Spring Sale <http://astronomy.ie/springoffers.php> <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> DVD <http://astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> Membership <http://astronomy.ie/shop/CPC/index.html> Shop 1. Astronomy Ireland Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing If you miss this year's Transit of Venus across the sun on June 6th you'll have a long wait for the next one... 105 years to be exact. That’s why Astronomy Ireland hopes to maximise the viewing time for this year's event by arranging 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 4th April. 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 <http://www.astronomy.ie> www.astronomy.ie, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391. 2. Astronomer Required for T.V. Role Monster Animation is currently producing a fun cartoon show that aims to introduce young children (age 3-5) to the planets of our Solar System. They are looking to cast an astronomer to give the main character, Cosmo, information on the planets in a short 40 second segment each episode. This astronomer is seen as a real live-action person, and would love is a genuine, honest to goodness astronomer! The role requires: · Enthusiasm, passion. · Someone really friendly that children can relate to. · Someone who isn't shy in front of a camera and can take direction. · Good lively performance. · Someone fun with loads of charisma. All other elements are open – male, female, any age (although often children can relate easier to younger people). To apply: Send a short 30-60 second video of you talking about a planet, any planet. This can be shot on a mobile phone or anything that gives you an easy video file. Quality doesn't hugely matter – it's about the performance. Have fun with it. Send to lean@monsteranimation.ie before Friday 9th March and you will be contacted soon after that! 3. Astronomy Tips The evening sky during twilight is dominated by Venus and Jupiter, two very bright planets located in the west and southwest. These are easily spotted with the naked eye, and can be identified easily: Venus is brighter and closer to the horizon, while Jupiter is slightly dimmer and much higher up in the sky. Jupiter in particular is an excellent sight through a telescope, which will reveal its clouds belts, the Great Red Spot, and its moons. Later on in the night Mars rises in the east, and can be seen as a star-like object with an orange tinge. Larger telescopes will show you the Red Planet's polar ice caps, as well as revealing planet-wide dust storms! <http://www.astronomy.ie/> Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club <http://www.astronomy.ie/> www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> )