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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Galway Astronomy Club
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251110T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251110T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T180513
CREATED:20251027T213856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251027T222157Z
UID:2947-1762803000-1762810200@www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
SUMMARY:GAC November Meeting with Prof Emeritus Andrew Shearer (University of Galway)
DESCRIPTION:  \n \n\nGalway Astronomy Club are pleased to announce details of our November club meeting\, which will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday the 10th November in the Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway.\n  \n  \nTalk: ‘What we still don’t know : what should we know in 20 years’ time’ \nAstrophysics and cosmology is at a turning point with a number of problems which hopefully will be addressed in the next 20 years. These problems include big questions. What is the nature of dark energy and dark matter? What does the Hubble tension tell us? Is there life outside the Earth: In our solar system? Around other stars? For my own research questions include what causes fast radio bursts? Will we ever develop a full understanding about how pulsars work? \nThis talk will address these problems firstly by laying out what we don’t know and what observations have taken place over the last 20 years to address them. The talk will then go onto look at the new observatories\, instruments and space missions designed to address them. \n  \nSpeaker: Prof Emeritus Andrew Shearer (U of G) \nProfessor Emeritus Andrew Shearer’s main interest is in studies of objects which change on short timescales – such as pulsars. He has made observations with most of the world’s major observatories. With others at NUIG he has developed instrumentation\, GASP\,  to study the optical polarisation from pulsars. For over twenty years Andy Shearer has been involved in a number of public engagement and outreach events. The main thrust of his work has been to bring astronomy (and Physics) to a much wider community. \n  \nAll are welcome and we look forward to your company.
URL:https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/event/gac-november-meeting-with-prof-emeritus-andrew-shearer-u-of-g/
LOCATION:Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway\, H91 H29F
ORGANIZER;CN="Galway Astronomy Club":MAILTO:info@galwayastronomyclub.ie
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251201T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251201T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T180513
CREATED:20251027T220326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T045730Z
UID:2959-1764617400-1764624600@www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
SUMMARY:GAC December Meeting with Prof. Martin Hendry (University of Glasgow)
DESCRIPTION:  \nGalway Astronomy Club are pleased to announce details of our December club meeting\, which will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday the 1st December in the Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway.\n  \nPLUS – Our Christmas raffle draw will be taking place on the night. Details and ticket purchase below!\n(Raffle tickets will also be on sale on the night) \n  \n  \nTalk: ‘Listening to Einstein’s Universe: The Dawn and Exciting Future of Gravitational-Wave Astronomy \nGravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of the cosmos predicted by Albert Einstein more than 100 years ago and produced by some of the most extreme phenomena in the universe: exploding stars\, colliding black holes\, even the Big Bang itself. To detect them has required the construction of the most sensitive scientific instruments ever built: giant laser interferometers capable of measuring tiny changes in the curvature of space\, less than a millionth millionth the width of a hair. Such technology may sound like science fiction\, yet these remarkable instruments are now routinely detecting the spacetime ripples from colliding black holes billions of light years from the Earth. \nJoin University of Glasgow scientist and “black hole hunter” Professor Martin Hendry for a whistle-stop tour through the exciting new field of gravitational-wave astronomy: the ground-breaking discoveries that Martin and his colleagues are making\, the remarkable engineering and technology that has enabled them\, and how they are helping us to tackle some of the biggest mysteries of Einstein’s universe. \n  \nSpeaker: Prof Martin Hendry (University of Glasgow) \nMartin Hendry is Professor of Gravitational Astrophysics and Cosmology at the University of Glasgow\, where he is also Clerk of Senate and Vice Principal of the University. He is a senior member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration: the global team of more than 1500 scientists who\, with their colleagues in the Virgo Collaboration\, made the first ever detection of gravitational waves – a discovery awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize for Physics. Martin is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and is also a Fellow (and currently Vice-President) of the Royal Society of Edinburgh – Scotland’s National Academy. He is a passionate advocate for science education and communication and in 2015 he was awarded the MBE for services to the public understanding of science. \n  \nProf Hendry will be joining us by video link on the night.\n  \nOur raffle draw will take place on the night – you can purchase tickets below. Prizes include \n \n  \n\nMeade ETX-70 GoTo Telescope\n\n\nGalway Astronomy Club membership for 2025/2026\n\n\nFree Admission to the Galway AstroFest on Saturday\, January 31st\, 2026.\n\nplus a number of other prizes to be added on the night. \n  \nTickets cost €5.00 each\, (with 1 free ticket for purchases of 4-7 tickets\, 2 free tickets for purchases of 8-11 tickets and so on) \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/event/gac-december-meeting-with-prof-martin-hendry-university-of-glasgow/
LOCATION:Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway\, H91 H29F
ORGANIZER;CN="Galway Astronomy Club":MAILTO:info@galwayastronomyclub.ie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260105T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260106T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T180513
CREATED:20251128T205647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260208T183702Z
UID:2992-1767641400-1767735000@www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
SUMMARY:GAC January Meeting with Amy Flanagan (Newport Astronomy Club)
DESCRIPTION:Galway Astronomy Club are pleased to announce details of our January club meeting\, which will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday the 5th January in the Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway.\n  \n  \nTalk: ‘How to build a Moon Garden’  \nAs we will soon be heading into spring\, what better time to think about transforming your outdoor space to enhance your night viewing experience! \nA moon garden is a special garden designed to be enjoyed at night\, featuring white or pale flowers\, silver foliage\, and night-blooming plants that reflect moonlight\, creating a serene\, glowing\, and magical atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection or evening entertaining. Key elements include plants that “pop” in low light (like white roses\, silver-leaved hostas)\, strong scents\, water features\, and sometimes subtle lighting\, all creating a peaceful retreat after dark.  \nAmy’s talk is aimed at helping you bring colour and fragrance to your gardens at night\, enriching your astronomy experience with diverse flora and fauna\, while also supporting our native nocturnal pollinators\, and giving a much needed boost to our biodiversity. \n  \nSpeaker: Amy Flanagan (Newport Astronomy Club) \nAmy is the Newport Astronomy Club Secretary. She moved to Newport\, and quickly fell in love with the beautiful little town. She has recently switched her working focus from biomedical engineering\, in order to commit herself full time to her passion for conservation\, and has recently been appointed as the Project Administrator for Mayo Dark Skies\, in association with Leave No Trace. \n  \n  \nAll are welcome and we look forward to your company.
URL:https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/event/gac-january-meeting-with-amy-flanagan-newport-astronomy-club/
LOCATION:Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway\, H91 H29F
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260131T093000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260131T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T180513
CREATED:20251128T205759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T202607Z
UID:2994-1769851800-1769882400@www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
SUMMARY:Galway Astrofest 2026
DESCRIPTION:  \nGalway Astrofest 2026 ‘Our Closest Star’\nSaturday January 31st\nArdilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway\n  \nLink to Festival Page here https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/astrofest-2026/\n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/event/galway-astrofest-2026/
LOCATION:Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway\, H91 H29F
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260209T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260209T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T180513
CREATED:20260203T200853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T211124Z
UID:3353-1770665400-1770672600@www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
