Martian dust, molecules, and ants up for scrutiny

Ever wish to learn how ants drink from a raindrop without drowning in it? Ever wonder at the nature of Martian dust, or how Saturn gets in a spin? Confused about the significance of a certain Third Policeman? Science Week Ireland intends providing answers. Many of the wide range of events are aimed at both adults and children. Most are free, but in some cases places have to be booked in advance.

Among the highlights are:

Saturn Watch 1997, at the Papal Cross car park, Phoenix Park, Dublin, tomorrow at 8 p.m., staged by Astronomy Ireland for adults and children.

Science Communication Forum, at the Merrion Room, RDS, Dublin, on Wednesday at 9.30 a.m. The event is intended to raise awareness and offer young Irish researchers a chance to present their findings to a general audience. It will be chaired by The Irish Times Science Editor, Dick Ahlstrom. No charge for admission. Places must be booked in advance. Contact the RDS Science Department (Tel.: 016680866)

The Future of Computing - What Does Science Have to Offer? At the Irish Writers' Centre, 19 Parnell Square, on Wednesday at 2 p.m. The briefing by leading Irish-based scientists in the fields of nanochemistry, micro-electronics and optical computing has been organised by the Irish Science Journalists' Association. Places must be booked through Mr Brian Trench of the ISJA at email brian.trench@dcu.ie.

Microcosmos, at the Irish Film Centre, Temple Bar, Dublin, on Wednesday at 2.10 p.m. The film by French scientists stars ants in their everyday life, revealed in a hugely magnified scale. Schools welcome; information from IFC French Film Festival Office. (Tel.: 01-6793477).

Bicycles and Molecules - an evening in the company of Flann O'Brien's Third Policeman at Irish Writers' Centre, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin, on Thursday at 8 p.m. Dramatised readings and panel discussion.

From Planets to Galaxies Through the Looking Glass of Hubble, from tomorrow to Thursday, at the University of Limerick, Queens University Belfast, and Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies. Lecture by Prof Tom Ray, Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies. Further information from Institute of Physics (Tel.: 01-8411809).

Meteorites, Moon and Stars at the Geological Museum, TCD, on Saturday at 11.30 a.m. A briefing on research at Trinity College on the birth of the solar system will be followed by an opportunity to examine meteorite, Martian dust and lunar samples.

Exhibitions include: Portraits of Great Irish Scientists at Forbairt, Glasnevin, Dublin, today through Friday 9.15 a.m. to 5.15 p.m.; Space Exhibition at the Visitors' Centre, Maynooth College, today through Sunday, noon to 2 p.m. and Learning Through Technology at Cork RTC Exhibition Centre, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.