Irish Astronomical Association News

Wednesday, 4 March 2020

Gamma ray astronomy, Starlink menace, Astro stamps, Venus brilliant, ISS, Betelgeuse brighter, Dark sky event, COSMOS star party, more

Hi all,

CORONAVIRUS

This hardly needs saying, but if you have been exposed, or think you may have been exposed to the virus or anyone carrying it, or if you have recently been to a risk region, please do not attend the next meeting. Thank you.

1. IAA Public Lecture, Wednesday March 4, 7.30 p.m., Gamma-ray and Optical Astronomy with VERITAS, Dr John Quinn, UCD: Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB,

Gamma-rays are the most energetic form of electro-magnetic radiation, produced by some of the most violent events in the universe, such as supernovas remnants and relativistic jets from supermassive Black Holes. It's only recently that we've developed instruments capable of studying them. The very highest energy rays (in the Tera electron Volt (TeV) range) produce showers of secondary emissions, called Cherenkov radiation, when they stroke our atmosphere.

VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System) in Arizona is one of only 3 state of the art TeV observatories which can study this phenomenon, and this talk will describe how it works and the science it produces.

The Veritas Collaboration is now also using the telescope for optical astronomy, such fast transients and interferometry, and the talk will also cover this new work.

2. The Impact of Satellite Constellations on Astronomy: IAU press release

https://www.iau.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iau2001/

3. Astronomy Stamps. A new set of stamps has been issued in the UK, with the theme Visions Of The Universe, marking the 200^th anniversary of the RAS. Various sets are available, or you can just buy them singly.

4. Venus. You can't miss brilliant Venus in the SW twilight these evenings. Watch is it moves ever higher out of the bright twilight over the next few months as it approaches its rendezvous with the Pleiades on 3 April..

5. ISS The International Space Station commenced a new series of morning passes on Feb 23 Full details for your location, and lots of other astronomy information, on the excellent free site www.heavens-above.com

6. BETELGEUSE is brightening again.

As my observations indicated last week, Betelgeuse reached a minimum magnitude of about mag 1.6, and is now slowly brightening again: it's about 1.4 at the moment. It seems that the unusually deep minimum was caused by the minima of at least two separate cycles coinciding round about Feb 22. Another theory is that it was due to the shedding of dust from its outer atmosphere, which has now thinned out enough for it to become more transparent.

Watch it for as long as you can – into early April, at a stretch - to see how much it brightens again. You can compare it with Procyon (mag 0.4), Aldebaran (mag 0.87, but slightly variable itself), Pollux (mag 1.16), Castor (mag 1.58), Bellatrix (mag 1.64). Only do it when Betelgeuse is at least 30 degrees above the horizon, and choose comparison stars at about the same altitude as it.

7. Dark Sky observing event, Cavan Burren Centre, 20 March. I've been asked to run another one of these events, in a very dark sky location, near Blacklion, just across the border from Belcoo. More details later.

8. COSMOS STAR PARTY, Athlone, 3-5 April. More details later

9. Asteroid Day, 30 June.

Asteroid Day was co-founded by astrophysicist and famed musician Dr. Brian May of the rock group QUEEN; Apollo 9 Astronaut Rusty Schweickart; Filmmaker Grig Richters; and B612 President Danica Remy, to promote awareness and provide knowledge to the general public about the importance of asteroids in our solar system history, and the role they play in our solar system today. Events are scheduled leading up to 30 June, the date of the largest asteroid impact of Earth in recorded history (Tunguska).

10. International Astronomical Youth Camp in Spain, 12 July – 1 August
The International Astronomical Youth Camp (IAYC) is a three-week long summer camp aiming to promote knowledge of astronomy and related sciences in a unique international atmosphere. The IAYC is an experience unlike any other; a place for unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. During the camp, 65 young and enthusiastic participants from all corners of the world gather in a remote location in Spain to observe and learn about some of the most spectacular skies on this Earth. Applications for the 2020 camp are being accepted until 5 April 2020.
International Astronomical Youth Camp, 12 July-1 August 2020; Baños de Montemayor, Spain
More information and application are here: www.iayc.org

11. National Astronomy Week, 14 – 22 November.

National Astronomy Week (NAW) will be held in the UK from Saturday 14 November to Sunday 22 November, to celebrate the close approach of Mars. Amateur and professional astronomers will be holding observing events during the week. Seen through a telescope magnifying about 100 times, Mars will appear as a pale orange disc, with its markings clearly visible, at a distance of 80 million km.

Although Mars is at its closest to Earth a month earlier, by November it is well up in the sky during the early evening, allowing younger schoolchildren an opportunity to get a good view of the planet. It will not be as close again until 2033.

As well as Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon will be on show during National Astronomy Week. Details of observing events will be posted on the NAW website.

12. 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

Neutron stars have weird strong nuclear force https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200226131310.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8051079/Biggest-explosion-Universe-Big-Bang-detected.html

How Betelgeuse could go Supernova https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200228142009.htm

Two stars merged to form a massive White Dwarf https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200302113300.htm

A massive star's dying breaths (not Betelgeuse, yet!) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200228142009.htm

The most powerful explosion in the universe https://newatlas.com/space/astronomers-most-powerful-explosion-universe/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=b5f9903f26-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_02_28_09_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-b5f9903f26-92786061

Our kinky Milky Way https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8068993/Kink-Milky-Ways-disc-created-ongoing-collision.html

Students find a flaring Black Hole https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8067115/NASA-shares-gif-new-black-hole-30-000-light-years-away-seen-students-studying-asteroid.html

COSMOLOGY

Why is there any matter in the universe? – We still don't know! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200228142022.htm

EARTH & MOON

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8048845/Chinese-investigate-dark-moon-finds-three-distinct-layers.html The Mail's writers STILL don't know that it's the Moon's Far side, not its Dark side. It doesn't have a dark side, any more than the Earth has. The whole Moon has alternate day & night just like the Earth.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8048039/Tiny-asteroid-confirmed-mini-moon-orbiting-Earth-past-three-years.html

What lies on the far side of the Moon? https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/chinas-change-probe-discovers-whats-lurking-beneath-moons-far-side/ar-BB10rwcQ?ocid=spartandhp

Earth has a new mini-Moon https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/earth-might-have-caught-a-new-moon-and-its-super-tiny/ar-BB10s6Ts?ocid=spartandhp

The Earth & Moon image obviously a fake/collage. Footprints are FAR too big in relation to crater size. Sunlight on Moon coming from left, but on the Earth it's coming from above.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8056295/Tunguska-event-site-scoured-traces-cosmic-matter.html

Asteroid impact enriched certain elements in seawater https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200228102204.htm

Earlier warning of space weather storms https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200302153600.htm

Extra-terrestrial protein discovered in meteorite https://newatlas.com/space/extraterrestrial-protein-meteorite/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=8dda56c400-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_02_09_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-8dda56c400-92786061 But why does the illustration show a comet, rather than a meteorite?

Earth's new Mini-Moon may be just space junk https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8057585/Earths-new-mini-moon-seen-color-experts-questioning-asteroid-space-junk.html

UK-wide camera network to locate falling meteorites https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8065063/Camera-network-created-track-meteorites-heading-UK.html

EXOPLANETS

Have we already detected exoplanet ring systems? https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/superpuff-alien-worlds-could-be-ringed-giant-planets-just-like-saturn/ar-BB10tfAX?ocid=spartandhp

Super-Earth covered in water inside the habitable zone https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/large-rocky-planet-124-light-years-away-from-earth-appears-to-be-covered-in-water-and-could-have-right-conditions-to-sustain-alien-life/ar-BB10rMXJ?ocid=spartandhp

Candy-floss planets may actually have rings https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200302153606.htm

Evolution of a planetary system in a tilted binary star pair https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200302103749.htm

Astronomy student discovers 17 new planets https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200228073146.htm

Super-Earth could have right conditions for life https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200226212008.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29

SOLAR SYSTEM

Why is Mars humming? https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/spotlight/mars-is-humming-scientists-arent-sure-why/ar-BB10sNco?ocid=spartandhp

Earth crater could give information about Mars. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200226142146.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29

NASA wants you to design part of its next Venus Rover https://newatlas.com/space/nasa-venus-rover-design-competition/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=988c833dd2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_02_27_09_21&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-988c833dd2-92786061

Turbulent history of asteroid Vesta https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200226095512.htm

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-7678581/Studies-suggest-NASAs-Mars-2020-mission-landing-site-hold-signs-ancient-life.html

Studying Ice Giants Uranus and Neptune https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200228142006.htm

Asteroid Itokawa is covered with iron whiskers https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200228105220.htm

Life on Titan not so likely https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200302113336.htm

JWST will probe Uranus and Neptune https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200228142006.htm

Moving Martian sand dunes https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8057229/Scientists-create-stunning-gifs-Mars-sand-dunes-understand-conditions-impact-them.html

SPACE

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8044773/Musks-SpaceX-rocket-production-facility-approved-Port-Los-Angeles.html

Revitalising old satellites https://newatlas.com/space/northrop-grumman-docks-commercial-satellites-first-mev-1/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=988c833dd2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_02_27_09_21&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-988c833dd2-92786061

New way to stabilise and rotate satellites https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200226130529.htm

Boeing: 737Max, and now this! Would anyone want to fly in anything made by Boeing under its current management? https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8052487/Boeing-skipped-software-test-Starliner-aborted-launch-December.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8046435/US-government-developing-nuclear-rocket-send-satellites-Earth-Moon.html

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/critical-rocket-escape-system-motor-for-nasas-orion-spacecrafy-aces-final-test/ar-BB10waRa?ocid=spartandhp It seems nothing ever passes a test any more – it has to "ace" it.

Telescopes, Instruments, Techniques

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/02/cheap-balloon-borne-telescopes-aim-rival-space-observatories?utm_campaign=news_daily_2020-02-28&et_rid=415711678&et_cid=3225509

13. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION. This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://documents.irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc
If you are a UK taxpayer, please tick the 'gift-aid' box, as that enables us to reclaim the standard rate of tax on your subscription, at no cost to you. You can also make a donation via Paypal if you wish: just click on the 'Donate' button. See also https://irishastro.org/

The Irish Astronomical Association is registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 105858

DISCLAIMER: Any views expressed herein are mine, and do not necessarily represent those of the IAA.

Clear skies,

Terry Moseley

Friday, 28 February 2020

Gamma Ray Astronomy, Moon & Venus, Astronomy stamps, Loop Head Star Party, Betelgeuse Brightening, Cavan Dark Sky event, more

Hi all,

1. IAA Public Lecture, Wednesday March 4, 7.30 p.m., Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB, Dr John Quinn, Gamma ray & optical astronomy with Veritas. More details later.

2. Moon and Venus: the crescent Moon will be passing near Venus on the evening of 27 February (my birthday!) forming a nice grouping in the twilight. Look for the Earthshine on the Moon as the sky darkens. If you have a telescope you'll see that while the Moon is a crescent with a phase of 15%, Venus will be gibbous, with a phase of 64%! Sincve they both have the same angular elongation from the Sun, how can this be? The answer of course is that the Moon lies between us and the Sun (distance 405,500km), whereas Venus is 'on the far side of the Sun', at a distance of 135 million km.

4. LOOP HEAD STAR PARTY: Run by the Limerick Astronomy Club, this will be held on Friday 28 February from 7 p.m. onwards, at St Cuan's School, Kilbaha, Co Clare. This area, near the SW tip of Co Clare, has very dark skies, so all that's needed is an absence of cloud!

5. Venus. You can't miss brilliant Venus in the SW twilight these evenings. Watch is it moves ever higher out of the bright twilight over the next few months as it approaches its rendezvous with the Pleiades on 3 April..

6. ISS The International Space Station commenced a new series of morning passes on Feb 23 Full details for your location, and lots of other astronomy information, on the excellent free site www.heavens-above.com

7. BETELGEUSE is brightening again.

As my observations indicated last week, Betelgeuse reached a minimum magnitude of about mag 1.6, and is now slowly brightening again: it's about 1.5 or 1.4 at the moment. It seems that the unusually deep minimum was caused by the minima of at least two separate cycles coinciding round about Feb 22.

8. Dark Sky observing event, Cavan Burren Centre, 20 March. I've been asked to run another one of these events, in a very dark sky location, near Blacklion, just across the border from Belcoo. More details later.

9. COSMOS STAR PARTY, Athlone, 3-5 April. More details later

11. National Astronomy Week, 14 – 22 November.

As well as Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon will be on show during National Astronomy Week. Details of observing events will be posted on the NAW website.

ASTROPHYSICS

Neutrino mystery may be about to be solved https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200225122956.htm Simple question: when a neutrino changes into one of a different mass, from where does it gain, or how does it shed, the extra mass/energy?

