Hi all,
1. IAA Lecture, Wed 16 February, 7.30 p.m. "SETI and Adaptive Optics: A Match Made in the Heavens". by Ben McKeon, NUIG
Synopsis:
This presentation gives an overview of SETI (the search for extra terrestrial intelligence) and the various methods by which this search is carried out. In the first part of the talk, I outline the history of SETI before detailing more recent work in this area, focusing briefly on the use of the I-LOFAR radio telescope for SETI activities. The disadvantages of conventional radio SETI techniques are discussed, while also highlighting the value of optical telescopes to the SETI cause.
The second part of this talk introduces my research on adaptive optics (AO) and how this technology is crucial for imaging exoplanets directly. I describe the main components of an AO system and how they work before speculating on how adaptive optics may be able to detect evidence of advanced alien civilisations.
Biog:
Ben says: I'm an avid space geek and first-year PhD student researching adaptive optics at NUI Galway. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the world of SETI last Summer when I took part in an internship with Breakthrough Listen and the Berkeley SETI Research Center. An active member of the NUIG Astronomy Society, I always enjoy talking about the wonders of the night sky. When I'm not tinkering with my own telescope or designing a new one, I'm usually found running, reading or knee-deep in a pile of Lego.
ZOOM DETAILS
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86036851590?pwd=RUVBYnVxSmZ5UHlwOTA1OGdvVmQ0QT09
Meeting ID: 860 3685 1590
Passcode: 833900
The room will open around 19:15 to allow for a prompt start.
This talk will also be Simulcast on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/irishastronomy/videos
2. Connemara Astronomy Club Lecture: Exploring Strange New Worlds: An Introduction to Exoplanets by Dr Steph Merritt, Queen's University Belfast, Thursday, 17th Feb @ 8 pm.
SYNOPSIS: Not too long ago, the existence of planets outside our own solar system was the stuff of speculation and science-fiction. We imagined far-away worlds and star systems, populated them with aliens, and rendered them as backdrops to thrilling space adventures. With the discovery of the first exoplanet in 1992, fiction became fact: and since that year, over 4000 exoplanets have been discovered, ranging from enormous gas giants one step away from being stars themselves to smaller terrestrial planets that can convincingly remind us of our own Earth. But how do we detect these strange new worlds? How can we learn more about them? And where are those aliens, anyway? This beginner's guide to exoplanets aims to answer these questions, covering the most common detection methods and characterisation techniques in the field, highlighting a few of the strange and wonderful worlds we've found, and exploring what it actually means for a planet to be "habitable".
Biog: Dr Merritt is an astronomer and planetary scientist at Queen's University Belfast, working in both exoplanet atmospheres and solar system science, where she is currently leading the development of open-access software designed to detect or disprove the existence of Planet Nine with the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83826832788?pwd=ZmluYWFhSDVVamc0WC9XUW9qcmlsUT09
Meeting ID: 838 2683 2788, Passcode: 428323
2A: Congratulations to the inimitable and indomitable Sinead Mannion, founder of the Club, on being awarded the William James McHenry Award by QUB. Very well deserved!
3. ARMAGH OBSERVATORY & PLANETARIUM INVITES YOU TO COME EXPLORE THIS MID-TERM
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this mid-term and into Spring to experience an out of this world trip to remember. The Planetarium is the ideal place to create long lasting memories and spark curiosity to learn more about space.
From immersive dome shows to exploring the cosmos at the interactive exhibition space, and sensory room, there is something to keep everyone captivated during their day out. The planetarium is equipped with a state-of-the-art Digistar 7 digital project system for an all-immersive theatre experience. Visitors of all ages will be immersed in a 360-degree dome experience where shows are played on the roof.
The planetarium is showcasing many dome-shows during the mid-term holidays and spring, suitable for all ages. Shows include, "Astronaut George" best suited for pre-schoolers and little ones. "Perfect Little Planet" is the ideal show for families as you discover the Solar System, taking you on the ultimate space vacation! "We are Stars" is the perfect animated dome show for over 6's and seeks to answer some of the biggest questions for all time; what are we made of and where did it all come from?
The shows are not just for the kids, adults have the chance to view some immersive dome shows too. "Look Up! A Winter Night Sky Tour" takes you on a tour around the night sky as seen from Ireland. Let a presenter guide you through the beautiful objects and constellations seen at this time of year. This show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky. More shows are available.
