Hi all,
1 IAA Lecture, Wednesday 19 March, 7.30 p.m., Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics building, QUB: "Vera Rubin - the making of an astronomer", by Paul Bates
]Synopsis:
The lecture will chart the career of Vera Rubin as an astronomer from school days, through university and on to professional research positions. The lecture will detail her collaboration with Kent Ford to use the newly developed image tube spectrograph which improved the optical sensitivity of telescopes ten-fold. Its subsequent use to plot the rotation curve of the Andromeda Galaxy and the unexpected results of that work will be described. Subsequent study of a range of field galaxies led to the confirmation of dark matter as part of spiral galaxy structure. The lecture will also briefly describe the instrument that was used for these discoveries and a brief indication of the properties of dark matter. Awards received by Vera Rubin in later life will also be mentioned.
Bio:
Paul Bates is currently the President of the Irish Astronomical Association, a part-time lecturer in physics and astronomy at the Belfast Metropolitan College and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. His particular interest presently is to encourage the shift of astronomy into a more central place in the curriculum of schools in Northern Ireland through his participation in AEON, the Astronomy Educators Outreach Network in the UK.
2. 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 13 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.
3. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald launches the Matrix 'Building on our Strengths: Northern Ireland's Growing Space industry': Report highlights local strengths in global space economy
4. Poll for interest in a spring holiday event, Saturday April 12, Yuri's Day
The IAA has decided to move our annual social event from early January to the spring. We intend to have a showing of the excellent film "First Man", with Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, in Studio A1, at 1a, Hamilton Road, Bangor, followed by the usual quiz with lots of prizes.
As this is the anniversary of the first human space flight, by Yuri Gagarin. It is generally celebrated as "Yuri's Day". The cost is only £5 per head!
There is no food in the venue, but we intend to have a meal in Tom's Diner, next door. Costs there for a full meal are about £20 to £25.
In order to ensure that we can book the venue, we need payment of the £5 in advance, and if you intend to eat in Tom's Diner, we need a non-refundable deposit of £10 per person, in advance. You then pay the balance on the night, depending on what you choose from the menu.
Payment options will be set out in my next bulletin, but WE NEED NOW AN INDICATION OF NUMBERS! So please let me know ASAP, and by 20 March at the latest, if you intend to go, and how many will be in your group.
Payment options and further details in next bulletin, but PLEASE let me know now if you intend to go.
| 5. WARNING! I strongly advise against buying binoculars from Temu! Based on their latest advertisements, they haven't the slightest idea what they are selling. There's a pair of 8x35, for which the advert is full of errors: (1) It says that the larger the objective lens, the wider the field of view. Categorically not true. The field of view is determined only by the magnification and the eyepiece design. (2) It describes their Field of View as "8m FT at 1600m" This is meaningless. FOV is given by convention either as angular degrees, e.g. 8.2 degrees, or as xxm at 1000m (or in USA xxft at 1,000 yards) If the advert is meant to be 8 million feet at 1600m, that's meaningless. If it's meant to be 8 million feet at 1600 miles, that's laughable, as there's nowhere on Earth where you can see for 1600 miles, and it would be meaningless in space. It's also impossible, as 8 million feet is 1515 miles, and 1515 miles width of FOV at 1600 miles is impossible for binoculars. If we ignore the 'FT", and take it as "8m at 1600m", that's ridiculously small. (3): the text says that they are "fixed focus", whereas the photo clearly shows a focussing wheel! (4) the text says that they are not waterproof, but one of the photos shows them half immersed in water! (5) The spec says that their 'range' is 20km. That's pathetic, as I have a similar size pair which have a range of 2.7 million Light-years, i.e. to M33 in Triangulum. And I can even see 100km on Earth with my unaided eyes on a clear day! (Sensible people don't buy from Temu anyway!)
6. ISS. The ISS started a new series of evening passes on 13 March. See www.heavens_above.com for details.
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7. Venus: the Evening Star is slipping into twilight
Venus is now sinking rapidly into the Western evening twilight The magnitude is now -4, and the large (58") but rapidly shrinking crescent phase is visible in binoculars in twilight. It will be very difficult to see after March 17.
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 -2.1, 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 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 0.1, but comparatively small with an apparent diameter of only 9.5".
10. New budget-priced and very portable smartscope
Review: Smart stargazing with a Dwarf III telescope and a phone
This is even smaller and more portable than the Seestar 30. I don't know if it's available in UK/Ireland yet.
11. 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.
12. Partial Solar Eclipse, 29 March. The magnitude will be over 50% for all of Ireland, with NW Mayo getting 57%. The IAA will be organising at least two public observing events for this eclipse, one in Bangor and one in Belfast. More details in next bulletin.
13. 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."
14. 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.
15. 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 –
16: Mayo Dark Sky Festival, 31 October – 2 November. More details later.
17: 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.
18: 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?!?
19. 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.
Another clue: You might get it in a roundabout fashion.
And another: It's as easy as A, B, C….
Another clue: The title of a book by JRR Tolkien
UPDATE: Another, more recent source gives the figure as 859,413,
20. 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.
Another clue: Both answers relate to astronomy rather than astrology.
Another clue: In fact, to astrologers, one of them does not apply at all, and the other is irrelevant.
Final clue: It would help if you used a star atlas.
Remember, only send answers to me at my aol address: terrymosel@aol.com.
21. INTERESTING WEBLINKS (Disclaimer – Use of material herein from various sources does not imply approval or otherwise of the opinions, political or otherwise, of those sources). NB: If the title in the weblink does not indicate the subject matter, I give a brief simple intro before the link. I may also comment about the link afterwards.
ASTROPHYSICS:
Mysterious Gamma-Ray Burst Shocks Scientists | Watch
Scientists investigate mysterious radio signals coming from 'unprecedented' part of space
Unproven Einstein theory of 'gravitational memory' may be real after all, new study hints | Live Science
Water first formed billions of years earlier than previously thought – study
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/06/nx-s1-5319113/that-galaxy-next-door-its-home-to-a-monster-black-hole
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2470771-two-huge-black-holes-merged-into-one-and-went-flying-across-the-cosmos/?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=discover&utm_campaign=CCwqGAgwKg8IACoHCAowyseYCTDXhmww-o3dAzCs04UE&utm_content=bullets
New Spectrographic Technology Advances Dark Matter Search
Unproven Einstein theory of 'gravitational memory' may be real after all, new study hints
COSMOLOGY
Unproven Einstein theory of 'gravitational memory' may be real after all, new study hints
EARTH & MOONRemember that Asteroid That Isn't Going to Hit Earth? We Could Send A Mission to Explore it! - Universe Today Scientists discover massive new creatures living in the Earth's oceanic crust
Intuitive Machines' private Athena probe lands near lunar south pole — but it may have tipped over | Space
World's oldest impact crater discovered in Australia
Spectacular photo taken from ISS shows 'gigantic jet' of upward-shooting lightning towering 50 miles over New Orleans | Live Science
Global sea ice hit record low in February, scientists say
Blue Ghost becomes second private spacecraft to land on the moon | Watch
EXOLIFE'Perhaps it's only a matter of time': Intelligent life may be much more likely than first thought, new model suggests SOLAR SYSTEM Whoa! Astronomers Found 128 New Moons Orbiting Saturn - Universe TodaySpaceX sets sights on Mars: Starship to carry robot in 2026https://www.sciencealert.com/curiosity-cracked-open-a-rock-on-mars-and-discovered-a-big-surpriseRemember that Asteroid That Isn't Going to Hit Earth? We Could Send A Mission to Explore it! - Universe Todayhttps://www.earth.com/news/spiral-structure-discovered-at-the-edge-of-our-solar-system-oort-cloud/ SPACE SpaceX Crew-10 folds traits, hopes into origami crane zero-g indicator
SpaceX's Starship Flight Test Falls Short for the Second Time in a Row - Universe Today
NASA warns global sea levels rose by an 'unexpected' amount last year | Watch
Tim Peake is going back to space. It's a different world to the one he left
NASA lays off top scientist and deputies as it implements DOGE's job cuts that will see hundreds leave space agency Just so Musk can transfer resources and emphasis to his personal Mars ambitions. It's beyond disgraceful.
https://www.aol.com/intuitive-machines-athena-lunar-landing-184713718.html The Houston-based company that was set to deliver a historic water-hunting mission to the lunar south pole says its Athena lander is dead on the moon.
Elon Musk's SpaceX Starship mega rocket explodes as debris rains from the sky And see this
Debris From Failed SpaceX Rocket Flies Over US | Watch
Low on power and spinning out of control, NASA's Lunar Trailblazer moon probe's future looks grim
Europe's Ariane 6 rocket launches on first commercial mission carrying French spy satellite
Varda space capsule returns to Earth in 1st commercial landing in Australian Outback (photos)
NASA powers down two instruments on twin Voyager spacecraft to save power
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES.
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-glass-sensors-einstein-telescope.html
New Spectrographic Technology Advances Dark Matter Search
FINAL WORD:
"The treasures hidden in the heavens are so rich that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment." - Johannes Kepler
22. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION. This link gives options to join the IAA.
https://irishastro.org/join-the-iaa/ If you are a UK taxpayer, please select the 'gift-aid' box, as that enables us to reclaim the standard rate of tax on your subscription, at no cost to you. You can also make a donation via Paypal if you wish: just click on the 'Donate' button. See also 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
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