entire universe we see around us. How the Universe began and is expanding always fascinates people, and Dr O’Raifeartaigh has already delivered several packed-out lectures for Astronomy Ireland explaining the topic to the general public. One interesting aspect of Einstein’s work is how he had to use a number that he called the Cosmological Constant. However, because Einstein didn’t believe the Universe was expanding, he removed this number, giving what we now know was a slightly inaccurate model of the Universe. But today, we have realised that Einstein was, in fact, correct to include the constant, as it explains the expansion as we see and understand it now. The lecture takes place on Monday, January 13th at 8pm in Trinity College Dublin. The lecture is suitable for the general public but we urge you to book early, as this is a major public lecture to kick off the 2013 lecture programme, and we expect it to be very popular! Order tickets and DVDs on our website HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture201401.php> . 3. Christmas Gifts Astronomy Ireland has a number of great gift ideas for loved ones who are interested in astronomy. They’re an ideal way to get started in our wonderful hobby and to learn about space. These include: · Membership to Astronomy Ireland · Membership with tickets to or DVDs of our lectures · Our Evening Classes for Beginners To find out more and to order your Christmas gift please visit www.astronomy.ie/gifts Note that orders should be made before December 14th to ensure delivery by Christmas. 4. Nationwide Geminid Watch The Geminid Meteor Shower is currently taking place with the peak occurring on Saturday night (and into Sunday morning). Don’t let the almost Full Moon put you off going out to see them, as the Geminid Shower produces slow, bright fireballs that can be easily spotted even with a bright Moon or in areas with light pollution. The Geminids are a great meteor shower and we want everyone in Ireland to take part in a Nationwide Meteor Watch, wherever you are! All you have to do is look up and count how many meteors you see in 15-minute intervals, then let us know by emailing meteor@astronomy.ie The Geminids have been observed since the mid-1800s, and are the result of Earth passing through a stream of dust left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As Earth moves through this cloud, the particles fall into our atmosphere and burn up, creating spectacular streaks of light in the sky, known as meteors or shooting stars. This shower is named after the constellation Gemini, from which the meteors appear to come in the sky. It is believed that this shower gets stronger and stronger each year so be sure to watch out! To find out more about the Nationwide Perseid Watch and how to best view the meteors, please click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/geminids2014.html> . Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular astronomy club www.astronomy.ie <http://www.astronomy.ie/> ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> ) _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3462 / Virus Database: 3658/6916 - Release Date: 12/13/13