Tullamore becomes the Centre of the Universe

This coming weekend, the Midlands Astronomy Club is holding its biggest annual event, the Cosmos 2009 Star Party, expected to attract amateur astronomers and enthusiasts from all over Ireland to Annaharvey Farm on the Portarlington Road out of Tullamore.Guest speakers at the event include Bob Campbell of the Midlands Astronomy Club; Prof. Alan Fitzsimmons, Queens University Belfast - 'Pan-STARRS: Killer Asteroids and other Humdrum Science'; Robert Hill, Armagh Observatory - 'Using the latest 3D Technology in Astronomy and Science Education'; Prof. Denis O"Sullivan, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies - 'The Apollo Missions and Ireland"s First Space Experiments - and What Happened After' and Br. Guy Consolmagno, of the Vatican Observatory.The level of the lectures is aimed at everyone, from the amateur novice to the serious enthusiast. The programme is broken up by the various displays and exhibits on offer to allow time to unwind or take in new information.Various telescopes and other pieces of equipment will be on display. On Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting, these instruments will be put through their paces with an observing session in to the small hours on both nights.The prices for this year"s event are as follows: €45 (€35 Concession) for a weekend pass, €25 (€20 Concession) for either Saturday or Sunday only, and €5 Friday only. Concession applies to students with VALID I.D. card, secondary school students, and retired/OAP. Children under 12 are gladly welcomed for free with accompanying adult(s). Complimentary tea/coffee breaks are included Saturday and Sunday, however lunches and dinner are extra (at visitors" discretion).You can check out more information on www.midlandsastronomy.com or contact the Secretary, Seanie Morris, on 087 6825910, or e-mail the club on tullamoreastronomy@yahoo.co.uk.