Nationwide Mars Watches 23 January 2008

On the 23rd January 2008 Astronomy Ireland held Mars Watches in the Phoenix Park and 5 other locations all around Ireland.  The weather while unsettled was nevertheless clear enough to give good views of the Red Planet in most areas.

 

        
         'There's Mars'         Photo John Hackett

             

            

          Mars Watch Reports

 

Clare:  Kilmihil. 

There was lots of media interest in the event in Clare with the Clare Champion visiting the venue earlier on in the day.  Angus Sealy reported having some clear spells and seeing Mars briefly on one or two occasions.

 

Cork: Blackrock Castle Observatory.  

This was the first time an Astronomy Ireland event took place in Blackrock Castle and what a great event it was.  About 50-60 people came along and with 3 big telescopes available everyone got to see Mars.

 

Donegal: Letterkenny IT  

15 people showed up to the Donegal event.  However the weather wasn't good.  Seamus has arranged to meet everyone some other night when the weather is better.

 

Dublin:  Phoenix Park - Papal Cross Carpark  

A great night was had by all in the Phoenix Park with some 100 people turning up to brave the cold weather. They were treated to some excellent views of Mars- many getting a view of its Polar caps for the first time. The Moon was also very visible on the night and is always such a great object to view.

 

Louth: Dundalk, Seabank carpark 

Derek Watters reports that the skies were 80% cloudy in Seabank Dundalk.  However 8 people did show up nevertheless.

 

Tipperary: Clonmel, Dunnes Store's Carpark

Unfortunately the weather wasn't good in Clonmel.  It remained cloudy and raining throughout.

 

 

Pictures below from very successful December 14th Mars Geminid watches

Dundalk Mars Geminid Watch        Photo: Derek Watters	Paul Farquharson and his 14" Celestron      Cr: T. Finnegan
Mars from the Phoenix Park                Photo: Tom Finnegan	Rory Rudden and David Moore       Photo: Tom Finnegan
Looking for Geminids                      Photo: Tom Finnegan

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