SUMMARY:GAC February Meeting with Ivan Merrick (Midlands Astronomy Club)
DESCRIPTION:  \n \n  \nGalway Astronomy Club are pleased to announce details of our February club meeting\, which will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday the 9th of February in the Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway.\n  \n  \nTalk: ‘The Herouni Antenna’  \nThe Orgov Radio-Optical Telescope\, also known as ROT54 or the Her0uni Mirror Radio Telescope\, is a radio telescope in Orgov Armenia. It was built between 1975 and 1985 and was active between 1986 and 1990 before its use was halted. It was again operational until ceasing in 2012. Subsequently\, many attempts have been made to restore and restart the ROT54. \nThe paragraph above\, though an accurate description\, hardly does justice to the fascinating tale behind this telescope and the intriguing connections that will be revealed in the story that unfolds in this presentation. A story of history\, politics and science. \n  \nSpeaker: Ivan Merrick (Midlands Astronomy Club) \nIvan currently lives in Athlone though he is originally from Cork City. He owns a small engineering company specialising in providing clients with solutions to fluid handling problems (liquids and gases). He has qualifications in Natural Science and  Chemical Technology. Ivan is an active member of the Midland Astronomy Club and past Club Chairperson. The Club is focused on outreach to the community\, particularly young people\, with the aim to inform and educate people on the wonders of the Cosmos. With bi-monthly meetings in Tullamore and monthly meetings in Athlone they are kept busy. They are frequently requested to give talks to community organisations which affords them the opportunity to instruct people in the use of telescopes and conduct observations using the club’s telescopes. With BBQs and Meteor Showers events it is a wonder how everything gets done. Ivan does a monthly astronomy slot in his local radio station Athlone Community Radio. MAC’s annual COSMOS Star Party is extremely popular (in existence since 1992) with many people attending from other clubs around the country. Ivan’s astronomical interest is in Solar science and specifically how the sun’s activity impacts the Earth. He particularly enjoys talking to groups where he can share what he has learnt and the follow-up questions and discussion. \n  \nAll are welcome and we look forward to your company.
URL:https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/event/gac-february-meeting-with-ivan-merrick-midlands-astronomy-club/
LOCATION:Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway\, H91 H29F
ORGANIZER;CN="Galway Astronomy Club":MAILTO:info@galwayastronomyclub.ie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260302T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260302T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T180513
CREATED:20260208T183825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260301T143733Z
UID:3362-1772479800-1772479800@www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
SUMMARY:GAC March Meeting with Prof. Colin Steele (University of Manchester)
DESCRIPTION:Galway Astronomy Club are pleased to announce details of our March club meeting\, which will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday the 2nd of March in the Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway.\n  \n  \nTalk: ‘The solar neighbourhood – a guide to the nearest stars’  \nThe area of the galaxy where the Sun currently resides can be considered as a fairly typical area of the galaxy. This talk will consider the stars within 5 parsecs of the Sun\, concentrating on those with particular characteristics e.g. the Alpha Centauri and Sirius systems\, Barnard’s star and the home of Mr Spock from Star Trek. The talk is not so much of a list as an opportunity to mention many of the characteristics of stars. Woven into the talk are references to measuring distances to stars and the appearance of the Sun and other stars from the stars concerned. The talk will conclude with some thoughts on the status of the Sun in the neighbourhood and the Galaxy. \n  \n  \nSpeaker: Prof. Colin Steele (University of Manchester) \nInspired by early events including Apollo Moon landings.\nBought small telescope 1972.\nJoined Dundee AS\, 1978.\nStudied Mathematics and Astronomy and Astrophyics\, St Andrews University\, 1982-1986.\nPhD in Applied Mathematics (Dynamics of Solar Prominences)\, 1986-1990.\nTeaching of Mathematics to students in many parts of University of Manchester\, since 1993.\nStudies into Equilibria and Stability of Structures in solar atmosphere Dynamics of orbits of Trojan Asteroids.\nObservations of e.g. Meteors\, Noctilucent Clouds etc.\nJoined Dundee AS\, 1978. BAA 1985\, Many other societies. Member of IAU.\nActive in BAA Meteor section mid-1980s onwards Scottish Astronomers Group President 1991-1993\nSpeaker at various astronomical societies.\nCurrently resident in Dore\, Sheffield. Married with 2 youngsters. \n  \nProf Steele will be joining us by video link on the night.\n  \nAll are welcome and we look forward to your company.\n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/event/gac-march-meeting-with-colin-steele-university-of-manchester/
LOCATION:Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway\, H91 H29F
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260320T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260328T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T180513
CREATED:20260301T223156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260301T223156Z
UID:3375-1773993600-1774731600@www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
SUMMARY:Irish Astronomy Week 2026
DESCRIPTION:  \nGalway Astronomy Club are delighted to be participating in ‘Irish Astronomy Week’ again this year. We will be having our busiest year so far with events throughout the whole week. \n  \nHere are events happening in the Galway region\n  \nMarch 21st – Clifden Library – 11:00pm – ‘Valuing our Dark Sky’ by Caitríona Nic Ghiollaphádraig (CDS) \nMarch 21st – Ballybane Library – 2:30pm – ‘Wonders of the Night Sky’ by John Keady (GAC) \nMarch 21st – Salthill Promenade – 7:00pm –  ‘Planet & Moon Watch’ – Weather Permitting! \nMarch 24th – Galway City Library – 6:00pm –  ‘My Astrophotography Journey: Under Irish Skies’ by Adrian Nolan (GAC) \nMarch 25th – Ballinasloe Library – 11:00am – ‘Of Planets and Asteroids’ by Dave McDonald \nMarch 25th – Loughrea Library – 6:00pm – ‘Of Planets and Asteroids’by Dave McDonald \nMarch 25th – Salthill Promenade – 7:00pm –  ‘Planet & Moon Watch’ – Weather Permitting! \nMarch 26th – Saint Colmans Church\, Gort – 6:00pm –‘My Local Story of Astrophotography & The Night Sky’ – Enda O’Loughlin \nMarch 28th – Oranmore Library – TBC – ‘Gathering Ancient Light: A Journey into the Deep Sky‘ by Brendan Spellman (GAC) \n  \nSee more IAW 2026 events and news here: https://www.irishastronomyweek.ie/ \n 
URL:https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/event/irish-astronomy-week-2026/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260413T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260413T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T180513
CREATED:20260301T224859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260301T224859Z
UID:3381-1776108600-1776115800@www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
SUMMARY:GAC April Meeting with Clodagh Doyle (National Museum of Ireland)
DESCRIPTION:  \nGalway Astronomy Club are pleased to announce details of our April club meeting\, which will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday the 13th of April in the Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway.\n  \nTalk: ‘Folklore of the Night Sky – How the skies have influenced our everyday folk culture’. \nThis talk will take us on a journey through time and locations as Clodagh discusses the deep connection between our culture and the night sky. An interesting insight into the believes people held about the importance and influences of the heavenly bodies. With some wonderful stories and valuable terminology in English and Irish passed down to us through time. \nSpeaker: Clodagh Doyle\, Keeper\, Irish Folklife Division \nClodagh Doyle has been working with the Irish Folklife Collection of the National Museum of Ireland since 1995 and is now based at Turlough Park\, Castlebar\, Co. Mayo\, the fourth site of the National Museum of Ireland.\nShe has a degree in Irish Folklore and Archaeology and her MA thesis is on the subject of Traditional Hearth Furniture.\nAs a long-serving curator she had responsibilities for the Calendar Customs\, Religion\, Sport & Leisure\, Childhood\, Textiles\, Ceramics & Glass Collections.\nShe worked in the National Museum of Ireland’s Dublin sites and on the inaugural exhibitions at the NMI – Decorative Arts & History\, Collins Barracks\, Dublin.  She played a pivotal role in the inception\, development and installation of the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life and the move of the Irish Folklife Collection to its new store and galleries in Co. Mayo in 2001.\nShe curated many of the permanent gallery displays at the NMI – Country Life and also curated over thirty temporary exhibitions\, two of which\, Down Memory Lane and Hair Hurling Balls have travelled throughout Ireland.\nWith a love for folklore\, ethnology\, objects and the Museum\, Clodagh was appointed Keeper of the Irish Folklife Division in 2020. \n  \nAll are welcome and we look forward to your company.
URL:https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/event/gac-april-meeting-with-clodagh-doyle-national-museum-of-ireland/
LOCATION:Ardilaun Hotel\, Taylors Hill\, Galway\, H91 H29F
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