Join Magazine Events DVDs Shop 'Planets Around Other Stars' 1. Shuttle Visible Over Ireland If you've been following www.nasa.gov/shuttle you'll know that the launch of the space shuttle Discovery has been delayed a third time this week. The launch is now scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 4:59am Irish time. As with the launch of Endeavour on July 15, people in Ireland will be fortunate enough to see the shuttle and its huge external fuel tank flying over 18 minutes after launch (so that'll be 5:17am our time), a sight that was described by many as "the most spectacular sight they have ever seen". Not only that, but in the nights following the launch, there will be a "space chase" as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station (ISS), and for times to view this amazing sight, and more details, click HERE. Don't forget, If you see any of these extremely rare sights please email observe@astronomy.ie to be included in our magazine report. So, definitely set your alarm clock and outside and watch the show. 2. 400th Anniversary of Galileo's Telescope It is 400 years this week since Galileo unveiled to Venetian merchants his new creation - a telescope - the instrument that would ultimately bring him scientific immortality. The telescope - a timeless symbol of scientific discovery - has come alone in leaps and bounds over the last 400 years, however Galileo's telescope with just 8 times magnification is accredited with completely changing the Earth's view of the heavens. This monumental anniversary falls within the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) a year-long global celebration of astronomy, declared by the United Nations, which celebrates astronomy and its contributions to society and culture - something with arguably began when Galileo brought the heavens into focus for so many people 400 years ago. Don't forget we are celebrating IYA with a special offer www.astronomy.ie/offer 3. Education Programme Testimonials With schools reconvening both this week and next, Astronomy Ireland are now once again taking bookings for our Education Programme which has to date seen Kevin, our Education Officer, travel all around Ireland giving talks on astronomy to schools. The Programme has been very successful to date with an incredibly enthusiastic response from pupils, teachers and parents alike. But don't just take our word for it, to read what other teachers have to say about our Education Programme click HERE. For more information and booking details visit www.astronomy.ie/outreach or call Joseph on (01) 847 0777. 4. Mars Near Cluster This Weekend Mars can be seen with the naked eye as a fairly bright 'star' rising in the East from 1am this week. It is at its highest though just before dawn begins to break. Take a close up look in binoculars and you will see it is near the lovely open star cluster M35 in Gemini. If you have a suitable camera this would make a superb photograph. A close up star map showing Mars at 5am on each date is here. The field of view is 10 degrees wide, so it is similar to the view in many binoculars. Mars is closest to M35 on Saturday morning but the planet and cluster are in the same field of view for several days as you can see. If you get up to see the Shuttle, or ISS, be sure to check Mars out too, and watch out for Venus in morning skies also. Jupiter, of course, dominates evening skies. Lots more planet viewing details in our magazine - see special offer above. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe ) Our Online Telescope Shop or Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat