ASTRONOMY IRELAND MAILING LIST - www.astronomy.ie (Ireland's national astronomy society and magazine) --------------------------------------------------- 1. ASTRONOMY IRELAND RADIO SHOW We have been invited to put on a radio show every week for a trial run of 13 episodes. We envisage it being a 'magazine' style show, similar to our own printed magazine - i.e. news, features, interviews, what to see, events etc. If you would like to contribute to one or more shows, or help run the entire series, or just suggest ideas please reply to this email (info@astronomy.ie) Details of the airing of the shows will be announced here in a few weeks. 2. AI PUBLIC LECTURE, MONDAY JULY 12 (in D.C.U.) "INTERNET TELESCOPES IN EDUCATION" is Astronomy Ireland's July Public Lecture. It will be given by Bart Busschots from NUI Maynooth who is working on the VTIE (Virtual Telescopes in Education) project with schools around Ireland that will be able to use telescopes around the world from their classrooms. It's an exciting, very new, and fascinating concept that can also have amateur input so do come along and hear the talk. ALL WELCOME. 8pm in The Henry Grattan Building (next to THE HELIX) in Dublin City University, Collins Ave, Dublin 9 on July 12 (next Monday). Admission 5euro (3euro concessions) Details and map at: www.astronomy.ie/lecture0407.html 3. AUGUST STAR-B-Q OFFER EXPIRES NEXT TUESDAY Lots of people have already taken up the offer of reduced price tickets for early bookings to Astronomy Ireland's fund-raising barbecue under the stars "Star-B-Q" on Aug. 13. Star-B-Q has become the biggest annual viewing event in Ireland, aimed at amateurs and the general public. This year's Star-B-Q will be held on Friday August 13 to specially coincide with the Perseid Meteor Shower - one of the best of the year. The wonders of universe will also be on show in some of the biggest telescopes in Ireland - the Ring Nebula, Whirlpool and Andromeda Galaxies, Hercules Globular Star Cluster, and lots more. PLUS there should be 2 or more comets within reach of the telescopes. Then there's the barbecue providing all the food you can eat until late in to the night and free soft drinks (alcohol not recommended) There'll be talks on the universe, how to 'learn the naked-eye star patterns', guide to binocular viewing, and celestial fireworks courtesy of the Perseids all night long. So this promises to be an extremely memorable and active Star-B-Q. The venue is near Roundwood, Co. Wicklow where the skies are very dark, yet easy to get to from Dublin (though people come from all around Ireland, north and south). NOTE: You MUST purchase tickets in advance. Normal price is 25euro for adults (20euro for under 16s). SPECIAL OFFER: However, until July 13 ONLY, tickets are reduced to 20euro for adults, and you can book as many tickets as you like. Tickets include all food and drinks and everyone in Ireland is invited. To book, use our SECURE online booking system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: www.astronomy.ie/sbq.html (there's a printable form there too if posting payment) where you will also find details of the event and pictures from past Star-B-Qs. It's the biggest annual viewing event in Ireland, and great fun too, so bring friends and family for a 'different night out' at the very least. You'll be amazed at what you see if you've never looked through a large telescope in a dark sky before. Book now 4. Jupiter has an 'extra moon' on Thursday night. In fact it's the magnitude 4.7 star Chi (in Leo) that will be very close to Jupiter and is about as bright as its 4 main moons. I was looking at the star near Jupiter last night. It'll be closer tonight; closest Thursday; and near Jupiter for the rest of the weekend. See the July issue of our magazine for more details of this and lots of other sights to see this month. Order it securely online at www.astronomy.ie/sub And finally, the Shop has just received the latest shipment from Celestron, including the all new NexStar 130GT, C10-N, and C-8NGT. Those of you who have had items on order should expect a call in the next 24 hours. Viewing of the new models will take place in our Shop in Dublin 5 from Thursday on - please drop in any time (Mon-Sat), no appointment necessary. Regards and clear skies, David Moore, Chairman, Astronomy Ireland. Editor "Astronomy & Space" magazine. www.astronomy.ie Astronomy Shop: Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat