1. Rosetta launch to be covered live on Irish television Leo Enright expects to be on air live around 7am on TG4 tomorrow morning (Tue Mar. 2) to cover the launch of the ambitious Rosetta comet probe. Launch is set for 7:17am, with a second 'window' at 7:37am. So set your video, or get up early! Or watch online (though you will be without Leo's expert commentary) at www.esa.int/rosetta (does anyone know if it's possible to get a streaming video player that can 'record' in much the same way as a VCR does - seems to me that it should be possible but I've never heard of one being developed?). We wish Irish space companies Captec (software), Devtec (built part of the rocket) and Space Technology Ireland (built systems on the craft and will give our Easter Monday Lecture April 12) the best of luck with the launch. 2. Don't forget Saturn is next to the Moon tonight. Jupiter was (and is) an amazing sight with 5 'moons' visible in our 10x50 binoculars over the weekend thanks to Chi Leonis. See magazine for more details of both of these. Comet LINEAR is swamped by moonlight this week but the central condensation around the nucleus should be visible, and Venus is your guide to locating it - see page 38 March issue A&S magazine. 3. This Friday will be the first chance to come to our new Members' Telescope Nights in Leinster every weekend with our 21-inch Millennium Telescope (and others). Members: see insert in the March issue with details of when and where to call. Saturn will knock your socks off and it's all free! Support Astronomy Ireland and join online (now secure!) at: www.astronomy.ie/sub ===== David Moore BSc FRAS, at Ireland's BIGGEST Telescope Shop. Tel (01) 847 0777. www.astronomy.ie info@astronomy.ie Click last line to change subscription options & see old messages: