IAS Star Parties

Public Star Parties

Sandymount map

Dublin Sidewalk Astronomers

The Dublin Sidewalk Astronomers was founded about 1989. It is the name of the IAS activity, whereby members regularly bring their telescopes literally to the streets to show the public the wonders of the heavens. They are always free of charge.

The idea of Sidewalk Astronomy was pioneered in San Francisco, USA by John Dobson and the San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers in the 1970s. The Dublin Sidewalk Astronomers was an early pioneer on this side of the Atlantic.

Over the years we have a number of venues. Currently the usual venues are at the sea-front car park at just south of the Tower at Sandymount, Dublin 4 (see map at left) and at the sea-front at Clontarf (opposite the Bus Garage), Dublin 3. They usually start at 20:00 and go on till weather permitting until 22:00.

Please note these events are weather dependent.

Other IAS Public Events

Occasionally they are held at other venues. Watch out for special events in the Phoenix Park, Dublin and at Knowth, Co Meath.

See Events for forthcoming gatherings.

Members Star Parties

Dunsink Obs

Members of the Society meet for observing at dark sites in the Wicklow Mountains and at Dunsink Observatory, Co. Dublin.

The Photo (at left) is of the South Telescope Dome, Dunsink Observatory, taken by member B. Pickup (March 1980). Note the superb conjunction of Mars (upper) and Jupiter to the left of Regulus.