Hi all,
1. IAA Lecture, Wed 30 March, 7.30 p.m. "Last Horizons: The Solar System Beyond Pluto" by Dr Steph Merritt, Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB.
Summary:
In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh's discovery of Pluto seemed to mark the furthermost boundary of our solar system. Here, it was thought, was the mysterious Planet X, the ninth planet responsible for inexplicable irregularities in the orbit of Uranus. The discovery of Pluto's small mass briefly gave Planet X new life: but the discovery that Uranus's orbit was not irregular after all seemed to kill it once more. There were nine planets in the solar system, with Pluto as the last: an idea that held for decades, an idea we were all taught in school. But now, with Pluto demoted to a dwarf planet, and several other Pluto-like objects discovered in the distant frontiers of the system, the Planet X hypothesis has been unexpectedly resurrected. What lies beyond Pluto? Is there yet another planet out there in the coldest, darkest reaches of our solar system? What is the evidence for this new Planet Nine? And if it truly exists, might the upcoming Legacy Space and Time Survey at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory discover it?"
Biography: "I was born in Surrey, England, but have lived in Northern Ireland for 15 years. I am a mature student and returned to education at the age of 22, completing an Access Diploma in Physics and Mathematics at Belfast Metropolitan College in 2010 with a distinction, followed by A-levels in Physics, Mathematics and English Literature (ABA* respectively). In 2012 I began my 4-year MSci degree in Physics with Astrophysics at QUB, and graduated with 1st Class Honours in 2016, starting my PhD in October that year. I captained the QUB University Challenge team in 2017/18, and in 2019 I was featured by the Institute of Physics in a short film promoting the Bell-Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund (which can be found here https://beta.iop.org/bellburnellfund) as an inspirational minority student.
ZOOM Details in next bulletin
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. Next IAA Observing Session opportunities are on 25th and 26th March – 19:30 onwards at Delamont Country Park
The Council has decided that the Observing Programme can now be brought back into being following the Covid-19 pandemic. We are being very careful to make sure we work within the restrictions currently in place in order to enable some socially distanced observing, however be aware that the safety of our members is paramount.
Details on https://irishastro.org/observing-programme/
3. Send your name to the Moon
Thanks to Derek Heatly for this: See this free NASA service: a flash drive holding names will go on the circumlunar Artemis flight this year – link is www.nasa.gov/send-your-name-with-artemis/ ; you can also print out a boarding pass.
4. ISS:
The ISS continues its series of evening passes until 2 April. Full details for your location on www.heavens-above.com, and on various Smartphone Apps. One ray of hope - the current crew of 4 Americans, 5 Russians and 1 German continue their collaborative work in spite of the carnage in Ukraine below. It seems that an American and 2 Russians will return to Kazakhstan on 30 March as planned.
5. DIAS Astrophotography competition returns. Entry Deadline: 5pm, Sat, 30th April.
The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) astrophotography competition 'Reach for the Stars' is back for its second year and is calling on people with an interest in photography and astronomy to submit their images.
The competition, which opened for entries on 03.03.22, is seeking the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the period 1st April 2021 to 30th April 2022. It is calling for submissions under two distinct categories:
- : Images depicting scenes / features or elements of astronomical interest. For example, deep space images or images of the solar system.
- : Astro-landscape images that depict a feature or element of astronomical interest and capture elements such as nature, cityscapes, buildings or monuments, land, or water.
Launching the competition, Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, said: "DIAS is delighted to launch the 2022 'Reach for the Stars' competition. Following on from the huge success of last year's competition, we are excited to see what entries will be submitted this year, what creativity people bring, and what images they have captured. Last year we received hundreds of entries from people right across the country, and this year we hope to see even more. The competition is open to everyone – whether they are a seasoned professional or amateur with a love for astronomy. We just asked that they follow the competition guidelines carefully when making the submission to ensure their images are eligible."
Also commenting, Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS and member of the judging panel, said: "As a member of the judging panel, we were blown away by submissions to the competition last year. From images that captured very complex astronomical features and others that captured the night-sky perfectly against beautiful Irish landscape – we had such a range of entries making our job as judges very difficult.
