Hi all,
Please note: send all correspondence to me only at: terrymosel@aol.com
1. IAA Lecture, TUESDAY 18 February, 7.30 p.m., Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics building, QUB: This is event is part of the N. I. Science Festival.
"Astronomy by Microscope" (What meteorites tell us about the solar system), by Professor Monica Grady of the Open University
NB: The meeting which would normally have been on Wed 19th February, has to be brought forward by one day, to TUESDAY 18th, because of room availability.
Because it's a NISF event, everyone, including IAA members, should book through the NISF website, Attendance is free, but you should book to ensure that you get a place, in case it's oversubscribed.
N.B. This talk may still be listed on the NISF website under its original title of "Rocks from Space"
Synopsis:
Traditionally, astronomers study stars and planets by telescope. But we can also learn about them by using a microscope – through studying meteorites. From meteorites, we can learn about the processes and materials that shaped the Solar System and our planet. Tiny grains within meteorites have come from other stars, giving information about the stellar neighbourhood in which the Sun was born.
Meteorites are fragments of ancient material, natural objects that survive their fall to Earth from space. Some are metallic, but most are made of stone. They are the oldest objects that we have for study. Almost all meteorites are fragments from asteroids, and were formed at the birth of the Solar System, approximately 4570 million years ago. They show a compositional variation that spans a whole range of planetary materials, from completely unmelted and unfractionated stony chondrites to highly fractionated and differentiated iron meteorites. Meteorites, and components within them, carry records of all stages of Solar System history. There are also meteorites from the Moon and from Mars that give us insights to how these bodies have formed and evolved.
In her lecture, Monica will describe how the microscope is another tool that can be employed to trace stellar and planetary processes.
Biography:
Monica Grady is Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences in the School of Physical Sciences at the Open University in Milton Keynes. She obtained a degree in Chemistry and Geology from the University of Durham in 1979, and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1983. Her thesis concerned the carbon chemistry of meteorites, and she has continued this study throughout her subsequent career. Professor Grady has led major research programmes in the study of the origin and evolution of the Solar System through analysis of meteorites, the Moon, Mars, asteroids and comets. Her particular research interests are in carbon and nitrogen chemistry with additional expertise in the mineralogy of meteorites, especially of primitive meteorites and meteorites from Mars. Her work builds a bridge between the non-biological chemistry of the Galaxy and the origin of life on Earth. It also provides a framework within which the potential for life beyond Earth can be considered.
Admission free, including light refreshments: all are welcome, provided that you have a ticket.
2. 'Planetary parade' seesa six planets align in rare spectacle. Now is really your last chance to see it, as Saturn is sinking rapidly into the twilight.
As usual, there has been a lot of hype here. Saturn is now very low, and you need a clear view to the SW to see it. Venus, Jupiter and Mars are certainly brilliant, but Uranus and Neptune both need optical aid to be seen,
3. Venus: the Evening Star
Venus is now by far the brightest starlike object in the night sky! The magnitude is now -4.5, and the apparent diameter is 41".
4. Brilliant Jupiter 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 -2.3, 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 an impressive 41". 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
5. 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.
6. Saturn – last chance to see.
Saturn is just still available for observing in Aquarius in the SSW, below and to the West of Venus as the sky darkens, although it's now very low in our skies. It's mag 1.2, with a disc diameter of 15".
Notice how narrow the rings are now! The angle is less than 5 degrees, and it will gradually get narrower as Saturn approaches its 'equinox' next March, in other words its equator and ring plane will be edge on to the Sun, and therefore almost edge on to the Earth. Observe it for as long as possible to see just how narrow they get!
The rings will be edge-on on March 23, but that's just after Saturn's solar conjunction on March 12, so it will be too close to the Sun to be seen from here, and very very difficult to see even from the S. Hemisphere.
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7. ISS. The ISS will continue its series of morning passes until 5 March. See www.heavens_above.com for details.
8. MARS now fading. The Red Planet is still prominent late in the night, near Castor and Pollux in Gemini, forming almost an isosceles triangle with them. It's magnitude -0.6, but comparatively small with an apparent diameter of only 12".
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9. See very young Moon, 28 February?
The Moon will be new at 00.45 on the 28th, which means it will be only about 17.2 or 17.3 hours old that evening in the bright twilight. I've never seen the Moon as young as that, but it's worth a try, using binoculars, if it's VERY clear right down to the SW horizon. Don't start looking until after sunset! It will be a VERY thin, and VERY faint curved line – not even a full semicircle.
10. Moon and Planets Observing event, 1 March, Seapark, near Holywood, 18.30.
This public event is the IAA's launch of Irish Astronomy Week (see below). See Mercury, a very young Moon, Venus, Jupiter and Mars, plus various stellar highlights such as the Andromeda Galaxy, Pleiades, Orion Nebula – and who knows – maybe T Corona Borealis in outburst!? The car park is at +54.64705, -5.82662. Bring your own portable telescope if you have one.
Although it will be twilight, we'll start at 18.30 to try to get views of elusive Mercury, plus a very young Moon.
11. Irish Astronomy Week 2025; March 1st to 8th.
Ronan Newman is organising this event again this year, following last year's success. But all individual clubs are encouraged to organise their own events, under the IAW banner, and keeping Ronan informed. ,
Irish Astronomy Week is a national event in Ireland that celebrates and promotes interest in astronomy. It's a week filled with events, talks, workshops, and stargazing sessions organized by various astronomy clubs, observatories, schools, libraries, and science centres throughout Ireland. The week encourages people of all ages to engage with the wonders of space and understand more about the universe.
During Irish Astronomy Week, you'll typically find: Public talks by prominent astronomers and astrophysicists, covering topics like black holes, planets, and stars. Stargazing sessions with telescopes set up for public use to view the beautiful March conjunction of planets and Moon hosted by local astronomy clubs or observatories. Workshops and activities in libraries aimed at children and families, with fun and educational activities related to space. Planetarium shows and virtual reality experiences to help people explore space in immersive ways
Outreach events in schools to inspire students about careers in space science and technology. Irish Astronomy Week provides an opportunity for both amateur astronomers and the general public to explore astronomy together and to develop a greater appreciation for the night sky. Information about it can be found through our Facebook page, our website and other related groups as the week approaches.
See https://www.facebook.com/share/1B124rbzHv/
And https://www.facebook.com/share/18UAaWnbBB/
More details soon.
12. Total Lunar Eclipse, 14 March. This occurs in the pre-dawn sky, as the Moon is getting very low in the West. The start of totality is just visible here before the Moon sets. The further West you are on the island, the later the Moonset, and so the more of totality you'll see – clouds permitting.
13. Partial Solar Eclipse, 29 March. The magnitude will be over 50% for all of Ireland, with NW Mayo getting 57%. The IAA hopes to organise at least one public observing event for this eclipse.
14. 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 Planetarium, NI SPACE, Belfast City Council, Visit Belfast, and the Irish Astronomical Association."
15. 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.
16. ALAN 2025, 28 – 30 October 2025, Westport.
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 20th of March. This will be followed immediately by the wonderful Mayo Dark Sky Festival in nearby Newport –
17: Mayo Dark Sky Festival, 31 October – 2 November. More details later.
18. Exciting Opportunities for Research and Collaboration from the IAU Professional-Amateur Working Group
The IAU Professional-Amateur Working Group (Pro-Am WG) has launched the IAU Pro-Am Research Collaboration (PARC), an initiative that promotes and facilitates professional-amateur research collaborations in astronomy. PARC aims to enhance professional astronomy research capacity through collaboration with amateur astronomers.
19: 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.
20: Recurrent Nova T Corona Borealis – Now postponed to 2025 – or later????
(Since there's still absolutely no sign of it going off, I've put this to the end of this section!)
I hate to have to say – "I told you so." OK, that's not true – everyone likes to know that they've been right, when they've gone out on a limb!
The Story:
There were reports on social media in early March 2024 that T CrB was due to explode again in the next week or two, i.e. in late March: I stuck my neck out, and said that we couldn't predict the next outburst with that degree of accuracy. I was right.
There have since been several more articles, saying much the same thing, and it still hasn't happened. The position remains the same - It could explode tomorrow – or not for another year or more! It's normally around magnitude 10 but in 1946 it faded to about 11 just before the outburst on 9 February, but at outburst it reaches mag 2.0 or 3.0 (as in 1946)
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 & 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!)
(And for comparison, the other not quite so well-known recurrent nova, RS Oph, was seen to, or is thought to have, erupted 9 times since 1898 – with intervals of approximately 9, 26, 12, 13, 9, 18, 21 and 18 years; so its period is by no means constant. It could also be that the 26 year interval actually comprises 3 of just under 9 years, 2 of which were missed; similarly with the 18 and 21-year intervals. It would be very easy to miss some eruptions if they occurred near its solar conjunctions. However, as T CrB is visible all year round, it's very unlikely that any outbursts since 1946 have been missed)
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 morning sky in the East from about midnight., and high enough for proper observation by about 1 a.m.
It's at Declination: 25° 55′ 12.613″; R.A.: 15h 59m 30.1622s
LATEST - REALITY BITES!
Now they're saying "sometime this year" (that was 2024) – and also, in the same article "within the next couple of years" ! What Is the 'Zombie Star' Set To Come Back to Life According to NASA? - Newsweek
FINALLY - Someone else confirms what I've been saying since early March!
T Coronae Borealis: Why the mysterious star still remains unexploded
See near the end - "When should we expect an explosion?"
ANOTHER UPDATE: Where's the Blaze Star? Why the overdue 'new star' T Coronae Borealis has yet to light up the night sky
It's NOT overdue. Any sensible assessment would have concluded that it was impossible to predict to within a year, let alone within weeks or months!
And the latest: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/24825144.rare-t-corona-borealis-star-system-visible-norfolk/
I wonder why Norfolk is to be so lucky?!?
21. NEW DIFFICULT TEASER
What does the quantity 859,540 km represent in astronomy? (actually, 859,539 is the most accurate figure I can get, but I don't think it's known to that degree of precision!)
No answers yet, so here's a clue: It's a round figure.
Another clue: It relates to something in the Solar System.
22. NEW EASY TEASER:
What two distinctions are held by the constellation Scorpius? I'll give credit for either one, with a special mention for anyone who gets both!
No answers yet, so here's a clue. In each case, it's beating 11 others.
And another clue: In one case, it's the smallest/least parameter in which it holds the record.
Remember, only send answers to me at my aol address: terrymosel@aol.com.
23. 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 tension is now in our cosmic backyard, sending cosmology into crisis
Hypervelocity star drags fastest exoplanet through space at 1.2 million mph
Astronomers discover 'Quipu', the single largest structure in the known universe
EARTH & MOONIs the Gulf Stream Slowing Down? Unveiling the Climate Tipping Point
Possible Impact of 2024 YR4 Dec 22, 2032 Where the 'city-destroying' asteroid could hit Earth in 2032. This is about as ridiculous as it gets. 1. There's a very low chance that it will hit Earth at all. 2. Given that, it's IMPOSSIBLE to say where it might hit.
EXOLIFE:Alien lifeforms likely to be human-like as new research throws old theory on its head
EXOPLANETSHypervelocity star drags fastest exoplanet through space at 1.2 million mph
SOLAR SYSTEM 1 million 'interstellar objects' — each larger than the Statue of Liberty — may lurk in the outer solar system | Live Science (I will have to go to see the Statue of Liberty some time, so that I know how large these objects are!)
NASA's Curiosity rover captures colourful clouds drifting over Mars SPACE SpaceX test-fires Starship megarocket and Super Heavy booster ahead of next launch (video, photos)
Rockets made in Lanarkshire should reach space next year, company says
Airbus to build UK satellites for Armed Forces in bid to boost space surveillance
British-backed challenger to Musk's Starlink plunged into turmoil
'Rocket City' faces total shutdown amid federal worker bloodbath It's pure coincidence that this will benefit Musk's activities, of course…..
SUN
Watch the sun erupt in new images from NOAA's weather satellite
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES.
Astronomers realize mysterious TV signal in their data bounced off an airplane
FINAL WORD:
"The treasures hidden in the heavens are so rich that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment." - Johannes Kepler
24. 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
