Hi all,
1. IAA Lecture, Wed 16 March, 7.30 p.m. "Apollo 17" by Geoffrey Bowman
More details in next bulletin.
2. Connemara Astronomy Club lecture, Tue 15 March "Balor's View of the Magnetic Sun: Ireland's Contribution to Solar Physics", by Dr. Peter Keys of Queen's University Belfast @ 8 pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87662810190?pwd=VWpyMGFYeDBvTGVPUXdwdi9oanNkUT09
Meeting ID: 876 6281 0190
Passcode: 887562
3. ISS:
The ISS will commence a new series of evening passes on 18 March. Full details for your location on www.heavens-above.com, and on various Smartphone Apps. One ray of hope - the crew of 4 Americans, 2 Russians and 1 German continue their collaborative work in spite of the carnage in Ukraine below.
4. 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
5. Hydrogen Survey. This is only slightly related to astronomy (per the fact that the Earth is a planet!), but if you can spare the time you would be helping one of our members on an MSc dissertation.
https://ulster.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/hydrogen-perception-in-northern-ireland-live
6. 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.
7. IAU Announces 3 New Prizes for Astronomy Education, Outreach and Development
The IAU is launching three new prizes to be awarded every three years at the General Assembly: the IAU Astronomy Education Prize, the IAU Astronomy Outreach Prize and the IAU Astronomy Development Prize. These awards have been created with generous funding from IAU Past President Ewine van Dishoeck. Nominations will be open from 15 February 2022 until 15 March 2022 for the first round of prizes, which will be presented at the IAU XXXI General Assembly in Busan, South Korea, in August this year.
Read more: https://www.iau.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iau2202/
8. 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
9. 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!
10. 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
11. NEW EASY TEASER: What do Centaurus, Crux and Orion, and only they, have in common?
12. NEW DIFFICULT TEASER –
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.
Please send all Teaser answers to me at my aol address terrymosel@aol.com
13. 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.
14. 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:
The closest black hole to Earth doesn't actually exist | Space The closest Black Hole to Earth does still exist - it's just not that one! - and –
The closest black hole to Earth is no more — in fact, it never existed | Live Science
Powerful warm winds seen blowing from 'cosmic cookie monster' neutron star (msn.com) and
Powerful warm winds seen blowing from a neutron star as it rips up its companion -- ScienceDaily
Two black holes locked in cosmic dance near galaxy's center are doomed to crash | Space and
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/astronomers-find-two-giant-black-holes-spiraling-toward-a-collision Latest research helps astronomers model how new stars and planets form (msn.com)
New class of galactic nebulae discovered (uibk.ac.at)
New Result Casts Doubt on 'Cosmic Dawn' Claim - Scientific American
Astronomers spot tantalizing large molecule near star with 'comet factory' (msn.com)
Unprecedented view of supermassive black hole could change physics forever (msn.com)
NASA's NICER telescope sees hot spots merge on a magnetar -- ScienceDaily
Unprecedented view of supermassive black hole could change physics forever (msn.com)
Why is Dark Matter so elusive? https://www.facebook.com/1015803760/posts/10223941644701741/?sfnsn=scwspmoHow much dark matter passes through your body each second? - Big Think Giant radiation bubbles created by monster black hole feeding frenzy, new study suggests | Space
Black hole billiards in the centers of galaxies -- ScienceDaily
COSMOLOGY
Dark energy: Neutron stars will tell us if it's only an illusion -- ScienceDaily
This is good exercise for your grey matter - Did the Big Bang begin from a singularity? Not anymore. - Big Think
More brain fodder! Is the Multiverse real? Two astrophysicists debate - Big Think
In the hunt for dark matter, are axions our best bet? | Space
EARTH & MOON
Space shotgun could destroy dangerous asteroids just hours before impact (newatlas.com)
This long-lost asteroid impact was so big its debris left more than 30 craters (msn.com)
Asteroid predicted to hit Earth in 2023 will actually miss us, experts confirm (msn.com)
Traces of life in the Earth's deep mantle -- ScienceDaily
EXOLIFE
Astronomers spot tantalizing large molecule near star with 'comet factory' (msn.com)
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/video/other/professor-brian-cox-rejects-alien-existence/vi-AAUOMJQ?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531 It may be unlikely, but it's certainly not impossible! If it has happened once, it can happen again. Maybe there's nothing comparable to us in existence in the galaxy that is currently contactable right now, but it could have occurred in the past, and could occur in the future. If astronomers discovered some new class of object in the galaxy, no-one would assume that it was unique. First, there was just one pulsar, now we know of hundreds. Similarly with Quasars, FRBs, etc.
Pristine asteroid Ryugu contains amino acids that are building blocks of life | Space
EXOPLANETS
Latest research helps astronomers model how new stars and planets form (msn.com)
ESO VLT Spots Hottest, Largest Planet-Hosting Star System Yet. Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/eso-vlt-spots-hottest-largest-planet-hosting-star-system-yet-09701668?utm_campaign=clip andhttps://www.facebook.com/105238685377493/posts/127418643159497/?sfnsn=scwspmo NB, this not Beta Centauri, which is much closer. The 'b' is the letter designation in the Bayer naming system*. And it's a B-type spectral class – all very confusing!What's happening in the depths of distant worlds? Discovery could have revolutionary implications for how we think about the dynamics of exoplanet interiors -- ScienceDaily
Astronomers spot tantalizing large molecule near star with 'comet factory' (msn.com) *The Bayer system uses Alpha to Omega; then lower case Roman letters (a,b,c,… z), then upper case Roman letters (A,B,C….Z)
NASA will find 12,500 alien planets by 2024, report finds (msn.com)
An Earthlike planet may be orbiting in a dead star's 'habitable zone' (msn.com)
Astronomers discover largest molecule yet in a planet-forming disc -- ScienceDaily
An Earthlike planet may be orbiting in a dead star's 'habitable zone' | Space
The start of the birth of planets in a binary star system observed -- ScienceDaily
New quantum gravity sensor could someday peel away the surfaces of other worlds | Space
IMAGES
https://www.facebook.com/12383118425/posts/10159823159863426/?sfnsn=scwspmo Jupiter, by HST: 27 June 2019 by Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3, when the planet was 644 million kilometres from Earth — its closest distance that year.
SOLAR SYSTEM
The First Rocket Launch from Mars Will Start in Midair - Scientific American
How Mars lost its magnetic field — and then its oceans - Big Think
Curiosity rover snaps close-up of tiny 'mineral flower' on Mars | Space
A Mars rock has gotten stuck in Nasa's Perserverance Rover wheel (msn.com)
Meteor streaks through Jupiter's atmosphere as NASA spacecraft watches (msn.com)
Pristine asteroid Ryugu contains amino acids that are building blocks of life | Space
SPACE
Government 'monitoring' UK-linked space launch using Russian rockets (msn.com)
Satellite photos show Iran had another failed space launch (msn.com)
US defence giant Lockheed Martin plans £50m space centre in Newcastle (msn.com)
https://futurism.com/the-byte/scientists-sex-space Space Force plans to send a patrol probe out past the moon (msn.com)
The First Rocket Launch from Mars Will Start in Midair - Scientific American
China wants its new rocket for astronaut launches to be reusable | Space
Rocket Lab will build Neutron, a next-generation reusable booster, in Virginia (msn.com)
Richard Branson is sued after 'sending faulty rockets to space' (msn.com)
Former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly giving back Russian spaceflight medal | Space
Virgin Orbit targeting this summer for 1st-ever orbital launch from UK soil | Space
Corrosive Martian and lunar soils could be used to farm oxygen (newatlas.com)
SUN
The sun readies for its close-up as Europe's Solar Orbiter approaches (msn.com)
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES.
New Result Casts Doubt on 'Cosmic Dawn' Claim - Scientific American
Telescope masterclass by BBC Sky at Night Magazine, 24 March https://www.facebook.com/647806409/posts/10160443972606410/?sfnsn=scwspmo More details on the others in the series of 3 is here https://www.facebook.com/647806409/posts/10160443972606410/?sfnsn=scwspmoJames Webb Space Telescope instrument gets ready to probe the universe's chemistry | Space
196 lasers help scientists recreate the conditions inside gigantic galaxy clusters: Experiments point the way to solving mystery that keeps clusters hot -- ScienceDaily
Mathematical discovery could shed light on secrets of the Universe -- ScienceDaily
15. 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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