Life on Mars?

In July 2018, Mars will make its closest approach to Earth since 2003, when the red planet came its nearest to us in 59,635 years. Travelling the distance between the two planets will be NASA’s next Mars lander, which is to be launched during a 30-day window starting 5 May. The spacecraft named InSight will explore deep below the planet’s surface, taking the temperature and ‘pulse’ of the red planet. As the title suggests, it is hoped that this mission will provide significant insight into Mars and that the data collected will be useful for future human explorers.

World Cup fever

Although our beloved boys in green may not have qualified, the FIFA World Cup 2018 will be watched with eager anticipation by people all over the island of Ireland and, indeed, the world over. This landmark event is set to take place in Moscow, Russia, from 14 June until 15 July. Germany will be looking to defend its title at the tournament, while Iceland and Panama will be making their first appearances at a FIFA World Cup.

The winter Olympics

Taking place in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on 9-25 February, a team of nine Irish athletes have officially qualified in various events, with more hopeful of making the cut. The most controversial news surrounding the games is by far the decision taken by the International Olympic Committee to ban Russian athletes over state-sponsored doping. However, some Russian competitors will be allowed to compete under strict conditions.

Presidential election

The current term of office of President Michael D Higgins expires on 10 November 2018 and the next presidential election is likely to take place during the month of November. The president has yet to declare whether it is his intention to seek re-election, recently saying that he will make his decision clear before the National Ploughing Championships 2018.

Year of the dog

The year 2018 is the Chinese year of the dog. Chinese astrology, working in a 12-year cycle, allocates each year to a Chinese zodiac animal. The last year of the dog was in 2006. If you are born in 2018, the dog will be your Chinese zodiac symbol and it is said that the numbers three, four and nine will be lucky for you.

Rights in Saudi Arabia

From 24 June 2018 women will be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, ending the world’s only female driving ban. This will be a major milestone for the ultraconservative country. It was confirmed that women will not need male permission to take driving lessons and will be able to drive freely. It is estimated that 800,000 chauffeurs currently drive the women of Saudi Arabia around. In another first for the country, from early 2018 women in Saudi Arabia will be allowed to enter sports stadiums. This will happen in special sections of three selected stadiums.

The Royal Wedding

Prince Harry will marry American actress Meghan Markle on 26 May 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. It is not yet known if the ceremony will be televised. Unlike the wedding of his brother Prince William to Kate Middleton, the UK will not receive a bank holiday, as breaking from tradition the nuptials will take place on a Saturday. Meghan will be baptised and confirmed in the Church of England prior to the royal wedding.