Galway * Cork * Dundalk Astronomy Ireland, as part of its new initiative to organise and promote more events throughout the country, is proud to announce the first in a series of countrywide lectures. This pilot scheme begins with lectures in Galway, Cork, and Dundalk by the renowned author Dr. Stuart Clark. This event is being organised for members throughout the country so please support the society by coming along. It's also a chance to meet amateur astronomers and other interested people in your part of the country. Very soon we hope to announce another lecture tour of the country by another well known speaker. The pilot scheme begins with the following exciting event: "The Day the Sun Attacked the Earth" In September 1859, our planet was battered by a blob of superheated gas, spat out during the most violent solar flare in recorded history. When the superheated gas collided with our atmosphere, the northern lights were seen as far south as the Caribbean! Around the world telegraph systems crashed, machines burst into flames, and electric shocks rendered operators unconscious. Compasses and other sensitive instruments reeled as if struck by a massive magnetic fist. These bizarre effects caused a huge debate among astronomers, many of whom doubted that the Sun could affect the Earth this way across a distance of 150 million km. The 1859 solar flare was the most widely observed astronomical event in history, but until this year it was largely forgotten. Interest in the event has been revived because 2007 is the International Heliophysical Year - with teams of astronomers across the world cooperating in the study of our local star, upon which all life on Earth depends. A new book about the 1859 event has recently been published. The Sun Kings: The Unexpected Tragedy of Richard Carrington and the Tale of How Modern Astronomy Began, was written by Stuart Clark, European Space Agency science writer, former editor of the British magazine Astronomy Now, and one of the UK's best known popular science authors. His book also reveals new details about the sordid scandal that destroyed Richard Carrington's reputation and led him from the highest echelons of science to the lowest reaches of love, villainy and revenge. Dr Clark is doing a promotional lecture tour and book signing for Astronomy Ireland in Cork, Galway and Dundalk at the following venues - November 5 (Monday) 8pm Arts Millennium Building - NUI Galway November 6 (Tuesday) 8pm Jury's Hotel, Western Road, Cork November 7 (Wednesday) 8pm Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk Admission: 5 euro (3 euro to AI members, Under 18's, OAP's) Organiser: Astronomy Ireland Tickets are available at the door or visit www.astronomy.ie or call Astronomy Ireland on (01) 847 0777 ALL WELCOME Book Signing: Copies of Dr. Clark's book will be available at the venues for 25 euro each and the author will be more than happy to sign a copy for you. Public Lecture: "Near Earth Asteroids" Nov. 12, Dublin On Friday 13th, April 2029, the asteroid Apophis will pass within approximately 35,000km of Earth. That's closer to us than the satellites that beam television pictures to our satellite dishes. Depending on exactly how close Apophis passes, there is a chance that it could hit the Earth on its subsequent visit in 2036. Dr. Neil McBride of the Open University will give Astronomy Ireland's November Lecture on the subject of Near Earth Asteroids and the asteroid belt. He will examine what we know about these dark travellers and assess the threat posed to Earth by NEOs (Near Earth Objects) and what we can do to counteract this threat. Title: Near Earth Asteroids Speaker: Dr. Neil McBride Venue: Physics Building, Trinity College, Dublin Date: 12th November, 8.00pm Admission: 5 euro (3 euro to AI members, Under 18's, OAP's) Organiser: Astronomy Ireland ALL WELCOME See www.astronomy.ie/lecture200711.html for map of venue and further details "Mars: A Cosmic Stepping Stone" The South Dublin Astronomical Society is holding its next monthly meeting on Thursday 8th November which features a talk on Mars by the renowned Dr. Kevin Nolan. Admission is free and all are welcome The details are: Title: 'Mars: A Cosmic Stepping Stone'. Speaker: Dr.Kevin Nolan Venue: Gonzaga College, Ranelagh. Date: 8th November, 8:00pm Astro-Expo; change of date Please note that Astro-Expo will now take place on Sunday 25th November (and not 11th November as previously announced) in the Artane & Beaumont Family Recreation Centre, Kilmore Road, Dublin 5. This is a just two minute walk from the AI office and the telescope shop. More details of this and the nationwide Uranus Watches in another email soon but note the date in your diary now for our 17th Annual Exhibition. Check www.astronomy.ie too for further details. Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Telescope Advice Monday to Saturday: Tel (01) 847 0777 (Ask for new catalogue)