Spring Sale <http://astronomy.ie/springoffers.php> <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> DVD <http://astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> Membership <http://astronomy.ie/shop/CPC/index.html> Shop 1. St Patrick’s Day Astronomy Over the St Patrick's Day weekend there are a number of planets visible in the sky. The new highlight this month is the planet Mars, which is making its way through the south-eastern sky in the evenings and throughout the night. Mars is easily recognisable as it's quite a bright object and has an orange-red hue. However, those with telescopes will get to see some great detail on the Red Planet, as it's currently as close to Earth as it will be for the next two years as well as being on almost the exact opposite side of the sky to the Sun (in 'opposition'). A telescope will reveal its polar ice caps and the vast dark patches covering the planet. For more details on viewing Mars this month, visit our special webpage <http://www.astronomy.ie/viewingmars.php> HERE. Venus and Jupiter form a magnificent pair in the western sky, visible just after sunset. We have already received countless calls and emails from people who have spotted these two planets. This is a spectacular sight and one that can't be missed! For the early-morning astronomers among us, Saturn will be visible near the bright star Spica, and will be best viewed around 3am when it's at its highest point in the sky. If you get to see any of the planets, please email observe@astronomy.ie and let us know what you saw. 2. Nationwide Mars Watch On Thursday, March 29, at various locations nationwide, Astronomy Ireland will be setting up powerful telescopes focused on the planet Mars. Current confirmed locations are Athy <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Clare <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Cork <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Down <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Dublin <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , Leitrim/Sligo <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> , and please keep checking our <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatches29jan10.html> Mars Watch webpage as more locations may be confirmed over the coming weeks For more information, updated locations, and to check the location of your closest Watch click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/marswatch2012.php> 3. Astronomy Ireland Transit of Venus Trip to Beijing Astronomy Ireland have organised a group tour to Beijing to celebrate this year’s Transit of Venus across the Sun, which will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime 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 4th April. 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 <http://www.astronomy.ie> www.astronomy.ie, or by calling Project Travel on (01) 210 8391. <http://www.astronomy.ie/> Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club <http://www.astronomy.ie/> www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> )