Hi there, welcome to my website, in here you will find out a little bit about me, a little bit about astronomy and art together. International Year of Astronomy Mural by children from O'Connell's National School in Dublin. WMV File 29.7MB Opens in Windows Media Player, if you want to see the full version. Here is the U Tube version under 10 minutes.      You can contact me at skysketcher@gmail.com  to ask a question or to invite me to give a talk or workshop like Deadly Moons Deadly Moons is an Art/Astronomy Workshop, a visually interesting experience for children aged 7 - 12. Deadly Moons is part of UNAWE ie Universe Awareness for young children, a cornerstone project for International Year of Astronomy 2009. Other talks available Galileo? Galileo? Who on Earth was Galileo? ,Solar System and Robot Explorers,Rapid Rockets and Wicked Robots ( workshop ) The Moon, Astronomical Sketching,  Public Outreach in Astronomy, Special a talk on how special our planet and you are. Enceladus Saturn’s Icy Moon, The Cassini Mission to Saturn and Titan. Deirdre You can follow me on Twitter if you like
	What's Up for June 2009 Enjoy
	June 11th 2009 Solar Prom SE limb 09:10 UT PST 40 8mm TVP eyepiece. Ink
	Here is my moon drawing program for children , it is a teacher pack on UNAWE Universe Awareness for young children feel free to use it for yourself

Deadly Moons is an Art/Astronomy workshop developed by Deirdre Kelleghan.
In the Footsteps of Galileo is an International Exhibition of Astronomical Drawings curated by Deirdre Kelleghan.
My project twins one with the other, a mutual sharing with great encouragment for the young children.


Observation is a skill common to both astronomy and drawing.  A selection of  children's moons from different counties are on display with the main International Sketching Exhibition. The exhibition at the moment is in Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork.   Every single one of the contributors understood my desire to be inclusive of children’s drawings. Every astronomer who gave work for the project, were keen to share their wall space with the drawings of local children. My aim and our collective understanding is to expand this sharing and this invaluable source of inspiration.  

Here are some images which give a flavor of the exhibition including moons drawn
by children from Rathpeacon National School in Cork


Here is my U Tube video a fast run  through  the exhibition , unfinished due to memory. Another snippet to give you a peep into it. The exhibition will be in Blackrock Castle Observatory till the end of June 2009. It will open in Birr Castle Science Center on September 18th 2009 and then in Dunsink Observatory in November for Science Week.

UNAWE is a cornerstone project for International Year of Astronomy 2009 Universe Awareness illustrates the multicultural origins of modern astronomy in an effort to broaden children's minds, awaken their curiosity in science and stimulate global citizenship and tolerance. Deadly Moons in now part of UNAWE ppt and pdf download is available on the UNAWE website Deadly Moons is a art/science workshop for children. We take a look at some unusual moons, we choose the deadliest moon. Then we draw that moon with energy and attention to detail. Its a lot of fun. Over 1,200 children have taken part in Deadly Moons in Ireland so far.

Having fun at the Deadly Moon
workshop in Clondalkin
The refugees and migrants
group who live  in the village

Jupiter's moon IO by Erene from the Clondalkin Refugees and Migrants group

First quarter moon by Ryan age 4 Swords Summer Project	Our  moon in a lunar eclipse by Mark age 8 Swords Summer Project
Jupiter's moon IO by Dylan Donovan Dylan is 6 he was at Finglas West summer project. Dylan  loves space he is autistic, great work !!!	Saturn's  moon Titan  by  Arvyde  age 13 She did a great job, lovely work from a girl of special needs. Finglas West produced lovely moon drawings More here soon

"Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day.
But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of stars in their circular course,my feet no longer touch the Earth"  Ptolemy

I enjoy educational outreach

















Dee in St Joseph's Primary School Navan, Co Meath
Solar System and Cassini Talk April 18th

Photos from Lets Go See Planets and Moons in the Park
Saturn Observation Night February 16th 2008

I enjoy sketching the sun, moon, and stars.
It is the best way to get to
know them in detail and to appreciate their structure and beauty. 

I enjoy painting my latest works are HH objects Herbig Haro Objects
part of star formation, within nebula, creating V shaped shock waves
in the surrounding material - false color - mixed media on canvas.

“Life begins with the process of star formation. We are made of stardust. Every atom of every element in your body except for hydrogen has been manufactured inside stars, scattered across the Universe in great stellar explosions, and recycled to become part of you.”
John Gribbin

Solar Flare and Proms
Pastel and Conte

13:09 UT 07/0707 PST 40/8mm TVP/50X
Schminke Pastels/300gm paper
Heavy rain ended my fun
Click on image to see more
Solar folder runs as a slide show

M42 in Orion
Click on image to see more
Messiers and NGC sketches
Folder runs as a slide show