Lecture, ISS + Space Shuttle

 

Hi all,

1. IAA PUBLIC LECTURE:

The next IAA public lecture will be on Wed 26 November, at 7.30 p.m., in the Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University, Belfast. It will be given by Dave Grennan, & is entitled "Adventures in Digital Astrophotography". Dave is an expert in this field, and recently hit the astronomical headlines when he photographically discovered only the third asteroid ever to be discovered from Ireland (The second having been discovered by Dave McDonald only a few weeks previously, and the first having been found in 1848 - 160 years ago!). Dave will include an account of how he made his discovery in the lecture.

   Admission is free, and all are welcome, including light refreshments.

2. International Space Station + STS 126, Endeavour.

The ISS, with the Space Shuttle Endeavour currently docked with it, is making a series of evening passes over Ireland. Details of passes for your own location are available on the excellent, free, website www.heavens-above.com. Since the Shuttle is attached to the ISS, it may appear even brighter than usual. If you have a telescope with the appropriate tracking facility you can enter the orbital parameters and try to view it as it speeds across the sky at over 17,000 mph. If you are lucky, you may be able to make out the Shuttle attached to the main part of the ISS. It's better to look for it on a pass in late twilight rather than total darkness, since the brightness & contrast will be more favourable then.

Clear skies,

Terry Moseley