CHRISTMAS LECTURE "The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence" by Tim O'Brien from Jodrell Bank Monday December 10 at 8pm in Trinity College Dublin The World famous Jodrell Bank, this year celebrating its 50th anniversary, is joining forces with Astronomy Ireland to present a very special Christmas Lecture this year on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence so advance booking is advised, see below. We are flying over Dr. Tim O'Brien of the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory to discuss how life developed on Earth and if there could be forms of life on Mars and other planets or moons in our Solar System. Jodrell Bank observatory is the UK's national radio astronomy observatory and is run by the University of Manchester's School of Physics and Astronomy. The world famous radio telescope at Jodrell Bank was the only scientific instrument in the world able to track the carrier rocket of the very first Sputnik when it was launched into space in October 1957. For a long time the giant dish was the biggest steerable radio telescope in the world and is still the 3rd largest. Dr. O'Brien is a Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics and Head of Outreach at Jodrell Bank Observatory. Now that more than 250 planets have been discovered outside our own Solar System in the last 12 years the potential for discovering life and, indeed, intelligent life would appear to increase with time. Dr. O'Brien will also update us on the role of Jodrell Bank in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and how YOU could be the person who discovers extraterrestrial intelligent life. The 2007 Christmas Lecture takes place in Trinity College Dublin in the Physics Building (see map on our website) at 8pm on Monday December 10. A DVD will be made for everyone in Ireland who cannot get along in person. BOOKING ESSENTIAL: We strong advise that you book your seat in advance as our Christmas and New Year Public lectures are very special and can some times get lots of publicity. For instance the New Year Public Lecture in January was packed out and 50-100 people had to be turned away! Already two top rating RTE Radio 1 shows have said they want to interview our speaker about the event. Admission is just 5euro for adults so bring as many friends and family as you can. There is a concession rate of 3euro for paid-up AI members, under 18s, students, unwaged and OAP. Book now at www.astronomy.ie or call Astronomy Ireland on (01) 847 0777 ALL WELCOME DVD available: If you are unable to make it to the lecture it will be available on DVD for only 5euro each (plus P&P). You can order these now online at www.astronomy.ie and click 'Lecture DVDs' in the menu on the left-hand-side. 2. BEAT THE SUB INCREASE! If you are not already a member of Astronomy Ireland and receiving our full colour monthly magazine you can support us and join here: www.astronomy.ie/sub On December 1st, after 5 years the annual 40euro AI subscription rate will increase to 48euro, roughly in line with inflation. At just 4euro a month we think the magazine and work the society does to promote interest in astronomy is exceptional value for money. Don't just read these emails, please support us and sign up now. If you sign up before December 1st you will get the 40euro rate so get clicking and support astronomy in Ireland - we need your support more now than ever! Click here www.astronomy.ie/sub or post 40euro to Astronomy Ireland, P.O.Box 2888, Dublin 5. Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Christmas Telescope Advice: Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat