1. Shuttle Launch Delay Great News for Ireland! A fuel leak has again postponed the launch of the space shuttle Endeavour, on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA put back the date of the launch for a second time, due to a leak associated with the gaseous hydrogen venting system - the same problem which delayed the original launch date of June 13. Endeavour's next launch opportunity is July 11, which is great news for those of us in Ireland as we will witness an exhilarating "space chase" between the shuttle and the ISS, due to become visible again in Irish skies from July 6 - July 22. You can get predictions on the internet, but to receive daily predictions to your mobile phone of the times ISS will pass over, text SPACE to 57003. Each text received costs 1euro and proceeds help us to promote interest in astronomy. 2. Noctilucent Clouds We have received a number of reports of noctilucent clouds (NLCs) in recent days. These are high-altitude clouds that are lit up during the night by the Sun when it is still below the horizon. For more information and to view recent pictures taken from Ireland and the UK click HERE. Remember, if you see any NLCs please email your report to observe@astronomy.ie. 3. What to see in Irish Skies There are several special events in Irish skies for the next few days: a.. On Saturday morning, Venus, Mars and a thin crescent Moon will be in conjunction just before sunrise. They will be located along the Eastern horizon near the Pleiades star cluster. See magazine Sky Diary for exact times to watch! b.. Jupiter is rising earlier and earlier but is still visible in the morning sky in the South. All of these celestial objects will look amazing through binoculars or a telescope. c.. The Summer Solstice occurs at 6:45am on Sunday morning. The Solstices and Equinoxes have been marked since prehistory. In Ireland, the Boyne Valley monuments are significant as the passage of Newgrange is pointed to the location of the rising Sun at the Winter Solstice. For diagrams and lots more details all month long, see Sky Diary pages of our magazine (only 5euro inc. p&p). IMPORTANT: Email what you see to observe@astronomy.ie for our monthly magazine report. 4. Work Experience / Volunteer Work Are you interested in gaining some valuable work experience in a busy and dynamic office environment? Would you like to do some voluntary work in a thriving national organisation? If so, we want to hear from you. We are looking for anyone who would like to take on structured work experience for a week or more, or indeed anyone who has a few hours to spare each week, to join us in our offices in Artane, Dublin 5. No particular skills or qualifications necessary. For more information email Ciara at sec@astronomy.ie or call (01) 847 0777. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )