Hi all,
1. NEW "Satellite Top Trumps". A public lecture by Dr Charlotte Bishop, Tuesday 16 October, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road / Malone Road, Belfast, 5.30 pm. for 6.00 p.m. Free admission. Room BKB OG/012
. Refreshments: 5.30
Lecture 6.00
Questions 6.45
Drinks reception 7.00
Close 8.00
Satellites have taken images of the Earth for over 40 years, but what can satellites do for you? This presentation will take us back to 1977 and the start of the Landsat series (now on its 8th satellite), right up to the present day and beyond. The talk will examine some of the challenges and opportunities within the space sector that have led to fantastic missions providing valuable information to support oil&gas, mining, engineering and environmental sectors.
Dr Bishop is a specialist in remote sensing with over 12 years experience working in geospace. She is currently Project Manager and Optical Specialist at Kongsberg Satellite Services in Norway where the company boasts the world's largest groundstation network and provides multi-mission satellite data and services for a range of sectors
She is an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, and sits on a number of committees including the Oil&gas Earth Observation Committee. In 2017 she was elected the first female chair of the Geological Remote Sensing Group of the Geological Society and Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society.
She is an excellent speaker, and the talk will be profusely illustrated.
ALL WELCOME.
2. IAA Public Lecture: "Probability of a Doomsday Solar Superflare: Fact or Fiction?" 17 October, 19.30 By Prof Gerry Doyle, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
One of the popular-level lectures I occasionally give is entitled "Our Sun: Friend or Foe?". The latter option is based largely on the so-called Carrington Event, when a major solar superflare in the 19th century caused havoc to the then widely used telegraph system. If such a superflare were to strike Earth today, the consequences would be a thousand times worse. Prof Gerry Doyle, whom we are delighted to welcome back for another IAA lecture, is the head of solar research at Armagh Observatory, and an expert on the topic. This talk promises to be both timely and informative.
SYNOPSIS: The first part of the talk is on solar flares, how they occur, their energy, etc . Then I go into stellar flares and show data from the Kepler space telescope on flares from solar-like stars and discuss whether such super-flares could occur on the Sun. I include spot data over the past 300 yrs, what is happening now, predications for the next cycle, how a super-flare could occur on the Sun, plus observations from 900 yrs ago.
Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB, 7.30pm
All welcome. Free admission, including light refreshments.
3 . "FIRST MAN" on general release from Fri 12 October. This film about Neil Armstrong and the first Apollo Moon landing, starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy, directed by Damien Gazette, is well worth seeing.
4. Participate in the 100 Hours of Astronomy Global Project
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary (IAU100) and to commemorate, we will organise a year-long celebration to increase 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.
The 100 Hours of Astronomy will be the kick-off worldwide event of IAU100 and will be composed of a broad range of activities aimed at involving the public. 100 Hours of Astronomy will take place over four days and nights, from 10-13 January 2019, with amateur and professional astronomers, astronomy enthusiasts and the general public invited to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the Universe. Hundreds of local events are being planned by science facilities and astronomy enthusiasts around the world, including telescope observing sessions, exhibitions, lectures, art projects, classroom projects, field trips, special shows and more. In many countries, there will be public lectures by specially selected speakers, experts in astronomy, keen to participate in this planet-wide venture.
It is only a few months before the yearlong centennial celebration of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will take place. As a big kick-off event, the global project 100 Hours of Astronomy is organised to take place 10-13 January 2019. Everyone around the globe can participate in this joint effort to bring astronomy to the general public.
Find more: https://www.iau-100.org/participate-100-hours-of-astronomy
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary (IAU100) and to commemorate, we will organise a year-long celebration to increase 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.
The 100 Hours of Astronomy will be the kick-off worldwide event of IAU100 and will be composed of a broad range of activities aimed at involving the public. 100 Hours of Astronomy will take place over four days and nights, from 10-13 January 2019, with amateur and professional astronomers, astronomy enthusiasts and the general public invited to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the Universe. Hundreds of local events are being planned by science facilities and astronomy enthusiasts around the world, including telescope observing sessions, exhibitions, lectures, art projects, classroom projects, field trips, special shows and more. In many countries, there will be public lectures by specially selected speakers, experts in astronomy, keen to participate in this planet-wide venture.
It is only a few months before the yearlong centennial celebration of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will take place. As a big kick-off event, the global project 100 Hours of Astronomy is organised to take place 10-13 January 2019. Everyone around the globe can participate in this joint effort to bring astronomy to the general public.
Find more: https://www.iau-100.org/participate-100-hours-of-astronomy
5. NEW. APOLLO 8 remembered. This is an excellent video tribute, just coming up to the 50th anniversary in December. This flight will be the subject of our lecture on December 12.
6. NEW. Images of Starlight opens November 11
The second Images of Starlight exhibition will be held in the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, for 3 weeks from November 11th. More details later.
7. NEW. IAA at Portballintrae, Stardome, Sat 27 Oct. more details of this public event next time.
8. International Observe the Moon Night: 20 October 2018: http://observethemoonnight.org/ . With all due respect to the organisers, this is a bad date, for the following reasons
(1). It will be 85% illuminated, well past the optimum of around 50% (First Q). Very little of the spectacular FQ terminator detail will be visible.
(2) The Moon will be quite low down in the sky for higher N. latitudes, such as UK/Ireland and the rest of N Europe. This results in poorer atmospheric seeing, and a reduced period of visibility.
(3) Although the main focus is obviously on the Moon, an almost full moon makes the sky so bright that it's very bad for viewing other celestial treats which may be on view.
(4) Autumn in the N. Hemisphere generally is the worst time of year for viewing the Moon, because of the angle of the ecliptic to the horizon. This may not be so much of a problem at the lower latitudes of the USA, but there are astronomers in other parts of the world too!
(5) N. Hemisphere Spring is much better, as the waxing Moon is at a much higher altitude, and visible for longer each night.
(6) If you think I'm biased against the S. Hemisphere, I'm not: firstly, there are very few people living in high S latitudes, where the March or April FQ Moon would be at a low angle for them. Only the S tip of S America would be affected, and it has a very low population. And in any case, many more people live in the N. Hemisphere.
How about a campaign for a change of date to March? Next year, 16 March would be the best option for a Saturday: the moon will be 76% illuminated – more than ideal, but much better than the date chosen for this year!
9. ISS. The ISS will commence a new series of morning passes on 28 October. Details for your own location, and lots more info on space and astronomy, on www.heavens-above.com
10. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium events
TODDLER TAKEOVER TUESDAY, at the Planetarium, October 23. There will be plenty to do for little ones - stories, songs and arts and crafts (all with a Space theme of course!) Next session: 23 October, Time: 1.15pm - 1.45pm, Price: £2 per child. Booking required.
Halloween Half-Term
Mon 29 Oct - Fri 2 Nov 2018. Dome Theatre Show Programme: Open 10am-5pm
11am: Astronaut George (Toddler show)
12noon: Accidental Astronauts (Family Show)
1pm: Beyond the Blue (Age restriction: over 6's)
2pm: We Are Aliens (Age restriction: over 6's)
3pm: Sun, Moon & Stars (Family Show)
4pm: Solar Superstorms (Age restriction: over 6's)
12noon: Accidental Astronauts (Family Show)
1pm: Beyond the Blue (Age restriction: over 6's)
2pm: We Are Aliens (Age restriction: over 6's)
3pm: Sun, Moon & Stars (Family Show)
4pm: Solar Superstorms (Age restriction: over 6's)
More show information and to book online: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com/shows
Weather permitting we will be launching rockets and will have a super space-themed craft activity for the children. Spend your half-term with us!
Weather permitting we will be launching rockets and will have a super space-themed craft activity for the children. Spend your half-term with us!
Murder Mystery at Armagh Observatory, Tuesday 30 October. Scandal, jealousy, anger and revenge are thick in the air and murder is just around the corner on Tuesday 30 October at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
* If you fancy yourself as a bit of a sleuth and think you can solve our out of this world mystery, then join us and put your powers of deduction to the test.
* Session Times: 7pm & 9pm. Price: £25 per person. Duration: Approx 2.5hrs
* Light refreshments will be served 30mins before the event begins
* A Dome show and short tour of the Planetarium and Observatory are included
* Adult Only Event
* While we make every effort to accommodate wheelchair users and others with mobility issues, by virtue of the nature of the building, the Observatory is accessed by steep narrow stairs
11: Mayo Dark Sky Festival, 2-4 November
* The latest speaker to be added to our programme is ÉANNA NÍ LAMHNA, renowned botanist and broadcaster, who will give a talk on Nocturnal Animals
* Childrens Workshop added to the line-up - The GREAT EGG-DROP CHALLENGE! (Children will work in teams to design and build a device that can keep a raw egg intact when dropped from a height)
* KTEC TELESCOPES will have a selection of telescopes and accessories on display at the festival and will be on hand to answer your questions
* Tickets go on sale online 30th AUGUST (we will send you the link on or before that date)
* Thanks to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), we will be running a FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE between the festival venues over the weekend of the festival
* CHILDREN UNDER 16 will be admitted FREE to all events
With lots more speakers and events to come, please do keep a close eye on our website for regular updates - www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie <http://www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie>
* Childrens Workshop added to the line-up - The GREAT EGG-DROP CHALLENGE! (Children will work in teams to design and build a device that can keep a raw egg intact when dropped from a height)
* KTEC TELESCOPES will have a selection of telescopes and accessories on display at the festival and will be on hand to answer your questions
* Tickets go on sale online 30th AUGUST (we will send you the link on or before that date)
* Thanks to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), we will be running a FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE between the festival venues over the weekend of the festival
* CHILDREN UNDER 16 will be admitted FREE to all events
With lots more speakers and events to come, please do keep a close eye on our website for regular updates - www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie <http://www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie>
12. Advance Notice The Galway Astronomy Festival takes place on Saturday January 26th, 2019.
The festival will take place in our new venue, The Harbour Hotel, New Docks Road, Galway.
We were very happy with last year's festival and hopefully this coming year's festival will be equally successful.
13. 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
14. 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/announcements/detail/ann18007/
15. 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
Hawking's final paper published https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/10/hawking-s-final-paper-posted?utm_campaign=news_daily_2018-10-12&et_rid=415711678&et_cid=2425095
Hawkinmg's final book published https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6279265/There-no-God-Stephen-Hawkings-final-book-reveals-answers-big-questions.html
EXOPLANETS
Moons could have moons! https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/10/moons-moons-could-exist-and-scientists-call-them-moonmoons?utm_campaign=news_daily_2018-10-12&et_rid=415711678&et_cid=2425095 Of course, our moon has had many 'moonmoons', but they were all man-made!
SOLAR SYSTEM
Where should NASA's next Mars Rover land? https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/10/nasas-next-mars-rover-could-explore-former-mineral-springs-and-fossil-river-delta?utm_campaign=news_daily_2018-10-12&et_rid=415711678&et_cid=2425095
SPACE
Soyuz astronauts to fly again https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6268449/Rocket-failure-astronauts-space-Russian-official.html
TELESCOPES, EQUIPMENT, Etc
Chandra X-ray space observatory is OK again https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6278797/Chandra-X-ray-Observatory-dead-gyro-troubles-caused-shut-down.html
16. IAA subscriptions for the coming year were due on 1 September. A reminder was included with the latest issue of Stardust, which all members should have received.
17. 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