Saturday, 29 March 2025

Solar eclipse, Lecture, Photos wanted, Moon occults Pleiades, COSMOS, AGM, Planets, Obs Group, Events, more

Hi all,

Please note: send all correspondence to me only at: terrymosel@aol.com  

 

 

1.  Partial Solar Eclipse, 29 March. The magnitude of this eclipse will be over 50% for all of Ireland, with NW Mayo getting the most, at almost 57%.

  Unfortunately, as the forecast is bad, the public observing events for this eclipse at Clandeboye near Bangor and the one at the Ulster Museum in Belfast, have been CANCELLED.

  However, you never know on the day – and the rest of the country may be luckier. Here are the local circumstances for various locations.

Details are: location, maximum magnitude, and times of beginning, maximum, and end, of the eclipse:

Belfast: 52.3%; 10h 03m 40s; 11h 02m 34s; 12h 03m 10s

Dublin: 51.4%; 10h 01m 30s; 11h 00m 20s; 12h 00m 55s

Cork: 52.5%; 09h 56m 52s; 10h 55m 56s; 11h 57m 05s

Galway: 54.6%; 08h 58m 19s; 10h 57m 41s; 11h 59m 08s

Derry:  54.3%; 10h 02m 41s; 11h 02m 00s; 12h 03m 03s

Belmullet: 56.5%; 09h 58m 41s; 10h 58m 44s; 12h 00m 08s,

W tip, Achill: 56.6%; 08h 58m 02s; 10h 57m 46s; 11h 59m 34s

 

It is VERY important that you do not look at the Sun, even during this eclipse, with your own eyes, and especially not through any sort of binoculars or telescope, as there is a serious risk of permanent eye damage or blindness. OINLY USE PROPER CERTIFIED FILTERS AND EQUIPMENT FOR OBSERVING THE SUN, EVEN AT MAXIMUM ECLIPSE

If you are not sure about any equipment you may have, do NOT use it.

 

Obviously the eclipse can only be seen if the sky is clear, but the Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB,  with assistance from the IAA, are putting on a variety of free indoor events at the Ulster Museum, so even if it is cloudy, there will be plenty to enjoy. You can find out more about the event on the Ulster Museum webpage here: https://www.ulstermuseum.org/whats-on/chasing-shadows-sun-stars-solar-eclipse.

 

NB: There are two ways of describing the size of a partial eclipse. The standard is the 'magnitude'. which is the fraction or percentage of the diameter of the solar disc which is covered. The alternative is the 'obscuration' which is the percentage of the area of the solar disc which is covered, and gives a lower figure. I use 'magnitude' which is what is used in the official NASA eclipse bulletins. And in 

 Xavier Jubier's interactive Google Map of the eclipse  

 

2. IAA Lecture,  Wednesday 2 April, 7.30 p.m., Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics building, QUB: "Star Formation: What have jets ever done for us?  ", by Prof Deirdre Coffey, UCD.

Synopsis: 

The origin of the solar system and the emergence of life are themes central to forefront research in modern astrophysics. I will give a brief overview of the observational efforts in this direction, including our current understanding in how a star is born and the implication of this process for the resulting planetary system. 

BIO 

Dr Deirdre Coffey is Associate Professor at the UCD School of Physics. She earned her PhD at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). Her post-doc experience was at Arcetri Observatory in Florence, Italy. She is National Program Manager for the European Space Agency's upcoming space mission 'Ariel' to probe exoplanet atmospheres. She is the current Chair of the Astronomical Society of Ireland, and a committee member of the Royal Irish Academy's Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences Committee. 

 

3. REQUEST FOR PHOTOS FROM IAA MEMBERS

  The IAA has been invited by the organisers of INSAP 2025:  "The 13th International Conference on the Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena" at QUB in June, to display an exhibition of astrophotos taken by members as part of the conference (see item 11 below). Only photos taken by paid-up IAA members are eligible, but they can have been taken anywhere in the world. Any astronomical subject is eligible - Sun, Moon, planets, comets, aurorae, eclipses, meteors, deep sky, Milky Way, etc.
 Initially they should be submitted as jpegs of less than 5Mb, but higher quality will be required for printing. Each should accompanied with a small caption stating what it is, and when and where it was taken. 

Submissions should be sent to Bernie Brown at bernie@berniebrown.biz no later than 25 March.

