1. 100 Hours of Astronomy

From April 2nd to 5th, you are invited to join almost 7 Billion people in over 140 countries for a groundbreaking global event that is set to make history. Astronomy Ireland are setting up over 1 million euro worth of telescopes at 100 events all over Ireland over the next four days, we want all 4 million people to go to their nearest Watch and participate in what promises to be the biggest astronomy event this country and, indeed, the world, has ever seen. It is an astronomy marathon of epic proportion, the likes of which has never been witnessed before.

The United Nations have declared 2009 as "The International Year of Astronomy" or "IYA2009", this telescope event is one of the major cornerstone projects. It is taking place to allow anyone and everyone access to a telescope so they can witness the wonders of the night sky such as: The Moon, which is perfectly located in evening skies and at its beautiful first quarter phase that allows the most awe inspiring views of mountains, craters, cliffs and seas - a truly amazing sight! Saturn, with its intricate and stunning ring system and some of its larger moons, which the great Galileo never managed to see through his tiny telescope. The Pleiades star cluster - a dazzling sight, usually seen as about 6 or 7 bright stars, depending on your eyesight, but through binoculars about 50 hot young stars are visible in a twinkling display that will capture your imagination. The Crab Nebula - the ancient remnants of a dead star, so wonderfully preserved through the ages for our visual pleasure. For more details of your local Branch, please see HERE. VOLUNTEERS We need volunteers to support our Branch coordinators for this huge event, e.g. to hand out leaflets and the like. Or, do you have a larger telescope you could bring? If you can help out in any way in your area, please email us at sec@astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777 and let's get a Branch going in your area for IYA 2009. 2. Looking to work as part of a dynamic team? Enjoy a challenge? Great, we have just the job for you. We need people in all departments to join us in our mission to change the way Ireland currently is and pave the way for a future knowledge based economy. Send your CV's to jobs@astronomy.ie with a note telling us what you think you can do to help us achieve our goals. 3. Graphic Design We are looking for someone to lay out our magazine either as a volunteer or on a commercial basis. Please email sec@astronomy.ie if this position interests you. 4. Telescope Shop Amazing FREE Giveaway The Astronomy Ireland Shop has some amazing offers this weekend to celebrate the IYA2009 100 Hours Of Astronomy. Starting today, we are giving away FREE eyepiece kits, binoculars and exothermic hand warmers when you buy a telescope. We are also offering FREE delivery to anywhere in Ireland. For more information on these incredible deals, please visit www.astronomy.ie/shop Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )