Stargazers from across the country are set to descend on Galway next year as the city is to become the astronomy capital of Ireland.
To prepare for the celebrations in 2009, the International Year of Astronomy, the Galway Astronomy Club has organised a series of lectures.
According to the club, astronomy is a modern high-tech science based on observations that explore the universe and is an integral part of our culture of curiosity to understand the vast “Terra incognita” that surrounds us. To tackle key questions that challenge our minds and imagination astronomy employs the most sophisticated instruments and methods ever conceived and is humankind’s boldest attempt to understand the world in which we live.
Starting at 8pm on Monday, September 29, the club will host a talk by the eminent scientist Dr John Mc Donald of NUI Galway with a talk entitled "The fascinating Universe, probing Pulsars & Plasma".
Later in October Professor Paul Mohr will talk about ancient Greek astronomy while in November Professor Dick Butler will examine a strange moon of Saturn called Iapatus that was recently discovered to contain organic compounds similar to the substances found in primitive meteorites or on the surfaces of comets.
Following a two day astronomy festival in January the lecture series continues with talks on Hubble's successor, The James Webb Space Telescope, Exploring Mars, and to experience a total solar eclipse.
The club caters for people young and old from all walks of life and with the same common interest and new members are greatly encouraged. If you are interested in astronomy you can contact the club chairman on 087 2808272 or go to its website at www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
