1. IAA Lecture, Wed 20 March. Members' Night, Triple Bill! This meeting features short talks by IAA members, but is open to everyone, as usual
(1) Brian Beesly (President) will give a talk entitled "Kenneth Edgeworth; soldier, engineer, economist and astronomer". Edgeworth was an Irishman who predicted the existence of the "Kuiper Belt", but which we call the "Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt" a region beyone Pluto full of comets and asteroid-type bodies such as Sedna.
(2) Paul Evans will then talk on "Apollos 9 & 10, Getting it All Together". Does what it says on the tin!
(3) I will then give a talk on my recent visit to Cape Canaveral, entitled "The Kennedy Space Centre - Americans in Space". The KSC covers the US manned space programme from Mercury through to the current involvement in the ISS, and looks forward to their future plans for the Moon and Mars, and the current progress from private firms such as Space-X, Blue Origin and Boeing. Amazing exhibits, interactions, tours etc.
Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building , QUB, 7.30pm
All welcome. Free admission, including light refreshments.
2. NEW. Stop Press!: Hayden Geraghty on UTV Live, 7.30 p.m. this Thursday 14 March.
Hayden is probably our youngest member, and anyone who follows local news and social media will know what a little star he is! If you don't know him, I won't spoil the story – just watch the programme
3. NEW. Newport Astronomy Club, 14 March: Brian MacGabhann (whose talk 'How we
got to the Moon and Back' was one of the highlights of our 2018 festival) will return to Newport THIS THURSDAY 14th March to give a talk entitled 'Einstein made – relatively – Simple'. The talk takes place in Hotel Newport at 8pm. Newport Astronomy Club members free, non-members also very welcome - €5 at the door.
4. Also: International Dark Sky Week 31 March – 7 April: We have lined up a week full of free events in various venues around Mayo for this annual celebration of dark skies. The programme, includes talks by Gary Fildes of Kielder Observatory Northumberland, and a welcome return by Mayo Dark Skies patron Duncan Stewart.
5. The ISS continues its series of morning passes until 15 March Details for your own location, and lots more info on space and astronomy, on www.heavens-above.com.
If you want to check for transits of the ISS across the Sun or the Moon which occur somewhere near you, visit http://transit-finder.com
6. New 20th March: DIAS Dunsink Observatory Public Open Night
Public Open Night, including a history talk, an introductory talk to science research by a member of DIAS, tours of the observatory and telescopes, and observing the moon, stars and planets (weather permitting). 8pm-10pm (gates open 7:30) Register in advance here.
7. New. 21st March: 13.00, DIAS Burlington House, Burlington Rd, Dublin. Schroedinger 'What is Life?' public lecture series
Professor Peter Gallagher will explore: 'What is Extraterrestrial Life? Exoplanets, Earth-like planets, SETI - what next, life?' Part one of the four-part lunch time lecture series exploring the question: 'What is Life?' from a number of different perspectives. Register in advance here.
8. New 27th March: DIAS Dunsink Observatory Public Open Night
Public Open Night, including a history talk, an introductory talk to science research by a member of DIAS, tours of the observatory and telescopes, and observing the moon, stars and planets (weather permitting). 8pm-10pm (gates open 7:30) Register in advance here.
9. New 28th March: 13.00, DIAS Burlington House, Burlington Rd, Dublin. Erwin Schroedinger 'What is Life?' public lecture series
Professor Chris Bean will explore: 'Earth processes – drivers for life: Insights into how Earth processes determine life on our planet.' Part two of the four-part lunch time lecture series exploring the question: 'What is Life?' from a number of different perspectives. Register in advance here.
10. EARTH HOUR at BCO, 30 March.
This is a global campaign that seeks to raise awareness of environmental issues via a symbolic "Lights Out" event. This Lights Out event also serves as a wonderful opportunity to discuss Ireland's Dark Sky Heritage. As recipients of the International Astronomical Union's Dark Skies For All fund, CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory are affirming our commitment to promoting and protecting Ireland's astronomical heritage by using Earth Hour to launch a 6 Week program of Dark Sky Events.
We have a jam-packed schedule of free events on the night, including a Star Cycle, Public Astronomy Sessions and more. Full schedule via the link below.
Time: 8 pm – 10 pm, Audience: Public, Admission: Free
Further details here: https://www.bco.ie/events/earth-hour-3/
11. Dark Sky Week Workshops at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, April 1-5
For Dark Sky Week, discover how your students can participate in citizen science with Globe at Night. Learn about constellations and get ready to report on how light pollution affects your view of the night sky. How can light fittings be designed to give us light where we need it and still let us see the stars? Each visit also includes a Planetarium Show and Castle Tour.
Time: 10 am – 1pm. Audience: 3rd Class to 6th Class. Admission: €5 per student. Further details here: https://www.bco.ie/events/dark-sky-week-workshops/
12. New. 4th April: Schroedinger 'What is Life?' public lecture series
Professor Barry Lewis will explore: 'What is life? One question, many answers. The language of life in early Ireland and Wales'. Part three of the four-part lunch time lecture series exploring the question: 'What is Life?' from a number of different perspectives. Register in advance here.
13. COSMOS 2019. 5-7 April, Athlone.
Aimed at all levels of interest, ages and demographics, COSMOS brings together astronomers, scientists, rocket engineers as well as amateurs, families and enthusiasts for a celebration of Irish Astronomy. DIAS Scholar, Sam Green will give a talk at the event on "Stellar Winds are Blowing Bubbles". More details later See here for further information.
14. Yuri's Night, Friday April 12;
Event at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory
Have you ever wanted to see what the Moon looks like through a telescope? Well this is your chance! Join us at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory where we'll be celebrating the anniversary of humanity's first orbit of Earth, by checking out our nearest celestial neighbour with FREE telescope viewing sessions.
Observing, as always, is weather dependent.
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm. Audience: Public/Families, Admission: Free.
Further details here: https://www.bco.ie/events/lifelong-learning-festival-yuris-night/
15. New. 25th April: Schroedinger 'What is Life?' public lecture series
Professor Werner Nahm FRS will explore: 'Beyond the 'What is Life?' lectures and book: The legacy of Professor Erwin Schroedinger...' The final lecture of the four-part lunch time lecture series exploring the question: 'What is Life?' from a number of different perspectives. Register in advance here.
16. Become an IAU Dark Skies Ambassador. The IAU100 Global Project Dark Skies for All project aims to raise awareness for the preservation of quiet and dark skies and claim the right to future generations to continue to access our true night skies. The project now opens the registration for becoming one of its ambassadors. Additionally, the IAU100 is issuing a call for proposals to receive the "Turn on the Night" educational kit and encourages educators, astronomy professionals and enthusiasts around the world to apply.
You can find more information here: https://www.iau-100.org/darkskies-ambassadors-call
17. IAU100 Amateur Astronomy Day Event on 13 April 2019 in Brussels
On Saturday 13 April 2019 at the Palace of the Academies in Brussels, Belgium, the International Astronomical Union will organise its first event for amateur astronomers. With an inspirational full-day event that will include NASA astronaut John Grunsfeld, renowned scientists involved in hot topics in astronomy and presentations from the amateur astronomical community. With this event, the IAU aims to further build the relationship between amateur astronomers, their organizations and the IAU. The IAU100 Secretariat hereby invites amateur astronomers to attend the event.
You can find more information here: https://www.iau-100.org/amateur-astronomers-day
18. New. Suggest names for Jupiter's new moons. Contest End Date: April 15, 2019
In July 2018, Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science announced the discovery of 12 new moons orbiting Jupiter. Eleven are "normal" outer moons, and one is what he called an "oddball." This brought Jupiter's total number of known moons to a whopping 79 — the most of any planet in our solar system. Now you can help Sheppard and his co-discoverers select the names for five of these newly announced moons!
Submit: Tweet your suggested moon name to @JupiterLunacy and tell us why you picked it using 280 characters or fewer or a short video. Don't forget to include the hashtag #NameJupitersMoons.
The General Rules:
– Jupiter Moons must be named after characters from Roman or Greek mythology who were either descendants or lovers of the god known as Jupiter (Roman) or Zeus (Greeks).
– Submissions must be 16 characters or fewer, preferably one word.
– Submissions must not be offensive in any language or to any culture.
– Submissions must not be too similar to the existing names of any moons or asteroids.
– Names of a purely or principally commercial nature are prohibited.
– Names of individuals, places, or events that are principally known for political, military, or religious activities are not suitable.
– Names commemorating living persons are not allowed.
The Rules for Each Individual Moon:
S/2003 J5 (Jupiter LVII), S/2003 J15 (Jupiter LVIII), and S/2003 J3 (Jupiter LX) are all retrograde and thus names must be related to Jupiter or Zeus and end in an "e."
S/2017 J4 (Jupiter LXV) and S/2018 J1 (Jupiter LXXI) are prograde and thus names must be related to Jupiter or Zeus and end in an "a."
Learn More: Further details about how the International Astronomical Union names astronomical objects can be found here.
This video details some of the possible Jupiter moon names and can tell you more about how the Jupiter moon-naming process works.
Make Sure Your Proposed Name Is Not Already In Use: Current Asteroid names can be checked at the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center here or here.
– Existing names for Jupiter's other moons can be checked at Sheppard's website here.
19. Centenary of IAU in 2019: IAU100: Uniting our World to Explore the Universe
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) celebratesits 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.
NEW IAU100 Celebrations around the World for details for your own country, check the link below.
