VIDEO: Astronomy Ireland invites public to witness first Neptune Watch in 25 years

Astronomy Ireland held a free public event which allowed people to witness, through powerful telescopes, the planet Neptune as it appeared unusually close to the Moon last night.

Over 100 people who visited the Astronomy HQ in Blanchardstown last night were among the few to witness seeing the planet Neptune in its close vicinity to the Moon.

Clear skies greeted the first Neptune Watch that Astronomy Ireland has undergone in its 25 year history.

Neptune is 12,000 times further away from Earth than the Moon is. Although it is 14 times wider than the Moon it appears tiny at this distance, compared to the Moon through a telescope.

Neptune could be seen as a small blue disk through the extremely powerful telescopes, given its distance of 4.5 billion kilometres away.

Last night’s event will go down in history as one of the most successful telescope watches that Astronomy Ireland has ever held.

Astronomy Ireland’s next public event is a Uranus Watch on December 19th. Very few people have ever seen the planet Uranus which, like Neptune, requires a telescope and expert skills to locate.

To be added to the society’s mailing list, give your email address here. or email [e-mail] with "JOIN" in the subject line or body.

For more information on upcoming events visit the website here.

Astronomy Ireland will be setting up large telescopes at its Headquarters o n the outskirts of Dublin on the... https://t.co/cBjESpiNU6

— Deric (@deric_tv) November 19, 2015

Hope your all putting on your coats and hats to join us at our HQ in Blanchardstown for our Moon and Neptune... https://t.co/GEGqrGdJNl

— Astronomy Ireland 🪐 🔭 🛰 (@AstronomyIRL) November 19, 2015

Last night over 100 people became ' 1 in a million' who have seen the planet Neptune.

Perfectly clear skies... https://t.co/BPjbFJM7KJ

— Astronomy Ireland 🪐 🔭 🛰 (@AstronomyIRL) November 20, 2015

On July 11th, 2011, Neptune completed its first full orbit around the sun since its discovery in 1846. pic.twitter.com/bH4yRgcXDS

— The World (@World) November 18, 2015

Neptune resumes forward motion today. Whenever a planet stations either retrograde or direct its energy is more prominent and perceivable.

— starheal (@starheal) November 18, 2015

Moon enters Pisces today and conjuncts Neptune tonight. Expect to feel either inspired or delusional. Still adjusting to #NeptuneStation.

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) November 19, 2015