Presenting a major public lecture on our proud Irish heritage in astronomy: "Probably the world's most entertaining astronomical speaker" "Amazing" "Thrilling" These are just some of the comments we have heard about Dr Allan Chapman who will give Astronomy Ireland's 2004: *** C H R I S T M A S L E C T U R E *** "LORD ROSSE and the 19th century Irish Astronomers" =================================================== on Tuesday December 7th at 8pm in Dublin City University All welcome. Admission 5euro (3euro concessions) Dr Allan Chapman presented Channel 4's recent TV series "Gods in the Sky" describing how ancient astronomers viewed the skies. He is a lecturer in Oxford University and a world authority on the history of astronomy. Dr Chapman is a brilliant public speaker. He says he regards giving a lecture as not just disseminating information but making it in to an entertaining theatrical performance. He is one of those rare larger than life characters who can communicate brilliantly. This talk will be suitable for everyone, not just astronomy fans, so do bring as many friends as possible. Many of you will know of Lord Rosse who built the Hubble Space Telescope of the day in 1845 in Birr Castle, Co. Offaly (now beautifully restored). The world's astronomers beat a path to Birr for half a century and Lord Rosse welcomed them all securing Ireland's place in the history books. But there were many other great observatories in Ireland which you may not have heard about: Markree in Sligo where the ONLY asteroid ever found from Irish soil was discovered. The first electrical measurement of starlight was done from Ireland - now the most important tool in astronomy! And there are many other stories. Dr Chapman wrote the highly sought after VICTORIAN AMATEUR ASTRONOMER (which now sells 'used' for over 100euro on the net!) and he has visited the archives at Birr and elsewhere for his research in to this exciting era. He is thus eminently qualified to give a talk on our proud Irish astronomical heritage just as we head in to Hamilton Year 2005 which is to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Ireland's greatest Director of Dunsink Observatory (our New Year Lecture will be about Hamilton's life see website). VENUE The Christmas Lecture is being run in association with the BRITISH COUNCIL and its Director Tony Reilly will address the audience. NOTE: This lecture will take place in a larger theatre than our normal monthly lectures in D.C.U. and also note the day and date are NOT our usual rule of "the second Monday of the month". So, go along to the Business School in D.C.U. (directly opposite the multi storey car park, so very handy, see map on our webpage for the lecture) And go in to the large lecture theatre QG15 Details and map of D.C.U. : http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture0412.html If you live in the Leinster area please come along to our 2004 CHRISTMAS LECTURE, it promises to be a fascinating evening. A DVD will be produced for those of you who cannot get to Dublin (watch for announcement here in a week's time) Please book tickets at above webpage or just click here now: lecture@astronomy.ie?subject=BookTuesdayDecember7tickets-GiveNameAndSayHowMany and then simply pay at the door. Merry Christmas from all as Astronomy Ireland and the Astronomy Shop! www.astronomy.ie