Once you get bitten by the astronomy bug, it never leaves you, and your whole world suddenly opens up to the most amazing new possibilities and discoveries.

The night sky is always there, even in daylight, but it’s only when our position on earth has turned sufficiently enough away from the sun that its light dims enough for it to reveal the wonders of outer space and the fascinating subject of astronomy.

For millennia there have been astronomers plotting, tracking and documenting the night sky along the river Boyne and its settlements. From ancient pre-farming to modern day data driven society, the Boyne Valley is no stranger to astronomy at all, most notably because of the prominent astronomical purposes of the Neolithic passage tombs and their satellites at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.

But today, the majority of astronomy events take place in and around Dublin or Wicklow, and there hasn’t been much in the way of astronomy gatherings around Drogheda, Navan, East Meath, and even Dundalk. So, a group of local astronomers in Drogheda have decided to change that, by starting Ireland’s newest astronomy club.

We are delighted to announce the launch of the “Boyne Valley Astronomical Society”.

The purpose of the club is to promote, nurture and cultivate interest and activity in astronomy in the Boyne Valley and its surrounding regions, including that of Louth, Meath, North Dublin and areas close-by.

Membership is open to all with an interest in the night sky, space and astronomy in general. No special equipment or knowledge is needed. We currently have members in Drogheda, Navan, Dundalk, Skerries, Balbriggan, Julianstown and slightly further afield. There is something for everyone in this club, and a hobby that will become an eternal passion.

Those wishing to join can contact the club via facebook: www.facebook.com/boynevalleyas