20 Months Membership Offer <http://www.astronomy.ie/20anniversary.php> 2010 Events <http://www.astronomy.ie/Events2010.php> DVDs <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> Shop <http://astronomy.ie/shop/> 1. Another Irish Discovery - New 'Demon Star' October is proving to be an amazing month for Irish amateur astronomy with the announcement yesterday of another Irish discovery. Former member of Astronomy Ireland Dave McDonald had been observing an asteroid when he noticed that in his images a nearby star appeared to change in brightness from picture to picture. After consulting with colleagues, it was quickly determined that McDonald had discovered that the dip in brightness is caused by the newly discovered orbiting star passing in front of its brighter companion star. Dave McDonald - a health and safety consultant by day and a science ambassador for <http://www.scienceweek.ie/index.asp> 'Discover Science & Engineering' - found it hard to contain his excitement but he is keen that recent astronomical discoveries are most useful if they generate more public awareness in astronomy and science. "Ireland's future depends on attracting investment into the country," McDonald stated. "To do that we must ensure we continue to deliver suitably qualified individuals. Discoveries like this generate interest in astronomy and therefore may encourage young people to consider a scientific discipline as a career" Dave received confirmation earlier this week that this variable has now been given the formal designation 000-BJX-116. Dave McDonald hit the headlines in 2008 when he became the first Irish astronomer to discover a new asteroid in 160 years. McDonald joined Astronomy Ireland <http://www.astronomy.ie/> in 2003 and is a highly-regarded amateur astronomer by his peers both at home and abroad. The centrepiece of his home observatory in Celbridge is a Celestron C14 <http://www.astronomy.ie/shop/> telescope, a very popular piece of equipment for amateur astronomers the world over. Click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/dmcdvariable.html> for more information on Dave McDonald's discovery. 2. Treasurer Needed Our current society Treasurer Gillian Deenihan is stepping down and we are seeking one or more volunteers from the society who would like to take over the role of preparing lodgements and writing them for the society. We thank Gillian for all the sterling work she has done for the society and we wish her all the very best for the future. Gillian will be continuing as an active member and we look forward to seeing her at our coming events. If you can possibly help with our treasury needs, please email conor@astronomy.ie 3. Astronomy Tips . The Orionids Meteor Shower peaks tonight, best viewing is during the hours before dawn on Thursday, Oct. 21st, and again on Friday, Oct 22nd . Jupiter is well placed for viewing at the moment (see Sky Diary for more details) . Uranus appears as a dim star like object just above Jupiter, barely visible to the naked eye, it is an easy sight through binoculars or telescope. For more information on what to see in the night sky this week check out the Sky Diary section in the May issue of <http://www.astronomy.ie/magazine.php> 'Astronomy & Space' magazine. Don't forget to email what you see to observe@astronomy.ie and we will try to publish your pictures and observations in forthcoming issues of the magazine. Astronomy <http://www.astronomy.ie> Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club <http://www.astronomy.ie> www.astronomy.ie ( <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our <http://astronomy.ie/shop/> Online Telescope Shop