Spring Sale DVD Membership Shop 1. Sun Shows Each Saturday Join Astronomy Ireland each Saturday for a fantastic Sun Show at the Astronomy Ireland Shop in Airside Enterprise Centre from 1pm. Each Saturday, the staff of the Astronomy Ireland Shop will be showing the public amazing views of our nearest star. Using special filters and some of the largest telescopes in Ireland we will get to see sunspots bigger than Earth and huge solar flare bursting from our nearest star. If it's cloudy, we will run a telescope demonstration and show you how you can safely observe the Sun and undertake some daytime astronomy using your own telescope. For more information on the Sun Shows, please click HERE. WARNING Looking directly at the Sun is extremely dangerous and can cause instant and permanent blindness. Only observe the Sun under the guidance of professionals with proper safety equipment. 2. Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing - Deadline Approaching There are still places available on our upcoming trip to Beijing to observe the last transit of Venus we will see in our lifetimes, but note that full payment must be made by April 4th. To celebrate this year’s Transit of Venus across the Sun, something which will not happen again for 105 years, Astronomy Ireland have organised a group tour to Beijing where it should be visible for almost seven hours. When Venus passes directly between the earth and the Sun, the distant planet is seen as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun. Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our Solar System. Since this will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime Astronomy Ireland, in association with Project Travel, has put together a six night tour to the city of Beijing. As well as the chance of seeing the Transit, you will also get to experience the amazing history and culture of this stunning city with a visit to Beijing’s Ancient Observatory plus tours to The Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace. The six day fully guided tour, which is also open to non-members of Astronomy Ireland, is from June 3rd to 9th and must be booked by April 4th. The €1795 pp sharing price (single supplement €325) includes return flights from Dublin, B&B accommodation in a 4* hotel within walking distance of The Forbidden City and central shopping districts, all transfers and tours in China including an English speaking guide, entry fees as well as some meals and entertainment. Further details and booking forms are available on www.astronomy.ie, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391. 3. Nationwide Mars Watch On Thursday, March 29th, at various locations nationwide, Astronomy Ireland will be setting up powerful telescopes focused on the planet Mars. We encourage everyone to tell everyone you know about the Mars Watch and to come along with friends and family. Please note that the all Watches will go ahead regardless of weather. EVENT DETAILS Current confirmed locations are: Athy, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin, Leitrim/Sligo. For more information, updated locations, and to check the location of your closest Watch click HERE Please keep checking our Mars Watch webpage as more locations may be confirmed over the coming weeks. TELESCOPE VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS WANTED We already have several large telescopes for our Nationwide Mars Watch but if you have a medium to large telescope (at least 6-inch, preferably 8-inch or larger) why not bring it along to one of the Watches and share the excitement of the general public as they are amazed by views of Mars? If you want to get involved call us on (01) 890 11 11 or email sec@astronomy.ie. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe )