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ABOUT THE CLUB

Shannonside Astronomy Club (SAC) formerly the Limerick Astronomy Club, was founded on 6th Feb 1986.
In 1993 we changed our name in recognition that our members come from all over the Midwest region.
Now the Club like the river itself, boasts one of the widest catchments areas in the country.
SAC is composed of members who share a common interest in the various aspects of astronomy from
Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Kerry, Cork, and further afield.


We were a founding member of IFAS (The Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies)
which was formed at a meeting held during our Whirlpool Starparty of 2000.
Some of our members took active roles in its formation with SAC being one of the founding clubs.
This federation encompasses clubs and societies from all over the island of Ireland with a view to mutual benefit and co-operation.
It also runs an excellent Bulletin Boards section which is the 'online' hub of astronomy in Ireland.
It's a friendly place to chat with other amateur astronomers of all levels about equipment, events, astrophotography and the sky.

As part of our commitment to bringing astronomy to the public in the region, we provide talks for Schools, etc.,
and arrange occasional public gatherings for major celestial events.
We have also been ROI co-coordinators for the National Astronomy Week, a great honor indeed for such a small Club.
The main clubs activities include;

• Monthly meetings

  Meetings are usually on the first Wednesday of each month.
  They normally take the form of a short session on club business followed by a talk and discussion on an astronomical subject.
  The topics are varied and are presented by both our own members and by the occasional guest speaker.
  Anybody is welcome to come and join us. 
  

   

• Observation sessions

  

  Observation sessions are organized to coincide with various events.
  The club built a 13" diameter Dobsonian telescope a few years back and our members also bring their own instruments.
      We usually observe, weather permitting of course, from one of a few dark sky sites around Limerick and from the grounds of Birr Castle on the weekend of our Starparty.

• The Whirlpool Star party

  

  Every year, on a moonless weekend in autumn, we organize Ireland's premier astronomy gathering, the Whirlpool Star Party.
  Held in Birr Co. Offaly  at the location of what was once the biggest telescope in the world, the great 72 inch reflector at Birr Castle. Now that it has been restored it is the biggest optical telescope in this country.
      When weather conditions allow, we have an observing session, in shadow of this great telescope.
      Our 22st Whirlpool Star Party will take place on the 26^th, 27^th and 27^th of September 2008. The main Whirlpool Page has all the details.