Irish Astronomical Association

Upcoming Events

3rd November - Royal Irish Academy Cosmology talk in Belfast - http://www.ria.ie/events/

14th November - I.A.A. at Armagh Planetarium. IYA event starting 2 PM with solar and evening observing.

20th November - I.A.A at Roe Valley Country Park nr Limvady. IYA event with evening observing.

Q1 2010 TBC - I.A.A. at St. Patrick’s Academy Dungannon . IYA event solar and evening observing.

Further details on IAA News

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The Irish Astronomical Association was formed in 1974 and draws its 200 members from both the UK and Ireland. The IAA membership ranges from complete beginners to accomplished observers and astro photographers.

Astronomy exhibition in Armagh

An interdisciplinary exhibition bringing together science, education and art, named "Over us All is the SElfsame Sky" (OASES) will open at 11:00 on Monday 9 November in the Rotunda Gallery, St Patrick's Trian, Armagh. The exhibition is part of a series of Astro-Art events held to celebrate the UN International Year of Astronomy 2009 and it will be launched with a performance of music, poetry and dance by pupils from Mount St. Catherine's Primary School, Armagh and the Armagh Rhymers.

The astronomy-themed exhibition contains paintings by astronomer Miruna Popescu of Armagh Observatory and artist Dara Vallely of the Armagh Rhymers, as well as work done in Astro-Art Fun workshops by children from schools as far apart as Omagh, Armagh and Dublin. The launch is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.

more info: http://astronomy2009.ie/official_press_releases/oases_exhibition_launch.html

IAA New Year Party 2nd January 2010 - Book Now!

The Irish Astronomical Association New Year Party will be held as usual in the Tudor Cinema, Drumhirk, Comber on Saturday 2nd of January 2010. A buffet meal will be available in Mc Brides the Square, Comber, starting at 6.00pm. After the buffet, members and guests will then make their way to the Tudor Cinema, Drumhirk for the feature film and quiz which will start at approx 8.00pm. Due to seating capacity at the Tudor Cinema numbers are limited to 60, so early booking is essential.

The booking form can be downloaded from here...

Brian Harvey to speak at IAA meeting 4th November

Irish Space Author Brian Harvey will be the main speaker at the first IAA meeting in November. Brian is an expert in Space Exploration and the the subject of his talk is "The Chinese Space Programme" Given the very real possibility that the next man to walk on the Moon may well be a Chinaman, this promises to provide a fascinating insight into what has been described as "The last of the secret Space Exploration programmes"!

Meeting as usual will be in the Bell Theatre, Queens University Belfast at 7.30pm and all are welcome

Superb photograph of the Milky Way by IAA member

Regular contributor Martin Campbell has sent in one of his holiday snaps - this one from from the Pic Du Midi Observatory in France - a stunning view of the centre of our own galaxy! See many more like this and chat with fellow amateur astronomers on the IAA Forum!

‘Stargazing for Pleasure’

Call for interest – it is intended that this lecture series will be held in Bangor, subject to the level of interest;

Bangor, Hamilton House

Tuesday evenings 7pm to 9pm

November to December 2009

Lecturer: Dr Andy McCrea

Full details here...

IAA/IYA 2009 -"Space and Aliens Competition"

There is still time to enter this competition - deadline now 30th November!

As part of International Year of Astronomy 2009, the Irish Astronomical Association (IAA) is running a major public competition, with substantial prizes, for all ages, and in various categories, so that anyone can enter. Full details here...