TV Progs, Science Gallery, ASTEROID Flyby, Lectures, IYA 2009, Books

 

Hi all,

T.V.

1. Monday 28 January (tonight), BBC2, 23.20 - 00.20. "The Atom". Series about the building blocks of the universe.

2. Tuesday 29 January, BBC2, HORIZON: 21.00 - 21.50. "What on Earth is wrong with Gravity?" Physicist Brian Cox attempts to define just what gravity is. (I'm voting for 'MOND', BTW, but that's just a personal preference!)

3. SCIENCE GALLERY: A new public venue is due to open in Trinity College, Dublin next week, called Science Gallery. It launches with a festival called LIGHTWAVE and a lecture called "Solar Voyage" by leading Irish astrophysicist Peter Gallagher, on Sunday 3rd February from 16.30 - 17.30.  Sponsored by the Royal Irish Academy, Peter Gallagher takes us on a journey exploring the sun's influence on the solar system from the innermost planets to the Voyager spacecraft at the outer bounds of the Solar System. With incredible 3D projections of the sun, a pair of 3D glasses for everyone in the audience and an insight into our neighbourhood star, Solar Voyage is set to be an eye opener.
    To book tickets or for further information on the LIGHTWAVE festival please see www.sciencegallery.com. CONTACT: Elizabeth Allen, Programme Manager (Events), The Science Gallery, Trinity College,
Dublin 2. Tel: +353-1-896 4010. Email: elizabeth.allen@sciencegallery.com

4. ASTEROID FLYBY:  Asteroid 2007 TU24 flies past Earth this week at a distance of only 334,000 miles (1.4 lunar distances).  There is no danger of a collision, but it will be close enough for amateur astronomers to photograph through mid-sized telescopes. At closest approach on Jan. 29th, the asteroid will glide through the constellations Andromeda and Cassiopeia glowing like a 10th magnitude star.  Visit http://spaceweather.com for celestial coordinates and a low-resolution radar image of the approaching rock.
5. HALO BONUS:  A photographer in Finland has captured the long-sought "Kern arc", a rare sun halo created by triangular ice crystals.   Experts are calling it the "halo photo of the decade" and it is featured on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com.

6. IAA PUBLIC LECTURE: Wednesday 6 February, 7.30 p.m. Dr Aaron Golden, NUIG: "Periodic Radio Flares from Brown Dwarfs: the missing link between planets and pulsars?" The Bell lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University, Belfast. Admission free, including light refreshments. All welcome.

   The IAA lecture programme is held in association with the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen's University Belfast. See: www.irishastro.org

7. IYA 2009: The countdown to 2009 is now ticking every day and I hope it will find us well prepared in less than a year!

   The Irish website is now up and running: http://astronomy2009.ie. As it is now, it is basically just a template that needs to be filled up. Any comments will be welcomed by Dr Miruna Popescu (see below). She writes:

   First of all, please let me know if you agree with the basic 'template' and if you think that we need more 'chapters'  apart from the ones I have set up.

  Second, please let me know if I have forgotten - or I got the web link wrong - for anybody under the links - local page. For example, I could not find the website for the Northern Ireland Space Office on the web.

   Thirdly, please send me anything that you would like me to include on it - stories, images, etc.

I plan to improve the website next week - hopefully with many things you will send me - and then begin to publicize it. Also, I did not tell astronomy2009.org about it yet as it is not quite ready. I will do that after receiving your feedback. Best regards, Dr. Miruna D. Popescu, Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh

Northern Ireland, BT61 9DG, http://star.arm.ac.uk/~mdp.

8. BOOKS:

Biographical Encyclopedia of Astronomers, Editor-in-chief Thomas Hockey, features 1550 biographies of astronomers from the earliest times to the present. Published by Springer in two volumes, 1341 pages, 350 illustrations and available in hardback or online form for E329 (until 31/1/2008).  Every astronomy department should have a copy. See http://www.springer.com/east/home?SGWID=5-102-22-112919605-0 Print version; and http://www.springer.com/east/home/astronomy?SGWID=5-123-22-168287617-0 Online version
"It's Part of What We Are" by Charles Mollan features 118 in-depth biographies of men and women (including a score of astronomers) who have contributed to the physical sciences in Ireland over the past three centuries. Published by the Royal Dublin Society in two volumes, 1875 pages, 150 illustrations and available in hardback for E60 (plus postage and packing). Great value! See http:/www.rds.ie/science/publications

Finally, congrats to Galway Astronomy Club for another excellent Astrofest last weekend. Well done to all.