 

4. MOON OCCULTS PLEIADES, 1 April

The young crescent Moon will occult the famous Seven Sisters star cluster this evening, with many of the brighter stars being occulted. Exact times and which stars are occulted will depend on your location, but start looking in the west with binoculars or a wide-field telescope as soon as the sky is dark enough to see the Moon. Imaging should be possible with even a smartphone when the sky gets darker.

 

5. COSMOS 2025, April 5

The event will take place on April 5th in same place as last year: Teach Lea Community Centre on the edge of the beautiful Lough Boora Discovery Park, County Offaly (R35 DA50)

That's at N 53.23227, -7.72926. It's on the R 357. Turn off to the North off the N52 from Birr to Tullamore, onto the R 357, then take the first to the left to stay on the R357. It's roughly 10km from Blue Ball.

All info is available on the website midlandsastronomy.ie and you can purchase tickets here.

 

6. IAA AGM, Larmour Lecture Theatre, Physics building, QUB. 7,30 p.m. 30 April

 More details later

 

7. Eclipse photos wanted for FAS Newsletter.

I am keen to include images of the March Lunar and Solar Eclipses. The deadline is the end of March. I understand the lunar eclipse was not favourable (for the UK) to put it mildly, but the Partial Solar Eclipse on the 29th should be a better target. Please send any images to newsletter@fedastro.org.uk.

 

8. Brilliant Jupiter still dominates the dark sky!

The king of the planets is still really bright in E Taurus after its opposition on 7 December. It's mag -2.0, which makes it the second brightest planet, after Venus. It's nicely up in the Eastern sky as soon as twilight ends.

 The apparent disc diameter is now gradually decreasing, but is still almost 40".  Even a 75mm telescope will show the Great Red Spot when it's on or near the meridian. Binoculars will show the 4 big Galilean Moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto, and a moderate telescope will show at least the start and end of their transits across the disc. That's because the edge of the planet is darker than the middle due to 'limb darkening', so the bright satellite shows up against the dark background. But when the satellite is near the middle of the disc, the contrast with the brighter background is much less, and it takes a big telescope and steady seeing to reveal the satellite.

However, the much darker shadows of the satellites are easy to see the whole way across the disc. Also interesting to watch, and easier to see, are the satellites entering and leaving eclipse in Jupiter's shadow, except very near opposition when this happens very close to the disc itself, as now.

At the moment, the outer Moon, Callisto, does not undergo any of these phenomena, because of the orbital tilt at present, so it always passes just above or just below the disc of Jupiter each orbit.

See NASA | Jupiter in 4k Ultra HD

 

9. MARS now fading. The Red Planet is still prominent late in the night, near Castor and Pollux in Gemini. It's magnitude 0.4, but comparatively small with an apparent diameter of only 8.4".

 

10. WhatsApp Group for alerts on Observing Nights.

The IAA have set up a WhatsApp Group for updates on Observing Nights.  If you would like to be included in this group, please e-mail Mary at callistoboxers@hotmail.com with your full name & mobile telephone number.

No discussions about anything other than Observing Nights will be posted on this group.

 

11. INSAP, QUB, 9-12 June, and at AOP, 13 June. This major international conference celebrates the "Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena" in the arts

See: INSAP 2025 | School of Arts, English and Languages | Queen's University Belfast

"The 13th International Conference on the Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena (INSAP) offers a dynamic forum for scholars, artists and enthusiasts from a variety of disciplines to explore the profound impact of astronomical phenomena on human thought, culture and artistic expression throughout history. From ancient mythology to modern art, and from literary works to cutting-edge scientific research, the conference fosters interdisciplinary dialogue that bridges the gap between science and the humanities. This year's theme, Celestial Connections Across Time and Space, explores the diverse ways in which celestial events have driven scientific innovation, sparked ethical, religious and philosophical questions and inspired artistic and literary creativity throughout history.

Northern Ireland, with its stunning landscapes and legendary skies, has long inspired awe and wonder. From the ancient megalithic monuments like the Giant's Ring and Beaghmore Stone Circles, which align with celestial events, to the region's clear, starry nights that offer breathtaking views of the Milky Way, it is a location where the heavens and Earth converge in a profound dialogue.

Taking place at Queen's University Belfast 8-13 June in the iconic Canada Room and Council Chamber within the Lanyon Building and on 13 June at the historic Armagh Observatory, the conference covers an extensive range of topics—from ancient astronomy and indigenous sky lore to the latest advances in astrophysics and space exploration.

Highlights of the conference include keynote lectures by leading experts Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell (Department of Physics, Oxford University) and Professor Tom Ray (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies), expert-led sessions on neolithic sites like Newgrange, Dowth, Knowth and Stonehenge, interactive workshops, art and astro-photography exhibitions and panel discussions that will inspire new perspectives and collaborations.

The Welcome Reception will be held on Sunday 8 June in the Rotunda of Belfast City Hall. Delegates will explore the rich history of Belfast and enjoy a private, guided tour of the iconic City Hall. The tour will provide access to areas typically closed to the public, including The Council Chamber and the Robing Room, where the civic chains and official jewels are displayed.

The Conference Dinner is scheduled for June 12 at Belfast Castle, nestled on the picturesque slopes of Cave Hill Country Park.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, one of the oldest observatories in the UK and Ireland, centre for astronomical research since its establishment in 1790. Today, it remains a vital institution for studies in solar physics, stellar activity and climate science. As well as Armagh Observatory, the Planetarium plays a crucial role in public outreach and education, inspiring the next generation of astronomers through interactive exhibits and educational programs.

Other events include cultural and musical performances, a guided bus tour of Belfast, stargazing sessions and the optional guided tour of Ireland's key astronomical landmarks of Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth on Saturday 14 June.

The conference is supported by the School of Arts, English and Languages (Queen's University Belfast), the 'Crossing Frontiers: Medieval Visions of Modern Science' International Research Network, the Armagh Observatory and PlanetariumNI SPACEBelfast City CouncilVisit Belfast, and the Irish Astronomical Association."

 

12. European Astronomy Society 2025 meeting in Cork 23-27 June 2025. This is the body representing professional astronomers throughout Europe. There will be at least one public lecture, details tba.

 

13. ALAN 2025, 28 – 30 October 2025, Westport, Co.Mayo.

Preparations are under way for the 9th Scientific Conference on Artificial Light At Night, ALAN2025, from October 28-30, 2025, in Westport, Ireland. Our host will be Dark Sky Ireland. The invited speakers will be revealed soon, but we can already promise you interesting talks about science, governance, dark sky outreach, and lighting design.

   The conference offers a platform for interdisciplinary networking and exchange on the topics Biology & Ecology, Governance & Regulations, Health, Measurements & Modelling, Social Sciences & Humanities, Technology & Design.
   We welcome researchers, lighting professionals, policy makers, light pollution activists, and everybody who is interested in the effects of artificial light at night. The conference aims to present new findings, exchange experiences and ideas, network, and discuss hoe artificial light can be used with less negative impacts.

   I'm on the organising committee for this event, so I'll keep you posted regarding the programme.

   For more information check out our website at artificiallightatnight.org .

NB -  the cut off date for submission of abstracts for anyone wishing to present at ALAN'25 is coming up on

the 3rd of April.#

 This event will be followed immediately by the wonderful Mayo Dark Sky Festival in nearby Newport –

 

14: Mayo Dark Sky Festival, 31 October – 2 November. More details later.

 

15: Eclipse planning.

This may be of interest to those planning observing locations for the total solar eclipses in 2026 and 2027

Global risk map reveals the most dangerous countries and cities

And weather prospects for the coming eclipses such as the one in Spain in 2026, and N. Africa in 2027, are on www.eclipsophile.com . The discussions there will help you pick a site for the eclipse, as weather is one of the important factors to consider.

 

16: Recurrent Nova T Corona Borealis – Now postponed to 2025 – or later????

UPDATE!  www.space.com/the-universe/stars/hold-onto-your-hats-is-the-blaze-star-t-corona-borealis-about-to-go-boom. We simply do not know enough about these objects to be able to predict anything! As for predicting the exact day! – That's the very definition of optimism!  And

Elusive 'Blaze Star' nova could finally appear in our skies this week after multiple false alarms Here we go again! 

 

 (It's now over a year since the first reports were published saying that the next outburst would occur 'within a few weeks' ! I'm not going to keep printing the whole story each bulletin, but I'll retain the basic information here.

   The first outburst was discovered by Irish astronomer John Birmingham in Tuam, Co Galway, on 12 May 1866. Earlier archive observations indicate possible previous outbursts in 1217, 1787, as well as 1866 & the next one, in 1946. The eruptions in 1787, 1866 and 1946, indicated an approximate 80 year period. BUT you can't assume a period from only 2 intervals ! However, in the year before the 1946 outburst, it dimmed to magnitude 12.3, and this has happened again recently, suggesting a possible outburst is imminent. BUT, once again, you can't predict from a single event!

   Incidentally, the gap from 1217 to 1787, assuming some eruptions that were not observed, gives a

period of 81.4 years if there were 7 outbursts. And if we add on the two later outbursts, 1866 & 1946, that gives an average period of 81.0 years. So 1946 + 81 gives 2027….. ! Just sayin' …..

   As I've said many times, while there are records of several previous explosions, we only have a sample of one set of detailed observations of the pre-explosion stage – in 1946. And it's always dangerous to extrapolate from one set of observations!

   So, keep an eye on it - comparison charts can be found on the websites of the BAA Variable Star Section, or the AAVSO. The current magnitude is around 10, so you'll need a good telescope to see it now.

(BTW, don't confuse it with the other nearby famous variable star, R CrB, which does the opposite – it stays normally around 6th magnitude, but occasionally dims to as faint as magnitude 14 or 15!)

Anyway, do keep an eye out – T CrB lies just outside the East side of the circle of the 'Crown', about a degree from Epsilon CrB, but you really do need charts to observe it properly. It's now visible in the sky in the East each night before midnight.

It's at Declination: 25° 55′ 12.613″; R.A.: 15h 59m 30.1622s)

 

17. NEW DIFFICULT TEASER

How and when did a bird become a mammal?

No correct answers yet, so here's a clue – the mammal is an aquatic one.

 

18. NEW EASY TEASER

How are Uranus and Pluto twinned?

Clue: You'll discover it if you search hard enough

 

Remember, send answers to me only at my aol address: terrymosel@aol.com.

 

19. 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.

 

ARCHAEOASTRONOMY:

The world's oldest 7,000-year-old astronomical observatory in a stunning African country

 

ASTROPHYSICS:James Webb telescope zooms in on bizarre 'Einstein ring' caused by bending of the universe

A New Approach to Detecting Primordial Black Holes
Webb telescope unveils 'red monsters': reshaping cosmic history 
Elusive 'Blaze Star' nova could finally appear in our skies this week after multiple false alarms Here we go again! 
AI unveils mystery bubbles shaping the Milky Way's evolutionWebb Telescope reveals images of galaxy that shouldn't exist
James Webb Space Telescope investigates the origins of 'failed stars' in the Flame Nebula 
Some planet-forming stars never 'grow up' and lose their 'Peter Pan' disks
Euclid 'dark universe detective' spacecraft discovers 2,674 new dwarf galaxies 
Scientists discover smallest galaxy ever seen: 'It's like having a perfectly functional human being that's the size of a grain of rice'
There might be far more supermassive black holes hiding around us than we thought, scientists warn
Researchers make crucial advances in search for dark matter 
'The universe has thrown us a curveball': Largest-ever map of space reveals we might have gotten dark energy totally wrong
Strange red nova deaths of shrouded stars investigated by 'stellar Sherlocks' 
'Dark matter is more valuable than gold': Wobbly galaxies help shine a light on the universe's strangest stuff 
James Webb telescope reveals 'cosmic tornado' in best detail ever — and finds part of it is not what it seems 
The Most Comprehensive 3D Map of Cosmic Dust in Milky Way 
'Very rare' black hole energy jet discovered tearing through a spiral galaxy shaped like our own 
Controversial black hole radiation first described by Stephen Hawking may have changed the shape of the universe, study hints
The Oldest Water in the Universe: What CERN Has Discovered 
The Universe is Not Listening and It Never Was
The universe's water is billions of years older than scientists thought — and may be nearly as old as the Big Bang itself
Good to see Kate Maguire of TCD featured in this report What is dark energy? Exploding white dwarf stars may help us crack the case
Massive star explosions may have triggered two mass extinctions in Earth's past: 'It would be terrifying.'
The laws of the universe as we know it could all change - because of one strange particle
What is dark energy? Exploding white dwarf stars may help us crack the case
How do spiral galaxies get 'feathers'? All it takes is a little gravity 
Mysterious phenomenon at the heart of the Milky Way could point to new dark matter suspect. 'We may have been overlooking its subtle chemical effects on the cosmos.'
Why Some Black Holes May Be Portals to Other Universes
XRISM unveils secret behind galaxy cluster heat retention (XRISM = X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (JAXA/NASA/ESA).)
Groundbreaking theory may transform our understanding of 'white holes' 
                                                                                                           
COSMOLOGY
Unknown physics may help dark energy act as 'antigravity' throughout the universe
Telescope reveals earliest-ever 'baby pictures' of the universe: 'We can see right back through cosmic history' 
'The universe has thrown us a curveball': Largest-ever map of space reveals we might have gotten dark energy totally wrong 
We could be living in a black hole 
Controversial black hole radiation first described by Stephen Hawking may have changed the shape of the universe, study hints
Did More Than One Big Bang Create the Universe? | Watch 
DESI results suggest dark energy may evolve over time – UKRI 
How 'quantum foam' may have inflated the early universe 
The universe had a secret life before the Big Bang, new study hints 
Could the universe ever stop expanding? New theory proposes a cosmic 'off switch' 
Dark energy: mysterious cosmic force appears to be weakening, say scientists 
Is dark energy destined to dominate the universe and lead to the 'big crunch'?
New recipe for gravity could unite Einstein's general relativity with quantum physics — and probe the dark universe This is slightly (i.e. about ten million times) outside my 'comfort zone', but I like the sound of it!
Why Some Black Holes May Be Portals to Other Universes
 
EARTH & MOON
Blue Ghost lunar lander captures stunning images of sunset on the moon | Watch It doesn't say, but presumably the second image is an internal reflection in the camera"!
Who Owns the Moon? Lunar Mining Sparks Legal Debate | Watch 
New discovery questions theory that earth was covered by ocean four billion years ago 
Gloucestershire company wins prize for inventing way to produce clean water on moon 
8.2 billion inhabitants on Earth? According to a researcher, the calculation error is huge 
Arctic ends winter with lowest sea ice cover on record – scientists 
NASA Just Released the Hottest Year on Record—Again 
Earth's Orbit Is Not as Stable as We Thought Generally quite accurate, but the gravitational pull of passing comets and asteroids is negligible, compared to the other factors. And climate change does not affect our orbit, although it can affect the length of the day, and to a certain extent, the tilt of the axis.
Weatherwatch: Could global heating wreak havoc on Earth's satellites? 
How India's Chandrayaan Mission Is Changing Our Understanding of the Moon 
NASA's Plan to Track Earth's Rising Sea Levels from Space
The Universe is Not Listening and It Never Was
In 2018, an astrophysicist introduced the Silurian Hypothesis, the idea that an advanced civilization may have existed on Earth before humans. This is on a par with Pyramidology, Von Daniken, Nibiru, Atlantis, Reptilians and Alien Abductions! 
Science breakthrough as Scottish Isles could help solve one of Earth's greatest mysteries
Space could soon be overcrowded with satellites – here's why 
Massive star explosions may have triggered two mass extinctions in Earth's past: 'It would be terrifying.'
https://www.timeanddate.com/news/astronomy/solstice-equal-day-and-night Thanks to Prof Mark Bailey for this fascinating article
Could the Moon Support Life? Exploring Lunar Habitats and Their Potential for Organisms
 
EXOLIFE
Spherex: Nasa's cutting-edge telescope searching for the origins of life
Searching for Life in the Universe: How NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California is Leading the Way
Infrared signals could reveal extraterrestrial life on "waterworld" planets 
'It's human conceit to think we're alone': life must extend beyond Earth, leading space scientist says
Astrobiology: How Scientists Are Using Earth's Extremophiles to Search for Life on Other Planets 
Space and Evolution: Could Life Evolve Differently on Other Planets?
Strange aliens could be hiding in gases, scientists say 
New NASA equation reignites debate over life on Venus
Alien life could survive on Earth-like planets circling dead stars, study suggests 
Is there life out there? The existence of other technological species is highly likely (That's an appalling illustration by ESA! Since the rock is still well above the Earth's atmosphere, there would be nothing to heat it to make it glow red! That's the sort of illustration we expect from a tabloid newspaper, not ESA!)
 
EXOPLANETS
James Webb Space Telescope Captures Key Evidence of Gas Giant Formation in Nearby Star System 
Exoplanet nurseries around infant stars can be much smaller than expected: 'It is astonishing' 
The Closest Exoplanet That Might Be Habitable and How We Could Get There 
Some planet-forming stars never 'grow up' and lose their 'Peter Pan' disks 
James Webb Space Telescope sees four giant alien planets circling nearby star (images) 
Exoplanet 'baby pictures' reveal exomoons possibly taking shape around infant worlds 
4 tiny, Earth-like planets found circling 2nd-closest star system to us — and could be visited by future human generations 
 
IMAGES:
This is just absolutely amazing – a 'Must-Watch'! NASA's Breathtaking 3D Tour of the Pillars of Creation | Watch 
Hubble Telescope spies star-forming cocoons in neighboring galaxy (photo) 
Stellar nursery sparkles at the edge of our galaxy in gorgeous Hubble Telescope image 
Sparkling galaxy blazes with star formation in new James Webb Space Telescope image 
Stunning space photo captures bright blue shock wave around double star system 
 
MEDIA
Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock to give the Royal Institution Xmas Lectures 'It's human conceit to think we're alone': life must extend beyond Earth, leading space scientist says
 
SOLAR SYSTEM  
Strange spherules discovered on Mars by NASA's Perseverance rover - but what do they mean? 
Why is Mars red? Ancient mystery finally solved with breakthrough discovery 
Meteorites and asteroids tracked back to their place of origin in the solar system 
Neptune's auroras are captured in great detail by NASA's Webb telescope 
Nasa to explore 150-Million-Year-Old 'Space Fossil' as scientists hope to uncover 'unexpected' findings 
Scaling a mountain, NASA rover sends home glorious Martian view | Mashable
NASA rover just made a compelling discovery on Mars | Mashable
Nasa rover discovers largest organic compounds yet found on Mars
Is it time to revisit what NASA's Viking lander found on Mars in 1976?
What happened to all the water on Mars? Here's why the debate continues 
New NASA equation reignites debate over life on Venus 
 
SPACE

The stellar women who revolutionized space travel

Meet the astronauts of SpaceX's Fram2 mission, the 1st to fly over Earth's poles

SpaceX and Others Are Polluting Orbit—Can Anyone Stop Them? | Watch

NASA stacks moon-bound Artemis 2 rocket: Space photo of the day

Katy Perry, Gayle King blast off on star-studded all-female Blue Origin rocket launch on April 14 Trump will go ballistic – and Musk too! An all-female crew: a perfect example of DEI!

Matrix Report highlights local strengths in global space economy - Matrix

Busted: Elon Musk's SpaceX secretly allows investment from China

Germany takes on Elon Musk's SpaceX with 95ft Spectrum rocket

China now has a 'kill mesh' in orbit, Space Force vice chief says

China's Taikonauts: Third Spacewalk Success | Watch

Elon Musk accelerates plans for ISS deorbiting to focus on Mars mission. Just Musk being selfish as usual.

Mars mission: Caution urged as starship faces hurdles

Europe's path to orbital autonomy: Spectrum rocket's debut

Space could soon be overcrowded with satellites – here's why

Space Farming: How Could We Grow Food and Sustain Life in Space?

The Fascinating Possibilities of Synthetic Biology in Space: Could We Engineer Life for Space Colonies?

Could the Moon Support Life? Exploring Lunar Habitats and Their Potential for Organisms

                                                                                                                        

SUN

Has the sun already passed solar maximum?

NASA's daredevil solar spacecraft survives 2nd close flyby of our sun

 

TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES

Flat, razor-thin telescope lens could change the game in deep space imaging — and production could start soon

Building The Biggest Telescope You Can Buy | Watch – One can dream…..

A very interesting and informative article! How the last 25 years led to the rise of mega-telescopes It's not the 'South African Large Telescope', as that would imply that it's solely the property of South Africa. It's the 'Southern Africa Large Telescope', since several countries in the area are involved.

Euclid 'dark universe detective' spacecraft discovers 2,674 new dwarf galaxies

How Nasa's newest space telescope will map the galaxies like never before and

Spherex: Nasa's cutting-edge telescope searching for the origins of life

So long, Gaia: Europe officially retires prolific star-mapping space telescope
Searching for Life in the Universe: How NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California is Leading the Way

AI unveils mystery bubbles shaping the Milky Way's evolution

'Everything we found shattered our expectations': Archaeologists discover 1st astronomical observatory from ancient Egypt

 

FINAL WORD:  

"The treasures hidden in the heavens are so rich that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment." - Johannes Kepler

 

20. 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 http://www.irishastro.org/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