The 2009 Shannonside Astronomy Club Burren Starparty
Shannonside Astronomy Club will this year in conjunction with Shannon Development,
and Burren Beo, hold our annual starparty on Saturday the 26th of September in the Burren.
Formally known as the 'Whirlpool' Starparty which we held in Birr for many years,
the Starparty is Set to be a one day and one night astronomy extravaganza.
It will consist of public astronomical lectures, a telescope workshop & nights sky presentation
in preparation for an evening observing session like no other
under some of the darkest skies in Europe.
We are working closely with many of the local attractions, tourist agencies & initiatives
in the Burren to make this a very special, educational and recreational event.
We would also like to take this opportunity to say that it is not without some considerable
committee discussions and debate that the decision to change the format and location
of our yearly starparty, which has become so very well established and connected with Birr was taken.
The committee would like to thank Lord Rosse for his patronage and use of the castle
grounds for the observing nights and also the Birr office of Shannon Development for
their support over the years.
With that in mind and in the spirit of good will, the SAC committee have decided to gift
the name of our starparty to the Birr Castle Demesne and if his Lordship sees fit to continue to allow
star party's under the name 'Whirlpool' and without any affiliation to SAC to be run
in Birr and his castle grounds as before, then we sincerely wish his good self and any
future organizers of any such event the very best of luck and success.
www.shannonsideastronomyclub.com/the_whirlpool_starparty.htm
  