(Apologies if there are still some duplicate addresses!)

Clear Skies,

Terry Moseley

1. IAA Meeting, Galway Astrofest, Chinese New Year

 

Hi all,

Firstly, apologies if you recently got a mysterious email from me saying practically nothing - it was copied to you in error, so just ignore it!

1. The next IAA public lecture will be on Wednesday 23 January, at 7.30 p.m. sharp, in the Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University, Belfast (main campus). Title "Photons from the Invisible" (the study of very high energy emitting objects, such as X-ray & Gamma Ray sources, including colliding neutron stars & Black Holes) The speaker will be Dr Paul Callanan from UCC. Admission free, including light refreshments.

   The IAA lecture programme is held in association with the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen's University Belfast, and we greatly appreciate their co-operation and assistance.

2. Galway Astronomy Festival: Galway Astronomy Club will hold their annual Festival of Astronomy on the weekend of January 25/26 at the Westwood House Hotel, Dangan, Newcastle, Galway city. The programme always has excellent lectures and includes a telescope building workshop, and a tour of the NUI Galway Observatory. More details at www.galwayastronomyclub.ie.

3. I have been asked to circulate this: Chinese New Year. Please find attached information on the Chinese New Year celebrations being held at Armagh Planetarium on Sunday 10 February 2008.

Clear skies,

Terry Moseley

Lectures, Galway Astrofest, World Astrocast.

 

Hi all,

17 Jan: SDAS Meeting: "The Sun and Solar Observing" by Michael O'Connell, Chairperson of the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies ( www.irishastronomy.org ). All are welcome on the night, at Gonzaga College, Ranelagh, Dublin at 8pm.

17 Jan, 19.30: Professor Monica Grady (formerly Natural History Museum, now Open University, and recent Royal Institution Christmas Lecturer) is giving a talk to the Irish Geological Association on meteorites. It is aimed at a general audience, and will take place in the Davis Theatre, Arts Building, TCD (off Nassau Street entrance)

18 Jan 17.00 for 17.30 -- Official launch of the International Year of Planet Earth in Dublin Castle. Followed by public lecture. More details at www.planetearth.ie, or http://www.science.ie/EN/index.cfm/section/events/page/eventPage/event_key/181

21 Jan -- IAS LECTURE: Dr Andy McCrea of the Irish Astronomical Association will give a talk to the IAS titled "Andy's Astronomical Adventures", at Dunsink Observatory at 8pm. More details on www.irishastrosoc.org

23 Jan: The next IAA public lecture will be on Wednesday 23 January, at 7.30 p.m. sharp, in the Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University, Belfast (main campus). Title "Photons from the Invisible" (the study of very high energy emitting objects, such as X-ray & Gamma Ray sources, including colliding neutron stars & Black Holes) The speaker will be Dr Paul Callanan from UCC. Admission free, including light refreshments.

25 - 26 Jan: Galway Astronomy Festival: Galway Astronomy Club will hold their annual Festival of Astronomy on the weekend of January 25/26 at the Westwood House Hotel, Dangan, Newcastle, Galway city. The programme always has excellent lectures and includes a telescope building workshop, and a tour of the NUI Galway Observatory. More details at www.galwayastronomyclub.ie.

27 Jan: The next World AstroCast event scheduled for the 27th Jan.  All you need is a PC, Broadband and a sound system of some sort. You can view from home early that morning. See attached.

4 February, 12.00, and 14.00; RDS, Dublin 4: Tyndall Lecture on Physics for Schools: "Living with a star",  by Dr. Robert W. Walsh (originally from Belfast). Aimed at transition year students and above. More details at http://www.science.ie/EN/index.cfm/section/events/page/eventPage/event_key/170

Clear Skies,

Terry Moseley

Astro Swap Shop / Bring & Buy at IAA meeting, Quadrantids

 

Hi all,

1. IAA MEETING: I forgot to mention that we will also be having a 'swap shop' / 'bring & buy' / 'bazaar' (or bizarre?) at the IAA meeting on Wednesday 9 January, at 7.30 p.m. sharp, in the Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University, Belfast (main campus). So bring along some cash or your cheque book, and any items that you no longer need or use - accessories, eyepieces, software, books, even whole telescopes: you might pick up a bargain yourself, as well as getting rid of some items you no longer use.

