Earth's sister, Rockets, Lecture, ISS, TV, Perseids, IAA Solar Day, BCO, ASGI

Hi all,

 

1. Planet Earth has a 'Little Sister'.

A tiny asteroid has been discovered which runs ahead of Earth in our yearly orbit around the Sun. This makes Earth the fourth planet in the solar system that is known to share its orbit with an asteroid. The details are reported in the latest issue of Nature. The object, called 2010 TK7, was discovered last year by Nasa's Wise satellite. It was then observed with a telescope in Hawaii in April, determining its orbit with enough precision to show it was a Trojan.

If Earth and the asteroid, which measures only about 300 metres across, were travelling around a clock face, with the Sun in the middle, the asteroid runs about two numbers ahead. However, the asteroid sometimes goes so far ahead that it is on the opposite side of the Sun from Earth. Spotting a small asteroid in Earth's orbit is difficult from the ground because the potential locations are generally in the daytime sky. Wise, which operates in the infrared, was not so badly hampered by this effect.

The discovery was made by Martin Connors, of Athabasca University in Alberta, and colleagues. Asteroids that share an orbit with a planet are called Trojans. We have already found a few for Mars and Neptune and nearly 5,000 for Jupiter.

Donald K Yeomans, manager of Nasa's Near-Earth Object Programme Office, said that most astronomers suspected Earth had Trojans, adding: "I would guess there are others."

 

2. So you want to be a ROCKET SCIENTIST?

Have you ever wondered how to build a solid fuel space rocket?  Have you ever wanted to witness a rocket launch?  If the answer is yes, then Armagh Planetarium is the place to be on the 30^th and 31^st of July 2011 as we blastoff into a fun-filled weekend of rockets.

Rocket Man Andy Willis is looking to recruit some space engineers in his Rocket Workshop to construct some real rockets ready to be delivered to the launch pad.  Are you ready to be his apprentice?

Take part in the countdown and watch as the rocket is launched up into the air, carrying its very own satellite.  Perhaps even try and guess the height that the rocket travelled!

You will also discover the latest design in Japanese space planes, participate in some water rocket launching and even be trained up on how to make paper planes.

If you are up for the challenge, step up to the launch pad and give us a call on 028 37 523689 to book your place.  The rocket workshop is FREE, but places are limited and filling up fast.  Workshops will blastoff at 11am and 2pm sharp each day.

On this weekend the Planetarium will have their summer programme of Digital Theatre shows on offer.  Here you can relax and experience our planet and beyond and view the cosmos as never seen before.  Check out our website www.armaghplanet.com for show trailers and times.  Pre-booking for a theatre show is essential and normal admission fees apply.

www.armaghplanet.com

02837523689

3. KILLER ASTEROIDS - PUBLIC LECTURE, 3 August, 7 p.m.

The Michael West Public Lectures in astronomy will be held each year to explain some of the latest and most exciting discoveries in the world of Astronomy. They are named after Dr. Michael West, who is supporting scientific research and public outreach in the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queens.
    Dr. Pedro Lacerda, the Michael West research Fellow in Astronomy, said
"A lot of people are interested in astronomy, which happens to be a major research topic at Queen's University Belfast. We want to give everyone the chance to learn about it from some of the best astronomers in the world."
   The second lecture in the series, entitled "Killer Asteroids" will be given by Dr. Robert Jedicke from the University of Hawaii. Dr. Jedicke is a renowned asteroid hunter, and is leading the search for dangerous asteroids with the new PanSTARRS1 telescope in Hawaii. This lecture will be held on Wednesday 3rd August.

The talk will take place in the Larmor Lecture Theatre in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Queen's. Attendance is free of charge, but seats must be booked either by phone at 028 9097 3202, or by visiting the website http://tinyurl.com/MichaelWestLectures and registering there.

These talks have been organised by the Astrophysics Research Centre at QUB, in association with the Irish Astronomical Association.

 

4. The ISS will begin another series of morning passes over Ireland at the end of July: details as always are on www.heavens-above.com

5. EXCELLENT TV PROGRAMME: "Journey to the Edge of the Universe" on More4, Saturday 31 July, 10pm - 00.05. (per Derek Heatly - thanks)

6. PERSEIDS. The annual Perseid meteor shower will reach maximum on the night of 12-13 August, with the peak predicted for 04h on the 13th. The IAA will be holding a 'Perseid Party' on the evening of the 12th, at Delamont Country Park, south of Killinchy on the A22 to Downpatrick, commencing about 8 p.m. with a Fry-up / BBQ. Obviously such an event is weather dependent, so check the IAA website www.irishastro.org beforehand to see if it will be going ahead. Unfortunately the Moon will be full on the 13th, so only the brighter meteors are likely to be seen that night. However, the Perseid shower is active from the end of July to about the 20th of August, with low rates to start with, building up gradually to the peak on the 13th, then gradually dropping away again. So look out for Perseids any time from the end of this month, especially before the Moon gets too bright. The radiant is near the famous 'Double Cluster', which lies roughly midway between Perseus and Cassiopeia.