EARTH & MOON

https://247wallst.com/special-report/2019/02/05/19-disasters-that-could-end-the-world/5/ NB Only one of those could possibly "end the world", and it's very very unlikely. Only a few would cause a large human extinction; the rest might cause a few million deaths, but that's insignificant in a population of over SEVEN BILLION! Humans have already caused greater numbers of fatalities in two World Wars. But hey, you always need a good headline!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8042169/Australian-bushfires-destroyed-FIFTH-continents-forests.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8047621/Impact-crater-Germany-Mars-hosted-alien-life.html

Deciding how to deflect an asteroid https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200219152843.htm

EXOPLANETS

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/a-massive-new-planet-that-dwarfs-jupiter-was-just-found-lurking-nearby/ar-BB10fQtO?ocid=spartandhp

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8029681/Scientists-discover-new-planet-BREATHABLE-AIR-half-billion-light-years-away.html

SOLAR SYSTEM

https://newatlas.com/space/japan-first-mission-sample-martian-moon/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=d6efc8c8f4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_02_21_09_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-d6efc8c8f4-92786061

Water could form in shadow of Martian boulders https://earthsky.org/space/water-on-mars-brines-boulders-sublimation?utm_source=EarthSky+News&utm_campaign=cf62beae88-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_02_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c643945d79-cf62beae88-394571661

Weird black pit found on Mars https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/nasa-stares-into-dark-freaky-pit-on-mars/ar-BB10g6jO?ocid=spartandhp

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8038203/NASA-Insight-spacecraft-proves-Mars-DOES-experience-quakes-just-like-Earth.html

A year of surprising Martian science from Insight https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200224151502.htm

Martian Magnetic field stronger than expected https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200224111342.htm

Marsquake detected by sensor on Insight https://newatlas.com/space/first-direct-data-marsquakes-active-red-planet/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=c13532f66e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_02_25_09_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-c13532f66e-92786061

SPACE

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/china-wants-to-build-a-new-space-station-a-planned-launch-in-april-will-set-the-stage/ar-BB10gITN?ocid=spartandhp

https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/techandscience/the-25-most-dangerous-things-around-earth-right-now/ss-BB10iUGf?ocid=spartandhp#image=4

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8042959/Virgin-Galactic-asks-customers-pay-1-000-PROVE-going-space.html

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/pentagon-prepping-nuclear-moon-rocket-to-beat-china-into-cislunar-space/ar-BB10q80h?ocid=spartandhp

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

Astronomy Day+ Observing + stardome at QUB, Heather Couper, Veritas Astronomy, ZL, Betelgeuse recovering? more...

Hi all,

Firstly, congratulations to Laura Murphy from TCD who gave a brilliant lecture on The First Stars in the Universe to the IAA in an overflowing Lecture theatre as part of the NI Science Festival - the biggest audience we've ever had!

1. Astronomy events at QUB, Sat 22 February.

A. "QUB Astronomy Day", 11.00 - 16.00. In the Lanyon Building..

B."Astronomy Question Time & Star Watch", 19.00 - 22.00. This will start off with a Question Time session in the Larmour Lecture Theatre, Physics building, followed by observing led by the IAA in from of the main building if clear. The IAA will also be running starshows in our Stardome mobile planetarium in the Council Chamber off the Canada Room in the main Lanyon building. This is accessed on the left of the main entrance foyer, and will be signposted. Admission free.

2. Death of Heather Couper, Heather, a well-known populariser of astronomy has died after a short illness. Heather was one of the first women in this genre, being an excellent lecturer, broadcaster, and in association with her long-time colleague Nigel Henbest, a write of many books, and producer of popular astronomy TV programs. She gave several very entertaining lectures to the IAA. I first got to know her about 30 years ago, and we always enjoyed a great chat when we met. She was a great inspiration to many starting off in astronomy, particularly girls, and she'll be sorely missed.

3. IAA Public Lecture, Wednesday March 4, 7.30 p.m., Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB, Dr John Quinn, Gamma ray & optical astronomy with Veritas. More details later.

4. Venus.

You can't miss brilliant Venus in the SW twilight these evenings. Watch is it moves ever higher out of the bright twilight over the next few months.

5. Zodiacal Light is a challenging target:

For the best chance to see this very faint cone-shaped light extending above the W horizon along the line of the ecliptic in the very late evening twilight sky you'll need a clear view to the West, a very dark and transparent sky, and obviously no moonlight. Best chances this year are from now to Feb 24, and March 12 to 25.

6. ISS The International Space Station will commence a new series of morning passes on Feb 23 Full details for your location, and lots of other astronomy information, on the excellent free site www.heavens-above.com

7. BETELGEUSE fading may be slowing.

Red Supergiant star Betelgeuse has faded since October by well over 1 magnitude. Some conjecture that this is a prelude to a supernova explosion, but that is very unlikely. However, it's certainly worth watching. It's now about equal in brightness to Bellatrix, the star marking Orion's other 'shoulder'.

My latest magnitude estimate, on 17 February, made it equal to, or slightly brighter, than Bellatrix, (mag 1.6), which is the same as my estimate about a week ago.

That's still over 1 magnitude fainter than its average of +0.5 - the faintest I've ever seen it – and that's from 1963!