The main agenda will be a twin speaker 'Members' Night' aimed mainly at beginners: I will talk about and demonstrate using binoculars, and David Stewart will talk about astrophotography. Admission free, including light refreshments.

2. QUADRANTID METEORS EXCELLED!  I've just been sickened by a colleague in work who told me he was in West Cork on the night of the Quadrantid maximum, didn't even know about the shower, was up in the middle of the night (about 4 a.m.), looked out the window & saw a beautiful clear sky & right away saw a fireball. So he kept looking, and says that he saw an average of one meteor every 30" for a period of about 15 minutes, before he got too cold and went back to bed! And that was just looking out the window at a relatively small area of sky! They were definitely Quads, as he described them as coming from the NE. He also saw one sporadic, going in the opposite direction. Even allowing for some exaggeration, that means the ZHR must have been about 100! And if his quoted rates are correct, it must have been well over 100! Meanwhile in the North we were being heavily snowed upon!

Clear skies,

Terry Moseley

New Year Party + Film, LP Survey, Comet, Lectures,

 

Hi all,

1. Time is running out to book for the IAA New Year Party & Film: Just to remind you: through the good efforts of Robert Hill of NISO, we have indeed been able to secure the first private viewing in Europe of the superb film "Shadow of the Moon" for our New Year Party on Saturday 5 January, at the Tudor Cinema, Drumhirk Road, Comber, Co Down! The film will not be officially released on DVD here until February, but Robert has special contacts..... Admission details as before: £10 per person, including excellent food & liquid refreshments, both alcoholic and otherwise. Also a great fun quiz with lots of prizes, and great craic for all. Be there 7.30 for 8.0 for this special preview, and a great evening.

   NB: YOU MUST BOOK & PREPAY by 2 JANUARY: Cheques payable to the IAA (Sterling only please) - send to John Hall, 3 Vaddegan Avenue, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT36 7SP.

DIRECTIONS:

A. Coming from the Greater Belfast area: follow signs for the A22 to Comber, proceed along the bypass (missing the town) to the roundabout, then turn right, still on the A22, towards Killyleagh and Downpatrick. Just 1 mile past the end of the 30mph speed limit zone in Comber, turn right into DRUMHIRK ROAD. After about 1/3 mile, look out for a row of cottages on the right, opposite which there is some 'ranch-style' fencing, with an entry to a laneway. There will be an IAA sign at this junction. Proceed along that laneway to the end where you will find the cinema and car park.

B. Coming from Downpatrick direction: proceed along A22 towards Comber, and look out for Drumhirk Road on your left, just 1 mile before you reach the edge of Comber.

C. Coming from the West or South: either go though Belfast and proceed as at A above, or turn off the M1 at Lisburn, taking the A49, then in a short distance turn left onto the B6, and then left again onto the B178, following signs for Carryduff and Comber. In Carryduff turn left, then right, following the B178 for Comber. Just before you reach Comber you join the A21: follow this into Comber, then follow signs for the A22 to Killyleagh and Downpatrick as at A above.

  PARK AS NEATLY AS POSSIBLE PLEASE! We need to get as many cars in as possible.

2. Light Pollution Survey. (APOLOGIES: I forgot to attach the form last time......)

Albert White, Chair if ILPAC, the Irish Light Pollution Awareness Campaign, has asked me to pass this on. Please fill in and return, and circulate the attached survey further to anyone who might be interested. Martin will be feeding back the results to DEFRA in the UK; hopefully to get the exceptions to the law there changed.

3. EAAS Meeting: The next meeting will be on 7 January 2008 and will be a members night. Venue: Lecture Theatre, Ballyclare High School, George Avenue, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, 8PM. Admission charge.

4. IAA: NEXT LECTURE: The next meeting will be on Wednesday 9 January, at 7.30 p.m. sharp, in the Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University, Belfast (main campus). This will be a twin speaker 'Members' Night' aimed mainly at beginners: I will talk about and demonstrate using binoculars, and david Stewart will talk about astrophotography. Admission free, including light refreshments

5. Astronomy Ireland: NEW YEAR PUBLIC LECTURE,  Monday January 14 2007, 8:00pm, Physics Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2.  "METEORITES - NEW EVIDENCE UNCOVERED", BY, DR. IAN SANDERS, TCD. Admission Charge.

