Astronomy Ireland - bringing astronomy to the people Hi! We have a new DVD for you, that Hubble Lecture, a Grand Opening, a superb Cosmology' lecture, and Saturn Watches nationwide. See below. Why not give us a call this Easter Saturday? We're open 10am-6pm. 1. DVD now available - Photographing the Eclipse with Sir Patrick Moore Two of our very own members presented our March 10th lecture - "Shooting the Moon and planets with Sir Patrick Moore" which is now available to everyone in Ireland. Carl O'Beirnes and David Grennan, both long standing members of Astronomy Ireland, gave a very interesting talk on astrophotography, a hobby they both share. Sir Patrick Moore recognised their skill by inviting them to film the February Lunar Eclipse with the BBC for his Sky at Night - the longest running TV show in the world. The talk began with Carl describing the equipment needed for imaging the planets and took us step by step through the processing stage. He also spoke about the various programmes available (like RegiStax) and which of them he uses. He showed some of the images he has taken at various stages in their processing and "wowed" the crowd with the final results. David then spoke of his imaging techniques and told how he has managed quite successfully to photograph the International Space Station as it orbits the earth at a staggering 17,000mph. He described the equipment he uses and some of his techniques and how anyone with a 'goto' telescope can do this. The lecture was finished off with Carl and David both talking about their recent visit to Sir Patrick Moore's home in south England for a special Sky at Night filming of the recent Lunar Eclipse. They showed photographs and some film footage of the night including hilarious impersonations of Sir Patrick and George Bush by TV comedian Jon Culshaw. This DVD is a must have for anyone thinking of taking up astro-photography as it is quite informative and demonstrated how easily it can be done with the right instruction and equipment. It is also an incredible insight for fans of Sir Patrick Moore and the BBC Sky at Night. Get this Lecture on DVD for just 5euro plus P&P ORDER TODAY 2. Nationwide Coming Events: March 31 Public Lecture & DVD "Hubble Space Telescope" April 12 grand Opening of our New Shop April 14 Public Lecture & DVD "Dark Matter, Black Holes, CERN" by pop-star! April 15 Annual Saturn Watch 3. Easter Viewing Highlights Spring has officially arrived with the Vernal Equinox on March 20. Did you know that Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first Full Moon (March 21) after the Vernal Equinox? You'll get great views of Saturn and Mars which are high in evening skies as well as the Moon in your telescope. Jupiter is in morning skies, low in the southeast before dawn, but it's getting better placed and will be the star attraction at Star-B-Q on August 30th. Call us if you need any advice on choosing or using a telescope for viewing these planets. Note: we are open Easter Saturday but closed on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. The International Space Station is visible on March 29th - April 9th when it will pass in front of Mars and Saturn as seen from Ireland - we hope to have a new webpage for this next week. To get a daily reminder of when to see I.S.S. sent to your mobile phone text SPACE to 57003 (1euro each). Happy viewing! Don't forget to send your report/photos of any sightings to observe@astronomy.ie Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular astronomy club Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat Delivery Nationwide To subscribe/unsubscribe click here