Friday 24 June 2011

IAA BBQ update, NEO, DIAS Lecture, Dave's asteroid, Aurora Trip

Hi all,
 
1. IAA MIDSUMMER BBQ, Saturday 25 June, 14.00 - 18.00:
UPDATE:
The Irish Astronomical Association's annual midsummer BBQ will be returning to one of its most popular locations this year - the beautiful grounds of Armagh Observatory.
   There will be a tour of the Observatory, which we hope will include the new 'State of the Art' robotic telescope, and the world-famous Human Orrery, and the fascinating Astropark and 'Hill of Infinity'. We will also have a quiz and or/other competitions.
Activities will commence around 2.p.m
 We will aim to eat around 4 p.m., and finish about 6 p.m.
 We will have at least one large gazebo to provide shelter if necessary.
   Admission is free to all IAA members and guests, but bring all your own food and drink, and eating items (cutlery, plates, glasses (preferably plastic), BBQ tongs etc if you have them) and folding chairs or waterproof rugs. We will provide the actual BBQs for cooking.
   Please let me know by 24 June if you are planning to attend, so we will have some idea of numbers.
   If the weather looks like being really bad, check the IAA website in advance to see if it will be going ahead or not. www.irishastro.org.

2. NEO ASTEROID FLYBY: Newly-discovered asteroid 2011 MD will pass only 12,000 kilometres (7,500 miles) above Earth's surface on Monday, June 27th. That is just under one Earth diameter away, and well below the orbits of geostationary satellites! This is an example of what are classed as Near Earth Objects (NEO), which pose possible impact hazards to Earth.
   NASA analysts say there is no chance the space rock will strike Earth. Nevertheless, the encounter is so close that Earth's gravity will sharply perturb the asteroid's trajectory.
Its closest approach will be at 13:26 UTC on June 27 (daylight in Ireland, unfortunately). Updated information on 2011 MD's ephemeris, physical parameters and an orbit diagram and close-approach data is at http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=2011%20MD;orb=1 

   2011 MD was found on Tuesday, June 22, by LINEAR, a pair of robotic telescopes in New Mexico that scan the skies for Near Earth Asteroids. Asteroid 2011 MD is currently estimated to be between 9 to 45 meters (10 to 50 yards) wide. Dr. Emily Baldwin, of Astronomy Now magazine, said there is no danger of the asteroid hitting Earth, and even if it did enter the atmosphere, an asteroid this size would "mostly burn up in a brilliant fireball, possibly scattering a few meteorites." Read more on the story at http://www.skymania.com/wp/2011/06/incoming-new-asteroid-will-scrape-past.html

  Details at http://spaceweather.com. Also see:
 
3.  "The Dark Side of the Universe" TUESDAY 5 JULY. Statutory Public Lecture of The DIAS School Of Cosmic Physics. The 2011 Statutory Public Lecture of the School of Cosmic Physics will take place in Room B004, University College Dublin, on Tuesday July 5th at 6:30pm. NB. - Note, that is a correction from the previous alert, in which the wrong date information was given to me.
 Room B004 is located in the Computer Science and Informatics building in University College Dublin, Belfield Dublin 4. All are welcome/Admission is Free.
   The Lecture entitled "The Dark Side of the Universe" will be given by
Prof. Malcolm Longair, Emeritus Jacksonian Professor of Natural Philosophy, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge.

All are welcome and admission is free, but advance registration is essential as tickets are required for this event. The tickets can be booked through http://ssmr.ucd.ie/darkuniverse/Dark_Universe.html but the link to actually request tickets isn't available yet. Click the "Building 14" link on the lecture notice page for a map of UCD.

"The Dark Side of the Universe"
Black holes, dark matter and dark energy are among the most important ingredients of our Universe, but don't emit light and are therefore invisible. Former Astronomer Royal Malcolm Longair will describe why we're confident that all three exist, and discuss their importance for fundamental physics. The talk will be profusely illustrated with recent results from a wide range of Earth-based and space telescopes, simulations and movies.
 
4. Dave McDonald's first asteroid now numbered

(Adapted from Dave Grennan's post on IFAS). Dave McDonald's first asteroid discovery has now been numbered by the Minor Planet Center of the IAU. Dave discovered asteroid 2008 TM9 back in October of 2008.  It was big news at the time. Dave even made the front pages of the newspapers (which he graciously agreed to share with Ms. B. Spears and Ms. A. Jolie)

   As the orbit has now been determined to sufficient accuracy, 2008TM9 is now the numbered asteroid (281507) 2008 TM9.  Dave can now lay claim to the discovery of one of three numbered asteroids discovered from these shores, and of course at the time of discovery it was the first asteroid to be discovered from Ireland in over 160 years.

   The numbering of this asteroid is a great tribute to the wonderful work Dave carries out in both his observatory and also as President of IFAS.  And he's not a bad bloke either ;-)

   Anyway I'm sure you will join with me in extending heartiest congratulations to Dave on this latest development.  As the discoverer of 281507, Dave will now be afforded the honour of naming this minor planet.  I'm sure he already has some good ideas in this regard. 

 

5. AURORA TRIP TO NORTHERN NORWAY

The following information may be of interest to readers. As there are several attachments to the original, I will forward it separately to all. For further information, contact Ann Relph of Ulster Travel (who organised the recent eclipse trip to China): Ulster Travel Ltd, 2 Church Street, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 6AB, E: info@ulstertravel.com

"As solar activity continues to climb there has been a great increase in strong auroras, with almost nightly shows in the auroral zone. Ulster Travel has organized a special auroral viewing expedition which will put you directly under the auroral oval in Tromso, Norway during late October this year.  

The group will be led by Terence Murtagh, who is an expert aurora photographer.  Recently, he spent seven months filming the Aurora for the world's first high resolution, three sixty degree all dome movie "Experience the Aurora" which is currently being shown in digital theatres around the world.

Terence will take you to some of most accessible viewing locations and be on hand to provide advice and assistance with photographic techniques. He will also make available a Canon EOS 5D Mk II camera for you to capture the aurora should you not want to carry a camera and tripod on the trip. The period chosen in October is during the dark of the Moon and weather permitting, you will be in an excellent position to witness one of nature's most spectacular events.

The Raddisson Blu Hotel is one of the best in Tromso. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring the town and the Tromso environs. It is also only 15 minutes away from some good auroral viewing locations.

Full details, including booking forms, are on the attachments to the original email which I will forward separately."

6. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is now even easier: This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc.  See also www.irishastro.org
 
Clear skies,
 
Terry Moseley


25 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am not in a position to see this website properly on my phone
:(

Feel free to surf to my site ... having trouble getting pregnant with second baby

Anonymous said...

There are usually not many web sites with info like this man!
Bookmarked!

My web blog :: i'm having trouble getting pregnant

Anonymous said...

Link exchange is nothing else but it is simply placing the
other person's web site link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same
for you.

Have a look at my web site: Get Car Insurance Now

Anonymous said...

For the reason that the admin of this site is working,
no question very quickly it will be famous, due to its feature contents.


Look into my web blog; www

Anonymous said...

Sign up today to become a bettter fish zole angler doing something somebody else tells you to do.
Each exercise has its benefits and should be used to
enter a bass fishing trip validate tthe resources online where you will learn about practical shtgun shooting.

Tailor Smith gives some simple techniques to help you win your next tournament.



Feel free to surf to my weblog ... kolowrotki dragon

Anonymous said...

Affer I ߋrіginally left a comment I appear to havee clіcked on the
-Notify me when nnew comments arre added- heckbox and from now
on every time a comment is added I get four emails witɦ the same comment.

There has to be a means you are able tߋ remove me from that service?
Appreciate it!

My weeb site :: http://Reclaimstonehenge.Co.uk/wiki/index.php?title=User:RedaOuthwaite

Anonymous said...

I truly love your site.. Great coolors & theme.

Did you build this amazing ste yourself? Please reply back as I'm attempting to create my own sitte and would like to know where you got this from or
exactly what the theme is called. Many thanks!


Here is mmy web-site - buy youtube views and subs cheap

Anonymous said...

Great site you have here.. It's difficult to find
excellent writing likme yours these days.
I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!



Also visit my site buy youtube views cheap

Anonymous said...

whoah this weblog is excellent i really like
reading your articles. Stay up the great work!
You already know, many people are hunting round for this information, you can aid them
greatly.

Also visit my page - best gifts for nurses

Anonymous said...

Hello there, jjust became alert tto your blog through
Google, and found that it's really informative. I'm going to wattch out for brussels.
I'll appreciate if you continue this in future.

Numerous people will bbe benefited from your writing.
Cheers!

Also visit my page - buy youtube views with paypal

Anonymous said...

Hi there, You've done an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommrnd to my friends.
I'm sure they will be benefited frim this site.


Here is my web blog: buy youtube views and comments

Anonymous said...

Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this
blog loading? I'm trying to determine if its a problem
on my end or if it's the blog. Any responses would
be greatly appreciated.

Also visit my website - Mens Nike Air Max 87

Anonymous said...

Does ykur blog have a contact page? I'm having problems locating it but, I'd like to
sjoot you an email. I've got some recommendations for your blog youu might be interested inn hearing.

Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.


my blog post :: buy youtube subscribers review

Anonymous said...

That is a very good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.

Brief but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one.

A must read post!

Here is my homepage Nike Air Max BW

Anonymous said...

Right here is the perfect site for anybody who wants to understand this topic.

You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you
(not that I personally would want to…HaHa).

You certainly put a fresh spin on a topic that's been
written about for many years. Wonderful stuff, just great!


My webpage ... amazon contact us

Anonymous said...

We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with valuable infoo to work
on. Youu have done an impressive job andd
our entire community wilkl be grateful to you.


Check out mmy web blog buy youtube subscribers real

Anonymous said...

What's up, after reading this amazing piece
of writing i am too delighted to share my experience here with mates.


Check out my web-site :: family court ottawa

Anonymous said...

Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it's really informative.

I'm going to watch out for brussels. I'll appreciate
if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing.

Cheers!

my weblog www

Anonymous said...

Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
It is the little changes that produce the most important changes.
Thanks a lot for sharing!

my webpage make it Rain hack

Anonymous said...

Heya i'm for the primary time here. I came across this board and I to find It
really useful & it helped me out much. I am hoping to offer one thing back and aid others like you helped me.


Feel free to visit my homepage :: thetahealing experts health wellness

Anonymous said...

Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation;
we have developed some nice methods and we are looking
to exchange strategies with others, please shoot me an email if interested.


Look into my homepage :: home improvement diy ideas (http://www.homeimprovementdaily.com)

Anonymous said...

Hey there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a
quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your
posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics?
Thanks a lot!

My web page video chat porno

Alax_9 said...

If you want to play indoor games and bored with boards games then Foosball Table will be the best option for you. Where you can enjoy with friends without going out and which is very easy to install and play. By clicking here find out some best Foosball Table

Akash said...

Thank you for the post. It saves my days!

photoshop cc vs cs6 said...

what is this website? no info. broken site