The cleverly designed interactive exhibition area allows little ones to explore outer space and broaden their curiosity for the intergalactic phenomena. You can touch a real piece of ancient history; a real meteorite!
To get outdoors, explore the Astropark which has a scale model of the Universe, brought down to Earth in a beautiful natural setting. As you journey through the park you will get to interact with a scale model of the Solar System.
The recently refurbished modern sensory room provides an enjoyable and calming multisensory experience for all our visitors, with features including bubble tubes and interactive exhibits. Leave some time in your day out to refuel at the café and explore the shop for treats, educational gifts and more.
For those with additional needs, a brand-new changing places facility is available to assist to ensure your day out is relaxing and you have everything you need.
Special opening on Monday 14th February for mid-term.
Tickets for the dome shows and exhibitions are available to purchase online via www.armagh.space and pre booking is required. The Armagh Observatory & Planetarium is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday.
Armagh Planetarium: Half-Term dome shows, Mon 14 - Sun 20 February
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this half term and into spring to experience an out of this world trip to remember. The planetarium is the ideal place to create long lasting memories and spark curiosity to learn more about space.
From immersive dome shows to exploring the cosmos at the interactive exhibition space, and sensory room, there is something to keep everyone captivated during their day out.
Dome show Times:
10:15am: Perfect Little Planet (Relaxed)
11:00am: Astronaut George
12noon: Our Solar System
1pm: Look Up winter skies
2pm: We are Stars
3pm: Perfect Little Planet
4pm: Tales of a Time Traveler
Half-Term Special Events
AOP Big Quiz Night 18 Feb
Legendary Telescopes Tour 12 Feb-27 March
Online Startracker 22 Feb
Climate Change live science show 26-27 Feb
4. The Royal Astronomical Society welcomes the establishment of the new International Astronomical Union (IAU) Centre for the Protection of Dark and Quiet Skies from Satellite Constellation Interference. The Centre will be jointly hosted by the Square Kilometre Array Organisation (SKAO), headquartered in the UK, and the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) in the United States. It will focus on the effect of large satellite constellations on both optical and radio astronomy, and seek ways to minimise their impact through design changes, policy measures and mitigation through astronomical software. The RAS is one of a number of contributing astronomy organisations, pledged to give in-kind support to the work of the new Centre.
See also Astronomers set up center to counter threat of satellite swarms | Science | AAAS
5. New February Sky Guide video by Paul Evans
6. JWST Latest
How NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will get ready for its first cosmic observations | Space
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope turns on cameras to look at first star target | Space
James Webb Space Telescope turns on its high-gain antenna | Digital Trends
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope turns on cameras to look at first star target | Space and https://www.facebook.com/1015803760/posts/10223775397025653/?sfnsn=scwspmo andThe alignment of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has begun | Space
https://www.facebook.com/1015803760/posts/10223797304093316/?sfnsn=scwspmohttps://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10227222041839602&id=1315303067&sfnsn=scwspmohttps://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/nasa-unveils-first-images-from-new-james-webb-space-telescope/vi-AATKcNp?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531
'Holy cow!' How the James Webb Space Telescope took a selfie in space | Space Behold, the 1st images from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope! | Space
7. Nostalgic Kelly's People video at Armagh Planetarium. Lots of familiar faces!
I found this video of Kelly's People shot at Armagh Planetarium in 1988, broadcast on 11/11/1988. It's almost 43m long.
Kelly's People: Armagh Planetarium - View media - Northern Ireland Screen | Digital Film Archive, if that doesn't work, I hope I've transcribed this ULR correctly!
https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/kellys-people-armagh-planetarium-4182
As well as myself, there's Terence Murtagh (Director), Lecturers John Flynn, John Tate and Martin Ratcliffe (all interviewed), Nigel Henbest and the late lovely Heather Couper (also interviewed), Past IAA Presidents Bruce Hardie, Ronnie Ormonde, (both dec'd), plus Andy McCrea (with hair!) and Tony Drennan (briefly interviewed); and other IAA members: George Brannan, Michael Duffy (with beard, interviewed), Mary Kirwan-Mackey, Derek Heatly, Dr Brian Sloan (now dec'd), Cecil McCartney (now dec'd), Diana Johnston and Lindsay Green. Also Stephen Armstrong (a technician at the Planetarium), and Stan Nesbitt.
If anyone recognises anyone else, let me know, with a time, and approximate location and description.
BTW, the seating in the dome then was in a circle, so you see two different halves of the audience at various times.
8. AOP and OM/Davagh listed in 10 best UK Observatories
https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/astronomical-observatories-uk/ It's great that both Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, and the new Observatory at OM/Davagh Dark Sky Park made it into this top ten list
9. Irish Asteroid names – request for information.
Michael O'Connell has asked for my help. He's compiling a list of all asteroids with Irish connections,
i.e. named after Irish people or places, or people closely associated with the country.
If any readers know of any not on the list (see last bulletin) please email me at terrymosel@aol.com and I'll pass the info on to him. (if you don't know the number, just give the name of the person or place, with as much relevant information as possible). Thanks.
10. Free February sky guide.
https://www.irishastronomy.org/kunena?view=topic&catid=42...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/irishastro/permalink/10160633878165955/?sfnsn=scwspmo&ref=share
11. Women and Girls in Astronomy 11 February – 8 March
The Women and Girls in Astronomy project supports events that recognise the role of women in advancing science and encourages girls to consider careers in astronomy. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) strongly encourages activities throughout the year, with a particular focus between two International Days adopted by the United Nations: the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February and International Women's Day on 8 March.
More on how you can take part in Women and Girls in Astronomy: https://www.iau.org/public/women-and-girls-in-astronomy/
12. Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition. Reach for the stars! Enter the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition for a chance to win £10,000 and be part of a major London exhibition. See
https://www.facebook.com/100140416703461/posts/4940918395958948/?sfnsn=mo
13. Two I-LOFAR summer research intern positions
Prof Evan Keane has 2 summer research intern positions working with him using I-LOFAR for SETI work. This is also part of a wider programme with collaborators in Berkeley, Jodrell, Sardinia and beyond. There are also opportunities available at all those sites.
Application Deadline is Feb 11th. If you could please circulate I would be most grateful.
All the info here: https://seti.berkeley.edu/Internship.html
14. UK Students Space Conference, 5&6 March, 2022
NSSC 2022 (ukseds.org) Registration required!
The UKSEDS National Student Space Conference, now in its 34th year, is the premier event for students interested in space, usually uniting them with academics and professionals from across the country to network, share knowledge, and discuss the challenges facing the sector.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NSSC 2021 had to move online, however we managed to preserve the essence of the conference that students know and love. Consequently NSSC 2022 will be a hybrid event, with online attendees being able to watch the talks and ask questions, all through our Nebula platform.
It is open to all, and features talks by leading space science and industry figures, a careers fair, and opportunities to take part in discussions and networking events.
The event is organised by UKSEDS, the UK's national student space society, and is this year hosted by the KCL Space at King's College London.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or subscribe to our email newsletter for updates on this and other events.
15. Our Place in Space Project: In conjunction with QUB's ARC and the NI Science Festival
The Our Place In Space project is coming to N. Ireland for three long spells this year: in Derry from 22nd April to 22nd May, on Divis mountain 11th June to 10th July & at the Folk & Transport Museum from 17th Sept to 1 October.
Details are on the website – www.ourplaceinspace.earth with a nice video of Stephen Smartt and Oliver Jeffers.
The IAA has been asked to provide accompanying stargazing events, and details of these will be announced shortly. Watch this space!
16. Global Planetarium Survey:
The Global Planetarium Survey is now available for distribution in your respective countries/regions to all those active in the field of planetariums and planetarium education. Please spread the word among your networks. The survey link is: https://kuleuven., and is open until the 31st of March, 2022.
17. ISS:
The ISS will commence a new series of morning passes on 18 February. Full details for your location on www.heavens-above.com, and on various Smartphone Apps
18. EASY Teaser - Answered
Q. - What record does the 5m Hale telescope on Mt Palomar still hold?
At last! This one was cracked by Prof Peter Hall.
The answer is that the Hale 5m telescope is the largest (optical) telescope in the world on an equatorial mount (the Horseshoe design, hence the 'lucky' clue).
All larger telescopes have been built on an altazimuth mount, using computers to track in both axes, de-rotate the field of view, etc.
NEW EASY TEASER: What do Centaurus, Crux and Orion, and only they, have in common?
19. DIFFICULT TEASER – Final clue
What does the number 695 represent?
NB: One early reply said that it was the distance in LY to a particular object. Well, firstly, that would have been too easy – just search lists of objects until you find one with that figure, in km, AU, LY, or parsecs etc ! I don't make these ones as easy as that! No, you'll have to do a bit of thinking about this one, as usual. When you see the answer your initial subjective reaction will be - Wow, that's amazing! Then you'll think – Well, yes, of course!
No correct answers yet, so here's the clues.
Clue 1. The exact figure is 694.83, so it's something we know fairly precisely!
Clue 2: It's to do with the solar system.
Clue 3. It's to do with angular measurement.
Clue 4. Maybe now someone will rise to the occasion.
Clue 5. You don't have to be horizontal to get this one, but…
Clue 6: If I asked you the question 'live', you would probably say, 'in very rough figures - about 720'.
(NB, there will only be no more clues after this one, so if no-one gets it, I can claim total victory!)
Please send all Teaser answers to me at my aol address terrymosel@aol.com
20. Davagh Dark Sky Park and Observatory is open, with pre-booking, and some restrictions.
See https://www.midulstercouncil.org/visitor/things-to-do/star-gazing/davagh-dark-sky-observatory , and https://www.facebook.com/omdarksky/ I'll post any updates here. Or phone 03000 132 132 for changing Covid-19 advice.
21. 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:
Hubble Space Telescope spots an 'oddball' starburst (msn.com)
Hubble finds a black hole igniting star formation in a dwarf galaxy -- ScienceDaily
Highly eccentric black hole merger discovered -- ScienceDaily
Crash of the titans: imminent merger of giant black holes predicted | Science | AAAS
Shadow of cosmic water cloud reveals the temperature of the young universe -- ScienceDaily
Astronomers Find First-Ever Rogue Black Hole Adrift in the Milky Way - Scientific American By co-incidence, I asked a question about these in the Q&A after our excellent IAA lecture on Black Holes on Wed evening!
Astronomers offer theory about mysterious location of massive stars: Researchers found the secret seems to lie in the merging of medium-mass stars -- ScienceDaily That star will now be evolving very rapidly -the merger will have greatly shortened its lifetime!
https://scitechdaily.com/origin-of-supermassive-black-hole-flares-identified-magnetic-reconnection-near-the-event-horizon/ and Simulation reveals origin of strange flares from supermassive black holes (newatlas.com)
Hubble Space Telescope gazes at 'cosmic oddball' with a funky shape (msn.com)
Too many disk galaxies than theory allows -- ScienceDaily
https://scitechdaily.com/astronomers-watch-a-star-die-and-then-explode-as-a-supernova-for-the-very-first-time/ What happens at the center of a black hole? (msn.com) – I'm opting for the Planck star.
Final moments of dead planet crashing into a white dwarf seen for the first time (aol.co.uk)
Watching the forming of a 'Super-Earth' https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/astronomers-watch-the-making-of-a-super-earth/#.YgPwcAulNhM.mailto
Binary Black Holes can Unlock Another of Einstein's Predictions - Universe Today
New Dark Matter theory Distant galaxies and the true nature of dark matter -- ScienceDaily
Debris from disintegrating planets hurtling into white dwarfs across the galaxy -- ScienceDaily
Astronomers watched a dead planet smash into a dead star for first time ever | Live Science
Harnessing strongest magnetic fields in universe could reveal elusive particle -- ScienceDaily
COSMOLOGY
Do we create space-time? A new perspective on the fabric of reality | New Scientist My brain hurts….
Strongest magnetic field did not produce exotic particles called magnetic monopoles | New Scientist
Ask Ethan: What if you traveled in a straight line forever? - Big Think
How small was the Universe when the hot Big Bang began? - Big Think - this answers some questions that I've never seen answered before
https://bigthink.com/hard-science/new-study-cosmic-acceleration-dark-energy-dont-exist/ and then this –
https://bigthink.com/hard-science/dark-matter-theory/#Echobox=1643520089 That must be why my head feels so light……
The Universe is normal! The "CMB cold spot" is now explained- Big Think
EARTH & MOON
Earth has an extra companion, a Trojan asteroid that will hang around for 4,000 years | Space
Spring in the U.K. Arrives a Month Earlier than in the 1980s - Scientific American
NASA's Artemis 1 moon mission rocket faces new delays | Space
Did comet's fiery destruction lead to downfall of ancient Hopewell? -- ScienceDaily
Shocked zircon find a 'one-off gift' from Mars -- ScienceDaily
British 'spider' to go to the Moon https://lnkd.in/gZJ4-vMY
Asteroid sharing Earth's orbit discovered — could it help future space missions? (msn.com)
NASA asteroid detector 'looks up' to scan entire sky every 24 hours | Live Science
Predicting the efficiency of oxygen-evolving electrolysis on the Moon and Mars -- ScienceDaily
Earth's inner core is a strange superionic iron alloy, study suggests (newatlas.com)
How life came to Earth -- ScienceDaily
Simulation Predicts Where to Find 300,000 Meteorites Hidden in Antarctica - Universe Today
Could Astronauts Hibernate on Long Space Voyages? - Universe Today
EXOLIFE
New role for cyanide in early Earth and search for extraterrestrial life -- ScienceDaily
EXOPLANETS
Science breakthrough: Space satellite makes 'incredible' discovery of 'deformed' planet (msn.com)
Extreme exoplanet has a complex and exotic atmosphere -- ScienceDaily (CHEOPS = CHaracterising ExOPlanets Satellite (ESA), and HARPS = High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (spectrograph) on 3.6m at ESO, La Silla)
Moons may yield clues to what makes planets habitable -- ScienceDaily
New planet detected around Proxima Centauri, the star closest to the Sun (msn.com)
Scientists may have found a new planet that could sustain life (msn.com) Any life that previously existed on that planet is very unlikely to have survived when it went through its Red Giant phase before becoming a white dwarf. And it would almost certainly have lost any atmosphere and water. So any life there would probably be only very primitive anaerobic organisms living deep below the surface. But I wouldn't even count on that!
Planetary bodies observed for first time in 'habitable zone' of dead star -- ScienceDaily
Debris from disintegrating planets hurtling into white dwarfs across the galaxy -- ScienceDaily
Massive Rocky Planets Probably Don't Have big Moons - Universe Today
Warps drive disruptions in planet formation in young planetary systems -- ScienceDaily
FILM
Journey to the Andromeda Galaxy [4K] - YouTube
IMAGES
Milky Way gallery: See awe-inspiring images of our galaxy (msn.com)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/100328570137468/permalink/1669035879933388/?sfnsn=mo&ref=share Fascinating. It seems odd that the outer one, Europa, appears to be moving faster than inner Io, but that's due to the motion of the spacecraft taking the images.
NASA unveils 30 dazzling new Hubble space images for an epic anniversary - CNET
The biggest star known. Mind-boggling! https://www.facebook.com/100001832047704/posts/7039805296090469/?sfnsn=scwspmo A million Earths could fit inside the Sun, and 5 billion Suns could fit inside UY Scuti, so 5 TRLLION Earths could fit inside it!
Where every element came from! https://www.facebook.com/764159494/posts/10159139146904495/?sfnsn=scwspmo
https://mashable.com/article/nasa-esa-hubble-galaxy-stretchingNew image of Venus https://www.facebook.com/104764268714933/posts/126315526559807/?sfnsn=scwspmo
Zoom in on the Andromeda galaxy ! https://www.facebook.com/1626318246/posts/10218926929277339/?sfnsn=scwspmoSOLAR SYSTEM
Perseverance rover does the 'twist' on Mars to shake loose stuck rocks | Space
NASA asteroid tracking system now capable of full sky search (spacedaily.com)
Saturn's 'Death Star' moon could have a secret underground ocean | Space NB, Mimas is NOT Saturn's smallest, innermost Moon (although it's the smallest one I've seen)! There are others that are smaller and closer in, Pan, Atlas, Prometheus, Pandora, Epimetheus and Janus.
Europe's sun mission flew through the tail of Comet Leonard | Space
Hope for present-day Martian groundwater dries up in new study -- ScienceDaily
Dead Spacecraft on Mars Spotted in New Photos | Space
Shocked zircon find a 'one-off gift' from Mars -- ScienceDaily
Mars helicopter Ingenuity aces 19th flight after historic Red Planet weather delay | Space
Torturous Martian terrain is chewing through NASA Curiosity's tires | TechRadar 'Torturous' implies deliberate intention! The correct term is tortuous.
Saturn's high-altitude winds generate an extraordinary aurorae, study finds -- ScienceDaily
NASA solar probe sees Venus glowing 'like an iron from the forge' (msn.com)
Youngest ever asteroids discovered https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finterestingengineering.com%2Fthe-youngest-pair-of-asteroids-spotted-by-astronomers-are-just-300-years-old&h=AT3gHY9KLA7mjXlHBA2y8L7SY0PKQhFL_8mazAHynD7S3o_lONU0xaH2s96vuE82PNfzwq2cehbNicoliq252oBiew94NsK7GKVE10vm49JD4v2mq8PMy687YIVAZ4CZS4alX0x4sa7FGdaXPciO
Predicting the efficiency of oxygen-evolving electrolysis on the Moon and Mars -- ScienceDaily
Mars sample return https://www.facebook.com/100044501376615/posts/485066049653437/?sfnsn=scwspmo Deep interior of Mars might have led to the loss of the planet's atmosphere (msn.com)
Mars Could Have Been wet for Much Longer Than Previously Believed - Universe Today
SPACE
Space station cargo ship named in honor of late NASA astronaut Piers Sellers | Space. That's a nice tribute. I met him at one of Sir Patrick Moore's big Sky At Night 50th anniversary parties. He was guest of honour, and gave a lovely address. He was reading out messages and telegrams from people who could not attend, and he put me on the spot when he got to one from Lord Rosse in Birr: he turned to me and said, "You'd better read this one out – you're from Ireland!"
New control technique uses solar panels to reach desired Mars orbit -- ScienceDaily
NASA's 'Nuclear Option' May Be Crucial for Getting Humans to Mars - Scientific American
The first Vulcan rocket will launch ashes of Star Trek actors into space this year | Space
World's First Space Plane Can Take Off From A Runway And Fly To Orbit (msn.com)
NASA asteroid tracking system now capable of full sky search (spacedaily.com)
NASA's Artemis 1 moon mission rocket faces new delays | Space
NASA lays out plan for the International Space Station's final years | Space
Tom Cruise asks NASA astronaut Victor Glover all about spaceflight (video) | Space
SpaceX reveals premium Starlink satellite internet with 500-Mbps speeds (newatlas.com)
British 'spider' to go to the Moon https://lnkd.in/gZJ4-vMY
SpaceX and NASA eye Dragon parachute issue ahead of next astronaut launch | Space
Rugged Mars has taken big bites out of Curiosity rover's wheels (photos) | Space
Chinese satellite tackles space junk - https://www.facebook.com/groups/616331748949766/permalink/1040226946560242/?sfnsn=scwspmo&ref=share Nasa astronaut closes in on record for consecutive days in space (msn.com)
Solar storm downs 40 Starlink satellites SpaceX - Updates and
See these amazing videos Fiery death of SpaceX Starlink satellites captured on video after geomagnetic storm | Space
Astra rocket aborts 1st Florida launch attempt at last second (video) | Space
Astra rocket suffers catastrophic failure in 1st Florida launch, 4 satellites lost | Space
Elon Musk shows off massive Starship, the world's tallest rocket, ahead of SpaceX update (msn.com)
SpaceX's Starship will reach orbit this year on road to Mars, Elon Musk says | Space
Elon Musk Takes the Long View in Glitzy Update on SpaceX's Starship Super-Rocket - Universe Today
New Startup Quantum Space is Planning to Build a Robotic Outpost Near the Moon - Universe Today
Could Astronauts Hibernate on Long Space Voyages? - Universe Today
Geomagnetic storm sends 40 SpaceX satellites plummeting to Earth | Live Science
SUN
Scientists explain mysterious finger-like features in solar flares -- ScienceDaily
Telescopes, Instruments, Techniques
The mission to reduce the carbon footprint of astronomy | Space Very interesting article. Radio telescopes operate 24/7, so solar power isn't an option at night, and as the article points out lithium battery storage is expensive. Another option is gravity storage, where you use excess electricity to raise heavy weights above the ground, and then release them at night, with the fall powering generators, like the weights in a grandfather clock turning the dials and the chimes.
NASA asteroid detector 'looks up' to scan entire sky every 24 hours | Live Science
JWST's 'first light' https://www.inverse.com/science/webb-first-photons
Future gravitational wave detector in space could uncover secrets of the Universe -- ScienceDaily A Supercomputer Gives Better Focus to Blurry Radio Images - Universe Today
How Dark Matter Could Be Measured in the Solar System - Universe Today
UFOs, Aliens, etc
http://a.msn.com/01/en-gb/AATwPZj?ocid=se That's no alien – that Joe from up the road!
22. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION. This link gives options to join the IAA.
https://irishastro.org/join-the-iaa/ If you are a UK taxpayer, please select 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 https://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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