ASTRO-EXPO 2007 

Views of Astro-Expo 2007             Credit John Dickson

Astro-Expo 2007 in association with the Discover Science and Engineering Programme took place on Sunday 25 November in the Artane Beaumont Recreation Centre in Artane, Dublin 5.  This was new spacious venue just a stone's throw from the Astronomy Ireland offices and the shop.

Dave Fanning with Astronomy Ireland members Photo: Ita Dardis	Dave Fanning's Drivetime     Photo: Ita Dardis

In the weeks prior to the event there was much media interest in the event with Astronomy Ireland Chairman David Moore doing dozens of interviews.  Dave Fanning's "Drivetime" program on RTE Radio 1 invited David Moore, Sonya Farrell, David Grennan and Ben Emmett to talk for an hour about space astronomy and Astro-Expo, on the Thursday before the event.

Dr. Miruna Popescu from Armagh Observatory presented an exhibition of the Sun and also gave an excellent lecture.

The event itself was a great success with people coming from as far away as Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Donegal.

Exhibitors included an amazing Sun Exhibition by Dr. Miruna Popescu of Armagh Observatory, Armagh Planetarium, DCU Astrophysics, UCD Physics with Astronomy and Space Science, NUI Galway Astrophysics Dept., NUI Maynooth Physics with Astrophysics, Trinity College Astrophysics, David Grennan Astrophotography Display, Astronomy Shop, Astronomy Ireland, Brownstown Observatory, UFO Society, Irish Light Pollution Awareness Campaign, South Dublin Astronomical Society, Eamonn O'Fearchain and Nature's Treasures.  

Bart Connolly supplied his inflatable planetarium for the day.

Armagh Planetarium     Photo: Ita Dardis	Ben Emmett at the Astronomy Ireland stand  Cr: Ita Dardis
Bart Connolly and his Planetarium  Cr: Ita Dardis	South Dublin Astronomical Society Stand  Cr: Ita Dardis
Astronomy Ireland stand    Cr. John Dickson	Portable Planetarium         Credit J. Dickson

There were 3 lectures on the day:

First was "The Sun" by Dr Miruna Popescu (Armagh Observatory).  This was a really innovative and visual lecture concerning all aspects of our Sun.

Next lecture was "Imaging the Solar System" by Astronomy Ireland's own Carl O'Beirnes.  Carl is an expert on astrophotography and his knowledge and experience shone through in this excellent lecture

The final lecture of the day was "Light Pollution" by Albert White (ILPAC which is the Irish branch of the International Dark Sky Association).  Albert White is a fine speaker and has been a tireless campaigner against light pollution in Ireland for many years.  His knowledge and experience is second to none on this island.  

Carl O'Beirnes on Astrophotography                   Credit: John Dickson
Kevin Sweeney explains     Credit:David Moore	Astronomy Shop       Photo: David Moore
Dr. Miruna Popescu        Photo: David Moore	Astrophotography          Photo: David Moore
Albert White Light Pollution  Photo:David Moore	Armagh Planetarium      Photo: Patrick O'Leary
Eamonn O'Fearchain      Cr: Patrick O'Leary	Entering the Planetarium   Cr:Patrick O'Leary
Brownstown Observatory      Cr: P. O'Leary	Carl at the Shop          Cr:Patrick O'Leary
Dr. Miruna Popescu               Cr: P O'Leary	Astronomy Shop       Credit: Patrick O'Leary
Robert, Ray and Trish  Cr:Patrick O'Leary	Enjoying the books  Cr:P O'Leary
Waiting for the show  Cr:P O'Leary	Nature's Treasures Cr:Patrick O'Leary
South Dublin Astronomical Society  Cr:Patrick O'Leary	David Moore, Keith O'Beirnes and Robert Lord Cr: Patrick O'Leary
Tom Finnegan       Cr: Patrick O'Leary	David Grennan explains how  Photo Ita Dardis