The transit of Venus Ireland 8 th June, 2004 Turas Véineas Éire 8 ú Meitheamh, 2004 Albert White,

Resources National Node Website The Irish Amateur Astronomy website with details of all clubs & societies.

Some Irish Astronomy History 72” Telescope in Birr was the Worlds Largest telescope for 75 years! The 'Whirlpool Galaxy' got its name from observing the spiral nature with this telescope which is now restored. Newgrange, 4,000 BC. Each winter solstice the central passage is illuminated by the dawn Sun. Kenneth Edgeworth, b Dublin, Edgeworth- Kuiper Belt. Lord Rosse, Constructed Birr Telescope 1840's. John Tyndall b created first 'spectro- photometer', began study of 'greenhouse gasses'.

Irish Amateur Astronomy Today 3 National Organisations 12 Regional Clubs (at least!) 3 major starparties each year. Much of the country still has relatively Dark skies. 6 Astronomy Magazines, 2 freely downloadable. Members ranging from casual unaided eye observers to owners of 36” telescopes! More details on the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies.

How to observe safely

The Solarscope

Main Transit Activities Societies in contact with local schools to arrange activities for the day. Attempting to get sponsorship to have a `solarscope` for schools. Public Transit watches arranged by Amateur Clubs across the country. Media coverage building up to the event. Facilitating schools to observe the event and record observations as well as help with calculations, image processing etc. Possible web broadcast from Observatories.

Transit of Venus 2004 Visit the website: For further information Organised by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the European Association for Astronomical Education