"As part of the competition, it was great to have the shortlisted entries printed for our outdoor exhibition at DIAS last year. Seeing them in large format really brings them to life and we hope to do the same again with this year's shortlisted entries.
"This year DIAS marks the 75th anniversary of the School of Cosmic Physics and we will be launching a full programme of events later in the month. As part of these celebrations, we will be awarding a special spot prize to a photograph that is entered into the competition that depicts the work of one or more of the research areas carried out at the School. These research areas include everything from solar and stellar physics and space weather to planetary science and star formation.
Competition Details. Entrants may submit up to two images per category to the competition. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Saturday, 30th April.
All entries to the competition will be screened by a shortlisting panel to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. The shortlisted images in each category will then go forward for consideration by the judging panel and for an online public vote.
Full details here DIAS's astrophotography competition returns for a second year – DIAS
6. Women in Astronomy This is an interesting and very relevant article.
Women Are Creating a New Culture for Astronomy - Scientific American.
How does Ireland fare?
Just from personal knowledge, there currently 4 women astronomers in ROI who have, or had, full professorships: Susan McKenna-Lawlor (Ret'd), NUIM ; Lorraine Hanlon (UCD); Caitriona Jackman (DIAS), and Creidhe O'Sullivan (NUIM). Other women in senior positions include Dr Deirdre Coffey (Assistant Professor, UCD), Dr Masha Chernyakova (Assistant Professor, DCU), and Dr Sophie Murray (Research Fellow at TCD, and now TO at DIAS). There may of course be others.
I'm delighted to be able to say that I have invited all of the above except Masha (so far!) to give lectures to the IAA, some on several occasions, and all have accepted my invitations.
In N.I. the position is not so good. AFAIK, there has never been a female professor, or assistant professor, of astronomy at QUB: I would be delighted to be corrected on this point. And there has never been a female Director, or Assistant Director, at Armagh Observatory.
Of course, the amazing and redoubtable Dame Professor Jocelyn Bell-Burnell, whose qualifications, appointments and awards would fill a whole paragraph, is from Lurgan in N.I., but she has never held a research or teaching position here. She, also, has accepted my invitation to honour the IAA with at least two lectures over the years.
7. IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference
The IAU Centre for the Protection of Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (cps.iau.org) will begin operations in April. As a lead up to their grand opening, the Centre is planning a series of listening sessions on policy, industry and technology, community engagement, and more. The sessions have already started, but you still have time to join in on the conversation!
For more information about the Centre, please see their press conference here. And register for one or more of the listening sessions here.
8. ARMAGH OBSERVATORY & PLANETARIUM INVITES YOU TO COME EXPLORE
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this 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 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.
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.
9. Let's Keep Yuri's Day, 12 April.
https://www.facebook.com/551070831/posts/10160585076945832/?sfnsn=mo
10. 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
11. International Dark Sky Week: 22-30 April
12. 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!
13. International Day of Light, 16 May 2022
The International Day of Light (IDL) is a global initiative by UNESCO celebrated annually on the 16th of May, focusing on the significance of light and its role in science, art, technology, culture, education, and sustainable development in diverse fields, that help achieve UNESCO's goals – education, equality, and peace. This year IDL also focuses on the UN International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development 2022 & UN International Year Of Glass, the success of the James Webb Space Telescope and the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
To learn more and register your event: https://www.lightday.org
14. NEW EASY TEASER: Another clue: What do Centaurus, Crux and Orion, and only they, have in common?
No answers yet: So here's a clue: It's to do with what they contain. Still no answers, so another clue – What's the origin of our word 'Alphabet'?
15. NEW DIFFICULT TEASER: And another clue –
A T C G f P e M b J S What's the astronomical connection? Note, the ATCG has nothing to do with the 4 DNA bases Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine and Guanine – it's just coincidence.
No answers yet: So here are two clues: (1) The lower case letters are deliberate, and distinguish those bits from the rest. (2) The lower case 'e' could also be an 'a', although it's an 'e' in the original.
You're struggling with this one: so yet another clue - There's a connection with a famous astronomer.
Please send all Teaser answers to me at my aol address terrymosel@aol.com
16. 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.
17. 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:
Gravitational wave mirror experiments can evolve into quantum entities -- ScienceDaily
Black hole billiards in the centers of galaxies -- ScienceDaily
Scientists may have solved Professor Stephen Hawking's black hole paradox (msn.com)
Hints of intriguing diversity seen in super-energetic 'fast radio bursts' (msn.com)
Could the secret of supermassive black holes lie in ultralight dark matter? (msn.com)
Researchers map the movement of white dwarfs of the Milky Way -- ScienceDaily
Nearby star could help explain why our Sun didn't have sunspots for 70 years -- ScienceDaily
Spiderweb of wormholes could solve a black hole paradox 1st proposed by Stephen Hawking | Space
https://scitechdaily.com/hubble-space-telescope-captures-a-five-star-rated-gravitational-lens/Black Holes merging https://www.facebook.com/1015803760/posts/10223993342234147/?sfnsn=mo Cosmic orcs? Scientists snap best image yet of eerie 'odd radio circles' in space | Space
How fast does the Earth move? - Big Think
A Pulsar is Blasting out Jets of Matter and Antimatter - Universe Today So when that antimatter collides with matter, what then? The annihilation must produce detectable radiation!
What gravitational waves have told us about the universe so far | New Scientist
How many galaxies are in the Universe? - Big Think
COSMOLOGY:
https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/scientists-anti-universe-time-backwards-b2039135.html and Scientists think there could be an 'anti-universe' where time runs backwards (msn.com) If it exists, it's only running 'backwards' relative to ours. In that universe, cause would still precede effect. Otherwise it's crazy. Imagine a hundred pieces of eggshell and a gooey mass of white and yolk suddenly coming together and causing a hammer to bounce off the eggshell.
If Axions are Dark Matter, we've got new Hints About Where to Look for Them - Universe Today
EARTH & MOON
Here's a new lunar rover future astronauts may drive on the moon (msn.com)
Asteroid spotted just before hitting Earth's atmosphere wows astronomers | Space
This is worth watching! https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/nasa-illustration-shows-how-the-world-has-warmed-in-the-past-140-years/vi-AAV9jqe?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531
Ancient magnetic fields on the Moon could be protecting precious ice | Science | AAAS
Firing lasers at the Moon to detect early-universe gravitational waves (newatlas.com)
'Stunning' heatwaves on both poles with Antarctica 40°C hotter than it should be (msn.com)
Sulfur from dino-killing asteroid caused way more global cooling than thought (msn.com)
Nasa video visualises rise of global temperatures over last 140 years (msn.com)
NASA set to launch 2 rockets into the northern lights (msn.com)
EXOLIFE
Combing the cosmos: New color catalog aids hunt for life on frozen worlds -- ScienceDaily
Aliens, UFOs and government files: Meet the Harvard astronomer who says aliens have already visited us (msn.com) Loeb has evidently forgotten about Occam's Razor. Of course it's quite possible that there's alien life, possibly intelligent life, elsewhere in the galaxy, and the universe. But maybe he's also forgotten about the absolute speed limit of the universe – the speed of light – which is why it's VERY unlikely that they have visited us.
A scientist has a disturbing theory for why we haven't met aliens yet (msn.com)
EXOPLANETS
Look! Up in the sky! Is it a planet? Nope, just a star -- ScienceDaily This does not tell the whole story – at that size, they must be Brown Dwarfs, which are not normal stars.
These 10 super extreme exoplanets are out of this world (msn.com)
Planets Have Just Started to Form in This Binary System - Universe Today
IMAGES
Newborn stars set 'grand design' spiral galaxy aglow in stunning new photo (msn.com)
Hubble telescope spies striking spiral galaxy that's part of a huge cosmic structure | Space
Sun seen in unprecedented detail through Solar Orbiter images (msn.com)
SOLAR SYSTEM
Comet 67P's abundant oxygen more of an illusion, new study suggests -- ScienceDaily
NASA's Mars helicopter Ingenuity to keep flying through September (at least) | Space
Another search for Planet 9 comes up empty (msn.com) It's obviously made of DM, or it's a mini BH, which is why we can't see it! ;-)
Strange dwarf planet Ceres may have formed at the icy edges of the solar system (msn.com)
What if the same spacecraft studied mysterious icy bodies and the cosmos as well? (msn.com)
NASA flyby of Jupiter's big moon Ganymede reveals auroras and huge unknown craters | Space
Could the asteroid Ryugu be a remnant of an extinct comet? Scientists now answer -- ScienceDaily
Comet Leonard has broken into pieces as it rounds the sun: report | Space
China's missions to the moon and Mars are starting to deliver exciting science results | Space
UK may discover if there is life on Mars http://a.msn.com/01/en-gb/AAViRaC?ocid=se
On Jupiter's moon Europa, 'chaos terrains' could be shuttling oxygen to ocean -- ScienceDaily
SPACE
Here's a new lunar rover future astronauts may drive on the moon (msn.com)
UK Space Agency to establish human presence on Moon then Mars, new plans reveal (msn.com)
NASA astronauts on spacewalk prep space station for new solar array (msn.com)
NASA's Mars helicopter Ingenuity to keep flying through September (at least) | Space
Stacked 'Mega Moon rocket' is ready to roll, NASA says | Live Science
Who is on the Pete Davidson Blue Origin rocket? (msn.com)
Elon Musk has predicted the exact year humans will make it to Mars (msn.com)
Why NASA's new 'Mega Moon rocket' is so incredible (msn.com)
2 SpaceX astronaut launches to the space station delayed by a few days (msn.com)
Three Russian cosmonauts arrive at International Space Station (msn.com)
NASA's big, new moon rocket emerges for tests (aol.co.uk)
OneWeb to launch satellites with SpaceX after suspending ties with Russian agency (msn.com)
Why NASA's new 'mega moon rocket' is so incredible (msn.com)
UK satellite company will use SpaceX rockets after Russian ban | Live Science
'Space lettuce' could help astronauts avoid bone loss | Space
Spacewalking astronauts restore radiator, replace space station camera after wardrobe malfunction | Space It wasn't a 'wardrobe malfunction' - it was a loose camera mounting! There are NO wardrobes on the ISS!
Meet the 6 spaceflyers on Blue Origin's NS-20 mission | Space
China plans to open its Tiangong space station for tourism within a decade | Space (Just don't be up there if China invades Taiwan!) and
https://eurasiantimes.com/china-to-make-its-space-station-open-for-commercial-activities/ SpaceX raises launch and Starlink prices, citing inflation | Space
SpaceX's new Crew-4 Dragon capsule gets a name: Freedom | Space
Dark-matter hunter and 4 other European spacecraft need rockets after Russia invasion | Space
Why NASA's new 'mega moon rocket' is so incredible | Space
https://www.facebook.com/129617873765147/posts/5777345055659039/?sfnsn=mo The sun and moon photobomb NASA's Artemis 1 megarocket in these amazing photos | Space
NASA wants another moon lander for Artemis astronauts, not just SpaceX's Starship | Space
Russian space chief says cooperation with Europe now impossible (msn.com)
https://spacenews.com/esa-weighs-options-for-replacing-soyuz-launches/
SUN:
Nearby star could help explain why our Sun didn't have sunspots for 70 years -- ScienceDaily
Nasa probe Space Orbiter captures the most detailed picture of the sun ever seen (msn.com)
40 Telescopes Watched the Sun as the Parker Solar Probe Made its Most Recent Flyby - Universe Today
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES.
New James Webb Space Telescope photo showcases single star in key mission milestone | Space The 2MASS designation for the star means it was imaged by the 2 Micron All Sky Survey, so it's one that's bright in the Infra-red, where the JWST will operate. The six spikes around the star image come from the three asymmetric supports for the secondary mirror, as shown in the 'selfie' photo.
Are Telescopes the Only Way to Find Dark Matter? - Scientific American
Nasa reveals HUGE satellite dish 'that will be used to communicate with deep space' (msn.com)
Space telescope's image of star gets photobombed by galaxies (msn.com)
Firing lasers at the Moon to detect early-universe gravitational waves (newatlas.com)
What if the same spacecraft studied mysterious icy bodies and the cosmos as well? (msn.com)
Webb has Now Taken the Sharpest Image the Laws of Physics Allow - Universe Today
Moon's orbit proposed as a gravitational wave detector -- ScienceDaily
WOMEN IN ASTRONOMY
Women Are Creating a New Culture for Astronomy - Scientific American
18. 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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