The Telescope Nights all over Ireland for Earth Hour 2009 were a success, with 400 people visiting Phoenix Park for the Dublin Branch telescopes. David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland, treated visitors to a tour of the night sky and everyone looked at some of the wonders of the Universe through the several telescopes that were set up.
Some of the highlights of the night included Saturn with its spectacular rings and moons, and the Pleiades star cluster. Orion loomed over the city in the Southern sky and lots of people got to see the Orion Nebula, a huge stellar nursery.
Volunteers Gillian Deenihan and Lotta Mikkonen at the information desk
Sonya Farrell shows the Pleiades star cluster to guests
Membership Secretary Seamus Bonner demonstrates a telescope
Sonya Farrell talks to guests about the constellations
Executive Secretary Conor Farrell and volunteers David Ó Laigheanáin and Gillian Deenihan at the information desk
