Dublin in March, April 2007

[blackpearl]

A friend is visiting Dublin, Ireland from 21 March 2007 to 18 April 2007 and would like to find out what to see in the northern sky at that time and if there is an observatory he can visit?. Where can I find this information?
I haven't visited Ice in Space for a while and I am most impressed, you guys have done a great amount. The site has grown over 2 years. Well done.

[glenc]

I would visit Birr Castle, it is 130 km from Dublin.
http://www.birrcastle.com/locationOfBirr.asp

The world's largest telescope at the time, a 72", saw first light there in 1845.
http://www.birrcastle.com/telescopeHistory.asp

Things to see in 2007:
The galaxies M51 and M81/82 are high in the sky in March/April.
The attached files show the view overhead and to the north from Dublin on 20/3/07 at 10pm.

The maps are from SkyMapPro.
New moons are 19/3/07 and 17/4/07, that's the best time to see galaxies.

[blackpearl]

Thank you glenc for the information about the galaxies, and I am sure he will enjoy a visit to the Birr Castle.
He will enjoy seeing the sky 'updside down'.
Regards
Margo

[bertthebudgie]

Yes, Birr castle is definately worth a visit. The telescope itself has been almost restored to its original glory but is not yet operational. Last time I was there in October I heard that they hope to have it up and running sometime next year.

The other place in Dublin is Dunsink observatory www.dias.ie (http://www.dias.ie). I understand that there are observing sessions open to the public from time to time but i have not been there in a great many years.

[jjjnettie]

Go to www.irishastronomy.org.
They're a great bunch of people and very friendly, I'm sure they'll be able to help you out with places to go, observation nights etc.
You'll probably have to register before posting though, but that is not a bad thing because it will give you an online porthole to the northern skies.
Cheers