The 2007 Organising Committee l-r: Bob Campbell, Denise Murphy, Seanie Morris, Deirdre Campbell, Michael O'Connell, Máire McKay, Roger Matthews, Denise Matthews

Ireland's only Spring Star Party, COSMOS, takes place on the weekend of April 4th to 6th. The long-held tradition with the intimate surroundings at Annaharvey Equestrian Farm is once again in full force, as Tullamore Astronomical Society brings its national event to you for the 16th time.

This annual event traditionally consists of a series of lectures by renowned speakers in different aspects of Astronomy over two and a half days. So far, our speakers list includes:

• Dr. Miruna Popescu, Armagh Observatory
   "The Solar Wind: From the Sun to Ireland"

• Mr. Pat O'Neill, Irish Astronomical Association
   "Astronomical Measures"

• Professor John Zarnecki, Open University, UK
   "Touchdown On Titan"

• Dr. David Asher, Armagh Observatory
   "A hundred years since the last Tunguska, how long till the next?"

• Mr. Trevor O'Donoghue, Kerry Astronomy Club
   "Transient Lunar Phenomenon"

• Mr. Albert White, South Dublin Astronomy Society and ILPAC
   "Pulsars & The Parkes Telescope"

• Mr. John Lally, Tullamore Astronomical Society
   "Countdown: Interesting Facts & Figures in the Universe"

 

The talks are interspersed with tea breaks and lunches, and throughout the weekend you can avail of:

• Displays & Exhibits from individuals and clubs	• Spot prize raffle & Bob's Astro Quiz
• Guided Astro Trek on the farm	• Cosmic Dinner (Saturday Night only, limited places)
• Astrohophotography	• Observing Sessions
• Astro Buy & Sell	• Good fun and relaxation

 

	Getting in some Solar Observing at Cosmos 2003, l-r: Jouke de Ruiter, Dave Lillis, Michael O'Connell (peeping), and Wally Mee

PROGRAMME

Click Here to see what's happening and when.

 

RATES

COSMOS 2008 is NOT a ticket event, so do not worry about booking a place. The prices for this years event are as follows:

Weekend Pass Saturday or Sunday only Pass Friday night only

€45 normal, €35 Concession. €25 normal, €20 Concession. €5 all.

NOTES
Concession = Students with VALID I.D. card, secondary school students, and Retired/OAP. Children under 12 are gladly welcomed for free.

All admissions include complimentary tea/coffee breaks, but exclude lunches and dinner. The lunch and dinner prices will be added here soon.

 

HOW TO GET HERE

All roads lead to Tullamore:

N6/N4 East	Dublin-Maynooth-Kinnegad-Tullamore
N6 West	Galway-Loughrea-Ballinasloe-Athlone-Tullamore
N52 South	Nenagh-Birr-Tullamore
N52 North	Dundalk-Kells-Mullingar-Tullamore
N54/55 North	Monoghan-Cavan (N55)-Granard-Mullingar-Tullamore
N4 West	Sligo-Boyle-Longford-Mullingar-Tullamore
N7 West	Limerick-Nenagh (N52 South)
N8 South	Cork-Mitchelstown-Cashel-Abbeyleix-Portlaoise (N80)
N80 South	Wexford-Carlow-Portlaoise-Tullamore

From Northern Ireland:

A26	Colerain-Ballymena-Belfast (M1)
M1/A1	Belfast-Newry-Dundalk (N52 North )
A25	Derry-Strabane-Omagh-Monoghan (N54/55 North)

 

Directions:

From Tullamore, take the R420 to Portarlington. Approx 2.5 miles out, pass through minor crossroads (Meelaghans). Continue for another mile, and on the left will be Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. Signs will be erected on the soft shoulder from both directions approaching Annaharvey Farm. Give plenty of notice to the driver(s) behind you that you will be turning!

 

ACCOMMODATION

It is highly recommended that you book your accommodation if travelling from afar as soon as possible. There are many B&B's in the town and surrounding areas (accommodation list). Please Note: accommodation in Annaharvey itself is fully booked out!

 

ANNAHARVEY FARM

Click to find out more information about Annaharvey Farm (www.annaharveyfarm.ie)