Hi all,
Please note: send all correspondence to me only at: terrymosel@aol.com
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 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.
3. Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival, 27 – 30 March, Co Kerry.
See www.discoveriveragh.ie/darkskyfest
4. Partial Solar Eclipse, 29 March. The magnitude will be over 50% for all of Ireland, with NW Mayo getting 57%. we will be organising two public observing events for this eclipse, one in Clandeboye near Bangor and one at the Ulster Museum in Belfast. More details in next bulletin.
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. I use 'magnitude' which is what is used in the official NASA eclipse bulletins.
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. 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.
| 7. ISS. The ISS continues its series of evening passes until 27 March. See www.heavens_above.com for details.
|
6. 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 0.0, but comparatively small with an apparent diameter of only 9.3".
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 Planetarium, NI SPACE, Belfast City Council, Visit 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.
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 –
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????
(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?!?
17. DIFFICULT TEASER answered
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,
Final clue: The title of the book is a nickname which leads in a roundabout way to the answer
Peter Millar strikes again! The answer is: it's the circumference of the outer part of Saturn's main rings – the A-ring. (The Tolkien clue – Saturn is sometimes nicknamed 'The Lord of the Rings') Well done again, Peter.
18. EASY TEASER: No answers!
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.
I've defeated you on this one. The two answers are: (1) The length of the ecliptic in Scorpius is the shortest of all the zodiacal constellations – only 6º 36'. That means that the Sun spends less time in Scorpius than in any other constellation. (2) It extends further South than any other zodiacal constellation (-45.5 degrees; Sagittarius is next, reaching only -45 degrees)
19. NEW DIFFICULT TEASER
How and when did a bird become a mammal?
20. NEW EASY TEASER
How are Uranus and Pluto twinned?
Remember, send answers to me only 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:
Distant star explosions could have wiped out life on Earth twice | Mashable
EARTH & MOONDistant star explosions could have wiped out life on Earth twice | Mashable
Private lunar lander Blue Ghost falls silent on the moon after a 2-week mission
EXOLIFEBreakthrough mineral discovery suggests possibility of ancient life on Mars
Life might be much more likely than we realised, scientists say – and it could help us find aliens
SOLAR SYSTEM Breakthrough mineral discovery suggests possibility of ancient life on Mars
Mars could have an ocean's worth of water beneath its surface, seismic data suggest
NASA rover discovers liquid water 'ripples' carved into Mars rock — and it could rewrite the Red Planet's history
SPACE The 'stranded' astronauts return safely What's next for returned astronauts? | Watch BUT –
NASA's galling Donald Trump admission after stranded astronauts finally return to Earth
Private Starlab space station moves into 'full-scale development' ahead of 2028 launch
Nasa cuts raise fears of handing more influence to SpaceX owner Musk
This is entirely voluntary petition: It's Time to Hold Elon Musk and SpaceX Accountable
Chinese space ambition shakes US dominance with new refuelling tech
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
No comments:
Post a Comment