2011 Events Membership DVD Shop
1. Shuttle Launch Rescheduled
Space Shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to launch on Monday, May 16 from the Kennedy Space Centre. Initially the launch was scheduled for Friday, April 29 but had to be postponed due to problem with a heater circuit linked with the Shuttle's Auxiliary Power Unit. Endeavour’s STS-134 mission will take a crew of 6 on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) to deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), a state-of-the-art particle physics detector which will increase our understanding of the universe’s origin.
To watch the launch visit www.astronomy.ie/nasatv
2. Morning Planets
Over the coming weeks the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter will be visible in the morning sky. All four planets will be visible just before sunrise, close to the horizon in the eastern sky. However make sure you get to see this over the next few days as Mercury will disappear soon.
Don't forget to email what you see to observe@astronomy.ie and we will try our best to publish your pictures and observations in forthcoming issues of 'Astronomy & Space' magazine.
3. Friggatriskaidekaphobes won’t know what they’re missing!
While many treat Friday 13th with superstitious caution and may not feel like going outside this Friday, rational stargazers across the world will rejoice with the chance to see an incredible sight. The Moon, Saturn and one of the most dazzling stars in the night sky, Spica, will shine to the south during the evening of Friday the 13th. This event is even more special due to the Earth-sized storm that is currently raging on Saturn's surface. With a modest sized telescope it is possible to see the storm and amazing detail within the rings. The position of the Moon and Spica will act as a signpost that will allow everyone to easily find Saturn.
For more information about this event, see www.astronomy.ie/saturnstorm
4. Moon Month
On the evening of June 15th the moon will rise fully eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow. Now is the time to get your own telescope and avoid the disappointment of missing this event. The total eclipse of the Moon is only a few short weeks away and Astronomy Ireland have prepared special moon watching packs to help you begin your exploration of our celestial neighbour. This will be the last total lunar eclipse viewable from Ireland for over 4 years! Call a member of the Astronomy Ireland Shop now for advice on the best way to capture this Event.
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