I Invite You To The Most Significant Event In Our 19 Year History - David Moore, Chairman On Saturday, April 25, Astronomy Ireland is going to change your world forever, for, on that day our National Meeting will be held in what is to be a fun filled event to explain how we are changing your society from not just being the biggest astronomy club in the world, but to becoming a new force in Ireland to develop a Science Culture for this country. You won't know this but behind the scenes A.I. has been hiring and training staff to this end, and there are a lot more people needed if we are to truly generate an explosion of interest in science in general in Ireland through astronomy - which is surely the most popular of the sciences to the general public. So, I ask you, isn't this the one event in your life that you should make sure you attend? THE AGENDA: 1. "What is The International Year of Astronomy All About" by one of its international organisers First up will be Robert Hill who will explain what the world's astronomers have planned for International Year of Astronomy. A brilliant public speaker, Robert is one of the key people in the world for this event and you get to hear what the world's astronomers have spent 6 years planning with the United Nations. If his talk does not inspire you, nothing will! 2. Next, as Chairman of A.I. I will outline A.I.'s plans, and how you might help, from rolling up your sleeves and doing some voluntary work, to just sitting at home and emailing our public representatives. Already we have over 100 volunteers from our 2,500 paid-up membership who help run the society, but we have 12,000 people on our "Friends Mailing List" (i.e. this mailing list) and growing and you can help too. 3. So that the day is more than speeches and visionary goals we've also lined up the premiere of the new short film, NAMING PLUTO, featuring an appearance by our own Sir Patrick Moore. 4. An amazing 3-D TOUR of the Galaxy (stereoscopic glasses will be provided) 5. There'll even be a prize presentation to the 11,000th person ever to join Astronomy Ireland. WHAT TO DO NEXT? So, no matter where you live in Ireland, or whatever you have planned for April 25, I am asking you to cancel it now and plan to spend 2pm to 5pm in The Science Gallery. And, to answer the most popular question: yes, you can bring friends/family as non-members are extremely welcome. Details of this FREE event can be found HERE including the IYA Booklet that we spent thousands of euro posting out to all paid up members. If there is one book you should read this year it is this one (3.8MB PDF)! I very much hope to see all of you on Saturday so please start making your travel plans now. - David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland - the world's most popular astronomy society! www.astronomy.ie Tel (01) 847 0777