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Nationwide Saturn Watch ReportThe most unique views for 15 years! 3 June 2009, 10pm
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, and this is one of the many events being run by Astronomy Ireland.
On the warm, clear evening of 3 June 2009, thousands of stargazers flocked to the nine Saturn Watches at Astronomy Ireland Branches all over Ireland. The Moon and Saturn reigned over the Southern sky as an army of telescopes stood to attention.
The disk of Saturn was clearly visible, as were the huge rings that surround the gas giant. Not only that but its largest moons - Titan, Tethys, Dione, Rhea and Iapetus - could also be seen quite easily.
Read a blog entry on www.unlockyourpotential.ie HERE.
 
Reports from Astronomy Ireland Branches
Co. Carlow - Garda Station Carpark
"About 30 people attended the Carlow Saturn Watch on Wed night June 3rd. While it was quite some time after 10pm before the planet was visible the attendees were initially treated to a great viewing of the moon through powerful bionoculars and telescopes including the Institute of Technology's 8.75inch Dobsonian and Dermot Gannon's Celestron. Attendees came from as far away as Kilkenny and Wexford. The planet finally appeared and was examined intensely by everybody, including some local gardaí from the station across the road! The last of the appreciative crowd finally dispersed about 12.30am." - Gerry Moloney
"Had a great night in Carlow, with very interesting info from Gerry, found out he only lives 5 miles from me. Enjoyed the interest shown by onlookers and enjoyed sharing my knowledge with them. I must do the Astronomy Evening Classes in Oct/Nov so I can meet others!" - Dermot Gannon, Carlow
Co. Cavan - Cavan Leisure Centre, Drumalee
"A largish crowd of 15-20 were in the car park at 10pm. Set up the telescope to look at the moon. Everyone had a good look. Gave out the Saturn Watch leaflets and Astronomy Class information. We then had a look at Archturus while it got a bit darker. Finally we got to see Saturn. Rings were visible as was Titan. Everyone saw the planet and went home happy!" - Martin Lambert
"Just a quick note to thank you for organising this event. I attended the event in Cavan last night and was blown away - it was amazing. The volunteer who organised the Cavan event made sure we all knew what we were looking at, and his knowledge made the night really interesting. Its a great way of getting newbies like me totally hooked! Saturn, with its rings and also with its view of Titan, was an awesome sight!" - Emma O'Reilly, Cavan
Co. Cork - Kennedy Park
"Just wanted to let you know that last night's even went amazingly, 30ish people (most heard about it from Radio) 6 full sized scopes and a few Binoculars." - John McCarthy
See a Cork Branch photo HERE.
Co. Dublin - Phoenix Park
"Almost a thousand people turned up throughout the evening, with lots of telescopes set up. People were absolutely amazed when they saw Saturn and its moons for the first time! We were even treated to a bright Iridium flare and a Chinese lantern!" - Conor Farrell
"Hi Astronomy Ireland, just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful evening last night. All the volunteers were so helpful and it was a really fantastic experience and I can't wait for more watches like this!" - Lisa Sheppard, Dublin
See Dublin Branch photos HERE.
Co. Louth - Seabank, Castlebellingham
"As this was a mid week event, I was expecting less than 10 people to turn up. However, to my surprise, by 10pm, about 25 had already gathered. The skies were too bright to set up the go-to systems, so I manually guided the telescope to the moon, which provided the entertainment until it got sufficiently dark at about 10.45pm. By this time at least 60 people were present, while others were still arriving. With the invaluable help of Pat Bellew, we just about managed to keep the steady steam of approximately 100 people who showed up, occupied. I give a tour of the brighter stars and constellations visible in the sky. Saturn was the highlight of the night, but for many who had not seen the moon through a telescope, the craters and mountains of our nearest celestial neighbour provided most excitement. We also viewed a very bright (magnitude 0) spinning satellite which flashed every 9 seconds.
"We eventually wrapped up at 1.15am, as the first glimmers of light were visible on the northern horizon. A very successful and enjoyable night!" - Derek Watters
Co. Mayo - Ballyvary Central National School, Castlebar
A good crowd turned up for the Castlebar Saturn Watch.
View a photo HERE.
Co. Sligo - Parke's Castle
"A big thank you for the chance to view Saturn on the 3rd June in Sligo!" - Paul Duffy
Co. Waterford - People's Park
"Waterford Astronomy Branch reports a very successful Saturn Watch last night, with over twenty people in attendance; we had some amazing views of Saturn and the moon, and stayed out till almost 1.00 am!! Overall a very successful evening." - Samantha Clooney
This is what people got to see through some of Ireland's most powerful telescopes:
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