The 100 Hours of Astronomy Cornerstone Project is a worldwide event consisting of a wide range of public outreach activities, live science centre, research observatory webcasts and astronomy events.

One of the key goals of 100 Hours of Astronomy is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. 100 Hours of Astronomy will take place from 2-5 April when the Moon goes from first quarter to gibbous.

Friday 3rd April 2009: From 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm, at the Martello Tower Car Park (south side), Strand Rd, Sandymount, Dublin 4.

Sky watchers of the Irish Astronomical Society invite you to join them. A number of quality telescopes will be available for viewing the wonders of the heavens (provided that the skies are reasonably clear). With the Moon at first quarter, the Craters of the Moon will still be well on view. By later in the evening (when it gets dark), the planet Saturn will be star of the show. Its rings are now a straight line as the planet is presented nearly edge-on!
Dublin City Council Libraries will have their educational e learning bus along, which will be a treat for children.

Saturday 4th April: Stargazing in Wicklow Mountains National Park with the Irish Astronomical Society 8 pm to 10 pm Upper Lake Car Park ( Glendalough). Weather dependant.

PLEASE PHONE THE INFORMATION OFFICE TO CHECK THAT IT WILL TAKE PLACE. Tel: 0404 45425 (Weekends only). For more information, please phone the Education Centre Tel: 0404 45656 (weekdays) or Deirdre Kelleghan, President Irish Astronomical Society 0872893828.

Astronomy Ireland Public Lectures in April and May
On 20th April, the lecture will be “From the Moon to Matroshka” by Professor Denis O’Sullivan, School of Cosmic Physics, Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies.

Professor O’Sullivan is currently involved in Matroshka– an experiment concerning human absorption of radiation aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Since 2009 is the 40th anniversary of the Lunar Landing he will start with a description of Ireland’s first space experiments carried out during the Apollo 11,16 and 17 missions by a group at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). Following this, several DIAS space experiments investigating cosmic radiation, energetic solar particles, particles in the Martian Atmosphere as well as studies of the effects of space radiation on human organs and bacteria will be discussed. in a Japanese mission next year.

On 11th May, there is a public lecture, ‘Recycling Life on the Edge’ by NASA Scientist Anthony Heijenga. His work includes the implementation of eight flight studies on satellite, space shuttle, Russian and US space station platforms. His present work is directed towards applying space-derived technologies on Earth.

Both talks are in the Fitzgerald Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2 near the Westland Row or Lincoln Place entrances. Admission is €7 (€5 members and concessions). Advance Booking is on the www.astronomy.ie website.