1. Mars Watches Nationwide On Wednesday 23 January Astronomy Ireland will be assembling some of the largest portable telescopes in the country in Dublin's Phoenix Park and at various venues across Ireland to offer everybody on the island a chance to see the surface of Mars at its best. All Watches begin at 8pm. Mars is now closer to Earth than at any time until 2016. At only 108 million km distance this is an ideal time to view surface detail on the planet. The large, dark surface feature called Syrtis Major will be visible. Syrtis Major is Mars' equivalent to Africa on Earth so don't miss this opportunity to see the surface of another planet. Further details of venues nationwide are available at www.astronomy.ie For our "Mars Watches" no ticket is needed - just wrap up warm and get yourself along to one of the following venues at 8:00pm - Dublin - Papal Cross Car Park, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Cork - Blackrock Castle Observatory, Blackrock, Cork. Co. Clare - Kilmihil (Ph: 087 2308428) Co. Donegal - Letterkenny I.T. (Ph: 087 2203312) Co. Louth - Seabank Car Park, Dundalk. Co. Tipperary - Dunnes Stores Carpark, Waterford Road, Clonmel 2. Mercury in Evening Skies The elusive planet Mercury was spotted from Ireland with the naked eye last week. This week is the very best time to see it. Full details are on page 26 of our January magazine (www.astronomy.ie/sub). Very few people in the world (less than 1%?) have ever seen Mercury so this is your chance to join this elite club. Please send your sightings to observe@astronomy.ie 3. Astronomy for Beginners (Evening Classes) The Astronomy Ireland designed evening classes for beginners commence on Wednesday 30th January in Trinity College Dublin, Jurys Hotel Cork and Athlone Institute of Technology. With only a week to go before the classes start, and a limited number of places are available, book now at www.astronomy.ie/eveningclass.html to reserve your place. The eight week course is designed with the beginner in mind and no knowledge of astronomy or maths is required. This is an opportunity to meet with fellow enthusiasts and learn a little about the Sun, Planets, Telescopes, History of Astronomy, Cosmology and much much more. 4. Galway Astronomy Festival Jan. 26 Galway Astronomy Club will stage the 5th Galway Astronomy Festival in the Westwood House Hotel, Galway with an impressive line up of speakers from Ireland and the U.K. Full details of speakers, exhibitors, accommodation and costs can be found at http://galwayastronomyclub.ie/fest08a.html There will also be free session on Friday evening. The Astronomy Ireland Shop will be offering some very special prices on telescopes and accessories on the day only. 5. Video Camera required. As part of our nationwide service goals and objectives we aim to provide recordings of our monthly lectures at nominal cost to members and non-members alike. The camera currently in use, which was donated by DCU about 10 years ago has developed a number of irreparable faults lately so if you know of anyone or any organisation that would be willing to donate a suitable camera then please get in touch with us at 01 8470777. We would be most grateful. Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine One of Europe's Biggest Telescope Shops Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat