Saturday 1 August 2015

Solar day, ISS, Pluto, Rosetta/Philae, Sale, AP Events, more

Hi all,
 
1. IAA Solar Day, WWT, Castle Espie. The next popular IAA solar outreach day will be on Sunday 2 August. 2.00 to 5.00. All the usual attractions - solar observing if clear, telescope display, meteorites to handle, exhibition of space & astronomy items. Our own prospective Virgin Galactic 'Ulsternaut' Derek Heatly will be there to update us on the latest from VG. We'll also have our 'Telescope fixit service', so bring along your 'scope if you are having any problems. And of course the ever popular starshows in the Stardome, courtesy of Armagh Planetarium. Book directly with the WWT:
Come along and bring a friend.
 
2. ISS The ISS continues its series of morning passes over Ireland, and will then remain visible as it later transitions to evening passes, until 16 August! details for your own location on the excellent and free www.heavens-above.com
 
3. Pluto Revealed! And Charon and minor moons too. Amazing images continue to arrive - too many to give here!
 
4. ROSETTA/PHILAE
There are still problems communicating with Philae, even though it is fully 'awake. But superb photos from Rosetta and Philiae on its descent are available. See
 
5. Telescope & accessory Sale: Get ready for the darker nights! Andy McCrea, aka North Down Telescopes, is holding a major sale with bargain prices. see attached flyer for details.
 
6. Support Ireland's bid to join ESO
Ireland must get Government support to bid to join the European Southern Observatory so that Irish researchers will have access to large optical telescopes again.
Sign the petition now to show your support!
 
7. Armagh Planetarium: News shows, and Train like a Jedi: These popular events with the Emerald Garrison begin this weekend (1-2 August). For more details, and to book, see www.armaghplanet.com
 
8. IAA Telescopes for loan: The IAA has telescopes available to borrow, for any paid up member Enquiries to David Stewart david.stewart22@ntlworld.com or Andy McCrea s.mccrea980@btinternet.com.
 
9. STAR PARTIES and OTHER EVENTS:
SKELLIGS Star Party: 14-16 August, Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry. This is a Gold Medal winning Dark Sky site. see www.skelligstarparty.com A great programme, with interesting speakers.

10. Interesting Weblinks
(held over to next issue)
 
11.TWITTER Follow the IAA on Twitter: @IaaAstro.
 
12. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is easy: This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://documents.irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc
If you are a UK taxpayer, please tick the 'gift-aid' box, as that enables us to reclaim the standard rate of tax on your subscription, at no cost to you. You can also make a donation via Paypal if you wish: just click on the 'Donate' button. See also www.irishastro.org.
 
Clear skies,
Terry Moseley


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