6. ANOTHER COMET: Comet 8P/Tuttle has returned to the inner solar system after an absence of over 13 years. On Jan. 1 and 2, it makes its closest approach to Earth, only 24 million miles away. The emerald-coloured comet will brighten to a predicted magnitude of 5.8, visible to the unaided eye from dark-sky sites and a fine target for backyard telescopes anywhere.
   Just before closest approach, on Dec. 30th and 31st, Comet 8P/Tuttle has a close encounter with spiral galaxy M33. The comet and the galaxy may even overlap!  A great opportunity for astrophotographers!
    Visit http://spaceweather.com for sky maps, photos and more information.

N.B.

DUPLICATE COPIES:

I have now switched to a new PC, and had to transfer my address lists in a very awkward manner, so there may be some duplication of addresses. Hope to get that sorted soon, so if you get two copies of this, my apologies.

NEW ADDRESSES: Also, some new addresses have been added. As always, if you wish to be removed from this mailing list, just email me back saying so & I will gladly do so.

Finally, a very Happy New Year to everyone, with lots of clear dark skies for all.

Best wishes,

Terry Moseley

IAA New Year Party, Quadrantids, ISS

 

Hi all,

1. Just a final reminder: IAA New Year Party & Film: Through the good efforts of Robert Hill of NISO, we have indeed been able to secure the first private viewing in Europe of the superb film "Shadow of the Moon" for our New Year Party on Saturday 5 January, at the Tudor Cinema, Drumhirk Road, Comber, Co Down! The film will not be officially released on DVD here until February, but Robert has special contacts..... Admission details as before: £10 per person, including excellent food & liquid refreshments, both alcoholic and otherwise. Also a great fun quiz with lots of prizes, and great craic for all. Be there 7.30 for 8.0 for this special preview, and a great evening.

   NB: YOU MUST BOOK & PREPAY by 2 JANUARY: Cheques payable to the IAA (Sterling only please) - send to John Hall, 3 Vaddegan Avenue, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT36 7SP.

DIRECTIONS:

A. Coming from the Greater Belfast area: follow signs for the A22 to Comber, proceed along the bypass (missing the town) to the roundabout, then turn right, still on the A22, towards Killyleagh and Downpatrick. Just 1 mile past the end of the 30mph speed limit zone in Comber, turn right into DRUMHIRK ROAD. After about 1/3 mile, look out for a row of cottages on the right, opposite which there is some 'ranch-style' fencing, with an entry to a laneway. There will be an IAA sign at this junction. Proceed along that laneway to the end where you will find the cinema and car park.

B. Coming from Downpatrick direction: proceed along A22 towards Comber, and look out for Drumhirk Road on your left, just 1 mile before you reach the edge of Comber.

C. Coming from the West or South: either go though Belfast and proceed as at A above, or turn off the M1 at Lisburn, taking the A49, then in a short distance turn left onto the B6, and then left again onto the B178, following signs for Carryduff and Comber. In Carryduff turn left, then right, following the B178 for Comber. Just before you reach Comber you join the A21: follow this into Comber, then follow signs for the A22 to Killyleagh and Downpatrick as at A above.

  PARK AS NEATLY AS POSSIBLE PLEASE! We need to get as many cars in as possible.

2. The Quadrantid Meteors are due to peak on 4 January at 06.00, with a predicted maximum rate in very dark skies, with the radiant high up, of about 100 meteors per hour. These conditions are never quite obtained in Ireland, as the radiant never gets much above 50 degrees altitude before dawn interferes. But conditions are quite good this year, with maximum predicted for when the radiant is highest in a dark sky, and the Moon will be only a thin faint waning crescent. The radiant lies in the now defunct constellation of the Quadrant, and it lies roughly halfway between the end of the 'Plough' or 'Big Dipper', and the head of Draco. It will be low down in the NNW as darkness falls on the night of 3-4 January, dips below the Pole (it's circumpolar, so it never sets) at about 9 p.m., and then starts to rise higher in the NE as the night progresses, until dawn.

   Quadrantid meteors tend to be blue or yellow, although you will only see colour in the brighter members of the shower. They also tend to be rather slow in comparison with some other showers, so they are easier to record photographically.

  Watches any time from midnight on 3-4 January should produce good observed rates if the sky is clear and dark.

3. The ISS is now starting a series of morning passes over Ireland, so you might see it if you are up very late (or early) watching the Quadrantids. Details of passes can be found on www.heavens-above.com.

Good Luck - and Happy New Year, once again.

Clear skies,

Terry Moseley