With Astronomy events of all kinds, including national and cultural events, the IAU100 is engaging with different communities worldwide. Meet the IAU100 National Committees and learn more about the people who are here to support you during the 2019 celebrations. For the UK, it's Prof Robert Walsh, originally from Belfast, but now at U of Central Lancs (who gave a great talk to the IAA in Belfast some years ago); and for ROI it's the indefatigable Clair McSweeney from BCO in Cork. See https://www.sciencespace.ie/celebrating-100-years-of-the-international-astronomical-union-ireland/
Read more: https://www.iau-100.org/national-committees
20. WAGIA special prize
Women and Girls in Astronomy Special Prize
A new special prize has been announced for event organisers that conduct activities for IAU100 that innovatively celebrate Women and Girls in Astronomy. We strongly encourage the organization of activities throughout 2019, as the perfect opportunity to celebrate girls and women in astronomy.
More information: https://www.iau-100.org/womenandgirls-in-astronomy
21. Einstein Schools program new resources announced
The Einstein Schools program is taking off with over 160 schools working to become IAU-certified Einstein Schools. All participants in this program can now find more teaching resources that can be used in classrooms. For example, there are now a number of black holes' related activities together with more resources on teaching about solar eclipses in preparation for the special ceremonies on May 29 in Principe and Brazil related to the 100th anniversary of Eddington eclipse expedition of 1919 that confirmed Einstein's Theory of General Relativity.
Finally, the project has also added three classroom-useful graphic short stories called "Tales of the Modern Astronomer". These stories were developed at the U.S. National Optical Astronomy Observatory and highlight research related to black holes that are being done today at observatories around the world.
Find more information at the Einstein Schools official website: https://www.einsteinschools.org/
22. European Week of Astronomy and Space Science
Date: 24 – 28 June 2019; Location: Lyon, France. More information: https://eas.unige.ch//EWASS/
23. 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/
24. Festival of Curiosity, Dublin. July 18 – 21, 2019
25. IAU100: Moon Landing 50th Anniversary - Let's All Observe the Moon!
Date: 20 July 2019
Location: All around the world
More information: https://www.iau-100.org/moon-landing-anniversary
The Moon will be waning gibbous, and not rising until about midnight, but at least some spectacular formations will be visible for those prepared to stay up late!
26. Apollo 11 50th Anniversary. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium will be holding a suite of events through July and August to celebrate this event. More details soon.
27. 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
Fossil galaxy from early universe https://www.livescience.com/64914-anemic-galaxy-discovered.html
How much does the Milky Weigh? https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190307131412.htm and https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/mar/07/scientists-milky-way-weighs-galaxy-hubble-nasa?utm_term=RWRpdG9yaWFsX0xhYk5vdGVzLTE5MDMwOA%3D%3D&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=LabNotes&CMP=labnotes_email
Supernovae companion stars affect type of explosion https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190307131452.htm
Closest young high mass binary discovered https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190311101158.htm
COSMOLOGY
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190305100637.htm
This could open up a whole can of physical worms! What about relativity? Photons must have zero rest mass, otherwise they can't travel at the speed of light, since it would take an infinite amount of energy to accelerate them to c. But if they travel at even slightly less than c, how does that affect our measured acceleration of the expansion of the universe, and the need for dark energy to explain it?
EARTH & MOON
LAMP shows water movement on Moon https://mail.aol.com/webmail-std/en-gb/DisplayMessage?ws_popup=true&ws_suite=true
New ISS instrument helps farmers https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190306081709.htm
EXOPLANETS
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6778659/First-potential-exoplanet-spotted-Kepler-10-years-ago-FINALLY-confirmed.html and https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190311101212.htm
50 billion rogue wandering exoplanets may be in Milky Way https://earthsky.org/space/50-billion-free-floating-planets-in-milky-way
EXOLIFE
K-type stars may be best for harbouring life-friendly planets https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190307161924.htm
Chances for life increase when passing stars push binaries closer together https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190307073454.htm
IMAGES
https://www.livescience.com/64955-stellar-star-images.html
LIGHT POLLUTION
SOLAR SYSTEM
Cassini and Juno data challenges theories of how giant planets form https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190306152409.htm
Dust rings in inner SS, and asteroids co-orbiting with Venus – maybe. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190312123629.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
SPACE
Space-X capsule makes successful return to Earth https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-returns-to-earth.html#?utm_source=ls-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=03092018-ls
NASA approves Dream Chaser spacecraft https://newatlas.com/nasa-dream-chaser-plane-production/57823/
Space-X to launch secret NASA spaceplane next week. https://newatlas.com/spacex-x-37b/51168/
Major challenges to sending astronauts to look for life on Mars https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190306110637.htm
Space-X mission ends 'perfectly'. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6785595/SpaceX-completes-perfect-mission-Dragon-lands-Atlantic.html
SUN
Chances of another Carrington scale solar storm hitting Earth are not so high. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190312103717.htm - but
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS
Quantum radio detects faintest possible signals https://mail.aol.com/webmail-std/en-gb/DisplayMessage?ws_popup=true&ws_suite=true
Ultra high-speed video imaging possible with ordinary cameras https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190307131444.htm That would be useful for recording transits of the ISS across the Sun or Moon, or capturing details of a fireball in flight.
28. 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 .
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
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