1. Massive Space Telescope Lands in Ireland A life-size model of the multi billion euro James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has come to Ireland direct from its Washington premier to highlight Ireland's enormous contribution to space research. The huge model is 2-storeys high, weighs 4 tonnes, and took three days to erect in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin. The public are welcome to view it there www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=53.3428&lon=-6.2978&scale=200000&icon=x Speaking to David Moore, Leo Enright said "we were lucky to get the JWST model to Ireland from the U.S.A. and it will make no other public appearances in Europe!" The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) plans to use the huge model of the space telescope to raise public awareness of Ireland's involvement in cutting-edge science - Prof Tom Ray at DIAS has designed optical filters to be used on the instrument. Prof Ray told David Moore "We'll have a coronagraph instrument that will allow us to directly see planets around other stars" so it could be Irish astronomers who get the first pictures of some of the hundreds of planets found around other stars to date. DIAS is organising a symposium of scientists involved in the Space Telescope that will last until Thursday, when the 2006 Physics Nobel Laureate, Dr John C. Mather, gives DIAS's School of Cosmic Physics Statutory Public Lecture entitled 'Finding our Origins with the James Webb Space Telescope'. For further information about this talk go to - www.dias.ie/text/en/cosmic/files/stat_pub_lec_2007.pdf In 2013 the JWST will replace Hubble as mankind's sharpest eye on the cosmos. It is an infrared optimised telescope, that will search for answers to the question of our cosmic origins. Astronomy Ireland is urging everyone to go along and view this extremely impressive model. Just look at the picture below! It should be on display for at least 2 weeks in Dublin and then possibly other locations around Ireland for about 6 weeks - we'll let you know when we hear any definite details. Great thanks are due to everyone who made this happen from the manufacturers of the model Northrop Grumman corporation to Omega Air who transported it to Ireland, and also DIAS, FAS, and Enterprise Ireland. Well done! Pictures - www.astronomy.ie/DMJMJWST.jpg Caption: Astronomy Ireland Chairman Davis Moore chats with 2006 Physics Nobel Prize winner Dr John C. Mather alongside the life-sized model of the James Webb Space Telescope in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Monday. 2. AI June Lecturer on Pat Kenny Radio Show NASA scientist Dr Peter Gallagher gives our June Public Lecture tonight in TCD and a DVD will be made for everyone in Ireland who wants a copy. Dr Gallagher was on RTE RADIO 1 this morning talking to Tom McGurk who is presenting the Pat Kenny Today show this summer. You can hear the 10 minute interview at www.astronomy.ie/audio (along with lots of other past interesting interviews). If you are reading this AFTER the lecture you can still get the DVD (5euro + p&p) at www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.html 3. See ISS + Atlantis until June 16 We've been all over national and local radio, newspapers (big piece in Sunday Independent) about the space shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station and their on going mission which we can see every night until this coming Saturday June 16. Our Newsline is giving details and the time to watch each afternoon so do call 1550-111-442 (calls cost 95c/min - see our last email explaining why this is necessary). Atlantis docked to ISS on Sunday evening and some of you said you could see both separately after they docked as they flew over. Please email any sightings especially details like this to observe@astronomy.ie and let's get everyone in Ireland out watching space history in the making! P.S. Watch out for pictures of ISS in Irish skies possibly appearing in the Irish Independent in the next few days! Astronomy Ireland Society · Magazine · Telescopes www.astronomy.ie Tel (01) 847 0777