You can compare it with Pollux (mag 1.16), Castor (mag 1.58), Bellatrix (mag 1.64), Al Nath / Beta Tau (mag 1.68), Epsilon Ori (middle star in the Belt, mag 1.7), Zeta Ori (bottom left star in the Belt, mag 1.9), or Gamma Gem (mag 2.0). Only do it when Betelgeuse is at least 30 degrees above the horizon, and choose comparison stars at about the same altitude as it.

A recent prediction indicates that if the fading is due to the minima of several different periodic cycles co-inciding, then the star should reach its faintest about February 21, and then start to recover. We shall see!

These articles gives some good background information: VLT inmaes change of shape of Betelgeuse

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200214134707.htm

https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2017/03/22/what-will-happen-when-betelgeuse-explodes/#6a05f2ec13ac

9. COSMOS STAR PARTY, Athlone, 3-5 April. More details later

11. National Astronomy Week, 14 – 22 November.

As well as Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon will be on show during National Astronomy Week. Details of observing events will be posted on the NAW website.

ASTROPHYSICS

Enormous galaxy blazed with early stars, then stopped https://earthsky.org/space/mysterious-massive-galaxy-xmm-2599-early-universe

VLT images Betelgeuse https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200214134707.htm

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8029681/Scientists-discover-new-planet-BREATHABLE-AIR-half-billion-light-years-away.html

The Sombrero Galaxy hides a turbulent history https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200220135241.htm

COSMOLOGY:

How dark is Dark Matter? Illuminating the Cosmic Web: https://www.livescience.com/dark-matter-filaments-mapped.html?utm_source=Selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9160&utm_content=LVS_newsletter+&utm_term=3473357&m_i=xugxJZb04vjfrxLLdn5qc21zAyCfyGu5iB5mBt5QC_r%2Bp85fyoOf2SILI4Jy5sGyytmlUxIubn9O8efQdEXECSPbrPkAsV7aEyfp9qxxxQ

EARTH & MOON

Rare meteorite found in Germany. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200218124404.htm

https://climatenewsnetwork.net/renewable-energy-could-power-the-world-by-2050/ and

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200218124404.htm

Earth formed much faster than we originally thought https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200220130509.htm

Human methane emission much greater than we thought https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200219113746.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29

How to stop a planet-killer asteroid hitting Earth https://www.livescience.com/how-to-stop-asteroid-from-hitting-earth.html?utm_source=Selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9160&utm_content=LVS_newsletter+&utm_term=3473357&m_i=xugCfeHfTivDlzgKnBqDMcStKLYcesyIHgOVM39A1GERYvoJ1WeniwIc%2BVn6pUZG6gy1XgvcuU9dKRcAZtGPff2X9cUXOxX%2Bw98aA%2BgxxQ

EXOLIFE

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8001385/Oddly-shaped-celestial-body-Arrokoth-sheds-light-planet-formation.html

EXOPLANETS

New study of exoplanets using LOFAR https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200218104713.htm

Sub-Neptune sized planet validated with new instrument https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200220130456.htm

How new stars prepare for the birth of planets https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200220130454.htm

This planet is on the Eve of Destruction! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200220104045.htm

IMAGES

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8024625/Stunning-NASA-image-reveals-ISS-crossing-moon.html

SETI

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8006227/Alien-hunters-searching-signatures-emitted-interstellar-beacons-using-telescopes.html

Breakthrough Listen releases 2 Petabytes of date from SETI survey of Milky Way https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200217112739.htm

SOLAR SYSTEM

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/german-man-finds-rock-from-early-solar-system-in-his-front-yard/ar-BB10aYYi?ocid=spartandhp

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8022231/NASAs-Juno-probe-reveals-water-Jupiters-atmosphere-three-times-sun.html

Decoding the interior of Mars https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200220104055.htm

SPACE

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8016293/Astronomers-searching-20-female-volunteers-float-BED-five-days.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8018121/NASA-announces-open-recruitment-2021-class-astronauts.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8014337/New-satellite-CORK-help-smaller-spacecraft-survive-entering-Earths-atmosphere.html

https://newatlas.com/space/spacex-crew-dragon-carry-space-tourists-orbit/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=b03c75ab6a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_02_19_09_19&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-b03c75ab6a-92786061

Simple rocket engine may permit lighter cheaper satellites. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200218143706.htm

TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS etc

https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/article/february/new-starlight-collector-detects-earth-sized-planets-outside-our-solar-system?utm_source=NS3ET&utm_campaign=54310acb31-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_02_12_01_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_881e9395d5-54310acb31-373400497

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