Hi all,
1. IAA Perseid BBQ and Observing Evening, 11 August, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh, Co Down.
The Perseid meteor shower is already underway, with rates slowly rising towards the peak expected to occur over the period 11-13 August. These swift meteors, from parent comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, appear to come from a point in Perseus quite close to the famous Double Cluster, right in the Milky Way. Conditions are very good this year, with no interference from moonlight, so if the sky is clear we can expect a really good display – the ZHR might be around 80, which means that under normal good conditions, after total dark adaptation, we might see 50-60 per hour when the radiant is high up in the early hours of the morning.
The IAA will mark the event, weather permitting, with a BBQ followed by meteor observing, at our usual observing venue at Delamont, which is South of Killyleagh on the road to Downpatrick.
The format is that we provide the cooking facilities and utensils, and everyone brings their own consumables, cutlery, plates, drinking vessels etc.
There are picnic tables so you don't need to bring any tables or chairs. But do bring a lounger or recliner chair for comfortable observing. And warm clothes!
Obviously if the weather forecast is very bad, we will have to cancel the event at Delamont – check the IAA website that afternoon to get an update on whether it will be going ahead or not: www.irishastro.org .
If you are observing elsewhere, pick the darkest location available, allow time for your eyes to dark-adapt, and simply look at the sky in the darkest and/or clearest region, preferably about 50 degrees above the hortizon, and in a direction about 40-50 degree either side of the radiant. Instinctively you may want to look at the radiant, but actually you will see more meteors by following the guide above!
For imaging, again it's best to follow those guidelines, and use the widest angle lens, and highest ISO sensitivity, available. Exposures will depend on sky brightness, so stop each exposure when the background sky starts to get noticeably above normal darkness for a night-time exposure.
2. Mars. Reached its best opposition since 2003 on July 27, when it was only 0.3862 Astronomical Units (AU) from Earth. However closest approach actually occurred on July 31 at 07h 49m, when the separation was 0.3849629 AU from the centre of the Earth. An AU is 149,597,871km, so you (or your Smartphone) can do the maths!
It reached mag -2.8 (even brighter than Jupiter at its best!), with an apparent diameter of 24.31", and is still bright and quite large in apparent diameter in a telescope. Since it is now past opposition, it will be culminating, or reaching its highest altitude on the Southern meridian, a little bit earlier each night, making for slightly more convenient observing.
Unfortunately it is still very far South, in Capricornus, with a declination of almost 26º South, so it will be very poorly placed for observation from Ireland. The South Pole will be tilted towards us by about 10.6 degrees, and as it's Spring in the S Hemisphere of Mars, the S. Polar cap will be gradually shrinking: watch to the end of August to see it decrease in size.
The giant dust storm that surrounded the planet is showing signs that it may slowly be clearing.
3. Skelligs Star Party 2018, 12-13 August Ballinskelligs, co Kerry.
4: NEW: IAA Solar Day at WWT, Castle Espie, near Comber; 18 August, 2.0 p.m. – 5 p.m.. The IAA will be back again at one of our favourite venues for our summer Solar Day on Saturday 18 August. We'll have solar observing if clear, using a variety of special safe solar observing equipment, an exhibition of telescopes, meteorites and other astronomical items, and of course the very popular shows in our own stardome. These shows need to be booked in advance with the WWT – see wwt.org.uk, or email karl.simmonds@wwt.org.uk , tel 02891 875975
5. Inspiring Stars—the IAU Inclusive World Exhibition, 20-31 August 2018
"Inspiring Stars" will be an itinerant international exhibition promoted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to disseminate world efforts on inclusive research and outreach activities in astronomy. This inclusive world exhibition by showcasing assistive research tools and best inclusive outreach practices intends to broaden the horizons of children, parents, teachers and astronomers—everybody can become a scientist (astronomer)—inspiring the love for science in young people's minds.
The exhibition will premiere during the IAU General Assembly 2018 in Vienna, from 20–31 August and will be shown around the world. Stay tuned as we keep you posted on all the progress of this IAU not-to-be-missed project for 2018!
"Inspiring Stars" will be an itinerant international exhibition promoted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to disseminate world efforts on inclusive research and outreach activities in astronomy. This inclusive world exhibition by showcasing assistive research tools and best inclusive outreach practices intends to broaden the horizons of children, parents, teachers and astronomers—everybody can become a scientist (astronomer)—inspiring the love for science in young people's minds.
The exhibition will premiere during the IAU General Assembly 2018 in Vienna, from 20–31 August and will be shown around the world. Stay tuned as we keep you posted on all the progress of this IAU not-to-be-missed project for 2018!
6. ISS. The ISS will commence a new series of morning passes on 2 September. Details for your own location, and lots more info on space and astronomy, on www.heavens-above.com
7. NEW: Irish National Astronomy Meeting, Birr, Co Offaly, 5-7 September. This is a professional level conference, and you must register to attend. See http://astrophysics.ie/?page_id=69 for details.
8. Schrodinger Commemmoration, Sep 5-6, National Concert Hall, Dublin: As part of the Schrodinger 75 commemorations running through 2018, a lecture series updating his famous "What is Life?" will be held on Sep 5-6. Entitled "The Future of Biology", See https://www.tcd.ie/biosciences/whatislife/ or email whatislifeat75@tcd.ie And check www.dias.ie/events/ for other events to mark this 75th anniversary.
10. Archaeology Ireland: Pathways to the Cosmos event, Dublin Castle, on Sep 15th. UPDATE: Pathways to the Cosmos is very nearly booked out. This major European conference on Archaeoastronomy will probably be booked out quickly, so book now if you want to attend. There are several speakers from Ireland. You can access details here:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/pathways-to-the-cosmos-tickets-45383757039
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/
11. METEOR CONFERENCE, Dunsink, 15 September
NEMETODE and DIAS are organising a Meteor Workshop on Saturday 15th September at Dunsink Observatory. Entry is free. Talks will include the following subjects:
Meteor Workshop (hardware and software) - William Stewart (BAA) and Alex Pratt (BAA)
Meteor Showers for 2018 / 2019 - Michael O'Connell (IFAS)
BRAMS and Radio Meteor Zoo - Cis Verbeeck (IMO) (via video link)
Asteroid Occultations - Alex Pratt (BAA)
More talks will be announced shortly.
Further details will be posted on the IFAS website at the following link:
(Pity about the clash of dates with the item above)
12. The EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS, 15 – 19 Sep, is part of the Science with and for and Society activities managed by the Directorate-General for Research of the European Commission. You can find out more about Science with and for and Society via the web site, which also contains a page on the Contest for Young Scientists.
The European Union Contest for Young Scientists was set up at 1989 to promote the ideals of co-operation and interchange between young scientists. The Contest is the annual showcase of the best of European student scientific achievement.
EUCYS gives students the opportunity to compete with the best of their contemporaries at European level. The young scientists also have the chance to meet others with similar abilities and interests and some of the most prominent scientists in Europe. In this way, the Commission seeks to strengthen the efforts made in each participating country to attract young people to careers in science and technology.
13. The professional astronomy conference European Planetary Science Congress 2018 (EPSC) will be held from September 16 to September 21, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. This yearly conference gives an inspiring insight of the latest discoveries and the current status of Solar System astronomy and planetary science and welcomes the participation of amateur astronomers.
In particular the AM1 session "Professional-amateur collaborations in small bodies, terrestrial, giant and exo planets studies" and the AM2 session "Juno Ground-Based Support from Amateurs" are organized by amateur astronomers together with professionals and are open to presentations by amateurs. We invite you to actively participate to these sessions by contributing a paper (fill in the abstract submission form in the "Amateur Astronomy" program group, deadline May 16th, 2018) and/or to exchange views and ideas with other amateur and professional astronomers. Contributions will be oral talks and poster contributions. The language at the meeting will be English for all presentations.
Please note that this year EUROPLANET-2020 will provide budget to support amateurs from European countries. This budget will be allocated to in priority to active contributors (with oral or poster contributions, selected considering their scientific value and promoting diversity of participants from different countries). Depending on the budget left, amateurs only attending to the conference could also be (partially) funded (if you are interested, please let me know).
Please feel free to circulate this message to all those who might be interested in the event. Looking forward your contribution or participation, Marc Delcroix and Ricardo Hueso, SOC members of EPSC2018 AM program
14. Special showing of 2001 A Space Odyessey, with Keir Dullea in Q&A, 27 Sep! The Odysssey cinema, Belfast. The Odyssey are showing a special screening of 2001 on Thurs 27th September with a Q&A session with Keir Dullea afterwards. Tickets are £12 (may include drinks reception). I was told at the Odyssey that Keir Dullea will be there in person (not skype) to answer any questions etc. They also confirmed this on their Facebook page. (From Tony Kempston – thanks)
15. Space Generation Congress (SGC): 27-29 September 2018: Bremen, Germany
More Information: https://spacegeneration.org/sgc2018
16. International Astronautical Congress. 1 – 5 October 2018. Bremen, Germany
More Information: http://www.iafastro.org/events/iac/iac-2018/
More Information: https://
16. International Astronautical Congress. 1 – 5 October 2018. Bremen, Germany
More Information: http://www.
18. Junior Cycle Conference for Teachers; BCO - Teaching Earth and Space in the Junior Cycle
Practical workshops, inspirational speakers on space and panel discussions supporting the Earth and Space Strand. Join us from 9:15am - 5pm on Saturday 6th October 2018 at Birr Castle and Science Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly. Book through Eventbrite. Further details and booking here: https://www.bco.ie/events/jc-conference/
19. International Observe the Moon Night: 20 October 2018: http://
20: Mayo Dark Sky Festival, 2-4 November www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/mayodarkskies
21. Centenary of IAU in 2019: IAU100: Uniting our World to Explore the Universe
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the IAU will organize a year-long celebration to expand awareness of a century of astronomical discoveries as well as to support and improve the use of astronomy as a tool for education, development, and diplomacy under the central theme "Uniting our World to Explore the Universe". The celebrations will stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science and will reach out to the global astronomical community, national science organizations and societies, policy-makers, students and families, and the general public.
For any inquiries, please contact Jorge Rivero González, the IAU100 Coordinator at: rivero[at]strw.leidenuniv.nl
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the IAU will organize a year-long celebration to expand awareness of a century of astronomical discoveries as well as to support and improve the use of astronomy as a tool for education, development, and diplomacy under the central theme "Uniting our World to Explore the Universe". The celebrations will stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science and will reach out to the global astronomical community, national science organizations and societies, policy-makers, students and families, and the general public.
For any inquiries, please contact Jorge Rivero González, the IAU100 Coordinator at: rivero[at]strw.leidenuniv.nl
22. Starmus V — Star-studded Lineup for 2019
Created by Garik Israelian, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), the Starmus Festival is a combination of science, art and music that has featured presentations from astronauts, cosmonauts, Nobel Prize winners and other prominent figures from science, culture, the arts and music. Now celebrating its fifth year, and timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings, Starmus V will take place in Bern, Switzerland, from 24 to 29 June 2019. The IAU is a partner organisation of Starmus and among the confirmed speakers will be IAU Secretary General, Piero Benvenuti, and IAU President-elect, Ewine van Dishoeck. IAU announcement: https://www.iau.org/news/announcements/detail/ann18007/
Created by Garik Israelian, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), the Starmus Festival is a combination of science, art and music that has featured presentations from astronauts, cosmonauts, Nobel Prize winners and other prominent figures from science, culture, the arts and music. Now celebrating its fifth year, and timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings, Starmus V will take place in Bern, Switzerland, from 24 to 29 June 2019. The IAU is a partner organisation of Starmus and among the confirmed speakers will be IAU Secretary General, Piero Benvenuti, and IAU President-elect, Ewine van Dishoeck. IAU announcement: https://www.iau.org/news/
23. Interesting Weblinks (Disclaimer - Use of material herein from various sources does not imply approval or otherwise of the opinions, political or otherwise, of those sources). NB: If the title in the weblink does not indicate the subject matter, I give a brief simple intro before the link. I may also comment about the link afterwards.
ASTROPHYSICS
Pair of colliding stars send radioactive molecules into space https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180730120310.htm
Eta Carina's historic super-eruption https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180802130823.htm
X-rays reveal matter round Cygnus X-1 Black Hole https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180728084103.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
Radio rebound after GRB https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726161026.htm
Black Holes are fuzzballs like balls of string, with no surrounding firewall https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726161015.htm
Narrow gap found in the HR Diagram by Gaia https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726161004.htm
Galaxy outskirts host massive dying stars and Black Holes https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726160951.htm
Quasar found with brightest ever radio emission in early universe https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180709101147.htm
COSMOLOGY
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5995343/Einsteins-theory-relativity-passes-test.html and https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180730090158.htm
How might Dark Matter interact with ordinary matter? https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180713093545.htm
HST and Gaia give very different results for expansion of universe https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180712114448.htm
Could GWs show how fast the universe is expanding? https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180712114434.htm
EARTH and MOON
Earliest land-based life even earlier than we thought https://www.livescience.com/63199-oldest-life-on-land.html?utm_source=ls-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180730-ls
Oldest ever meteorite discovered http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6020911/The-oldest-meteorite-4-65m-year-old-space-rock-reveal-secrets-solar-system.html
Weird minerals in Siberian meteorite https://www.livescience.com/63247-uakit-meteorite-new-mineral.html?utm_source=ls-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180803-ls
EXOLIFE
Where to look for life on Titan http://earthsky.org/space/craters-cryovolcanoes-best-for-life-search-on-titan
EXOPLANETS:
Light fingerprints of our SS to aid in characterising exoplanets https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180731104211.htm
Earth analogs are best chance for exolife http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6015711/Distant-planets-exactly-conditions-led-start-life-Earth.html and https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180801172056.htm
Plate tectonics not necessary for conditions for life on exoplanets https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180730172814.htm
Giant rogue planet with very strong magnetic field and aurorae
IMAGES
SETI
SOLAR SYSTEM
Terraforming Mars is currently beyond our capabilities https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180730120307.htm
Meteorites show early Sun was very active https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180730120242.htm
Volcanoes in other solar system bodies https://www.livescience.com/63200-extraterrestrial-volcanoes.html?utm_source=ls-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180730-ls
Oldest ever meteorite discovered http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6020911/The-oldest-meteorite-4-65m-year-old-space-rock-reveal-secrets-solar-system.html
Ancient craters reveal how the tilt of Mars has varied over time http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/07/ancient-craters-mars-reveal-how-planet-s-tilt-has-changed-over-time?utm_campaign=news_daily_2018-07-27&et_rid=415711678&et_cid=2218105
Mars has a liquid lake beneath the South Polar ice cap https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726085046.htm
SPACE
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6023989/NASA-reveals-astronauts-travel-SpaceX-Boeings-crew-space-capsules.html Norah to be in the next bunch, and Hayden in the one after that – if only they were US citizens!
SUN
The Parker solar probe and what it is for https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180730132927.htm
Meteorites show early Sun was very active https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180730120242.htm
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES
24. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION. 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 .
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 .
The Irish Astronomical Association is registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 105858
DISCLAIMER: Any views expressed herein are mine, and do not necessarily represent those of the IAA.
Clear skies,
Terry Moseley
No comments:
Post a Comment