7. IAA SOLAR DAY at WWT, CASTLE ESPIE, 14 August, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. The Irish Astronomical Association will be running another of its ever-popular 'Solar Days' at the WWT at Castle Espie, near Comber, Co Down. Now that Solar activity is steadily increasing, we can expect to see lots of detail on the Sun's disk if there's any clear sky. We will have a selection of solar telescopes, each fitted with specialised safe astronomical filters, to see it in visible light, and in the wavelengths of Calcium and H-Alpha. There should be sunspots and huge prominences, each many times bigger than planet Earth. We will also have the usual display of astronomical and space items, posters, etc, and a mobile planetarium, so come along even if it's cloudy. More details on www.irishastro.org 

8. BCO EVENTS in AUGUST: Limited availability left for Space Camp 2011. Plus a chance to WIN a coveted place for one lucky space cadet.

Students from 8 to 12 years are invited to join us for our 4th annual Space Camp to use science and engineering to explore the universe. There are very limited places available in the August camp, especially for the morning options, so get in there quick if your kids are looking to learn about the universe, alien life and how to build and launch their own rockets.

 

We're Eco Warriors at BCO and use as much recycled products in our workshops as possible - and we need a lot for Space Camp. We're offering one lucky kid the chance to win their place at this year's Space Camp just by bringing us in things that you will already have at home for recycling. Cost €95 per child. Members & second child discount.

See: www.bco.ie for more details of this and other events.

9. The Astronomical Science Group of Ireland (ASGI) autumn meeting will be held in Armagh Observatory on Monday September 5^th 2011.  The programme will consist of oral presentations and posters from the astronomical community. This is the first call for contributions. Please submit your name and presentation or poster title (specifying which) to Neil Trappe. Email: neal.a.trappe@nuim.ie

10. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is now even easier: This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc.  See also www.irishastro.org. 

 

Clear skies,
 
Terry Moseley
 

2 Lectures, Rockets, IAA for APOY, Eclipse survey, ISS, Perseids, Solar day

Hi all,

 

1. PUBLIC LECTURE ON 'RECENT' SPACE IMPACTS: Prof Mike Baillie of QUB is giving a public lecture titled "What happens when a scientist plays at archaeology" in the Whitla Hall, Queens University Belfast, on Wednesday, July 27^th at 7pm. The alternative title is "How precise tree-ring dating raises issues concerning the frequency of extraterrestrial impacts."      

Mike is Professor Emeritus of Palaeoecology at Queen's, and a world expert on tree-ring dating, and is well known to many astronomers in Ireland and further afield for his interesting and forthright views on the rate of relatively recent comet/asteroid impacts on Earth as revealed by accurate tree-ring dating of climatic events, and indeed with possible links to stories in Irish and other mythologies. He has given fascinating and thought-provoking lectures to the IAA, among others, on this topic.  He has written three books on the topic "Exodus to Arthur", "New Light on the Black Death: the cosmic connection", and "The Celtic Gods: comets in Irish mythology", the latter with IAA member Dr Patrick McCafferty. See: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/gap/Staff/AcademicStaff/ProfEmeritusMikeBaillie/.

 For details of the lecture see http://www.iopireland.org/ and click on the lecture notice in the noticeboard section of the site.

This public lecture is part of the XXVII International Conference on Photonic, Electronic and Atomic Collisions, being held in Queen's from July 27^th to August 2^nd. A map of the QUB campus showing the Whitla Hall is on p 2 of the main conference programme, available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/icpeac2011/index.html. (Thanks to John Flannery for the initial alert.)

2. So you want to be a ROCKET SCIENTIST?

Have you ever wondered how to build a solid fuel space rocket?  Have you ever wanted to witness a rocket launch?  If the answer is yes, then Armagh Planetarium is the place to be on the 30^th and 31^st of July 2011 as we blastoff into a fun-filled weekend of rockets.

Rocket Man Andy Willis is looking to recruit some space engineers in his Rocket Workshop to construct some real rockets ready to be delivered to the launch pad.  Are you ready to be his apprentice?

Take part in the countdown and watch as the rocket is launched up into the air, carrying its very own satellite.  Perhaps even try and guess the height that the rocket travelled!

You will also discover the latest design in Japanese space planes, participate in some water rocket launching and even be trained up on how to make paper planes.

If you are up for the challenge, step up to the launch pad and give us a call on 028 37 523689 to book your place.  The rocket workshop is FREE, but places are limited and filling up fast.  Workshops will blastoff at 11am and 2pm sharp each day.

On this weekend the Planetarium will have their summer programme of Digital Theatre shows on offer.  Here you can relax and experience our planet and beyond and view the cosmos as never seen before.  Check out our website www.armaghplanet.com for show trailers and times.  Pre-booking for a theatre show is essential and normal admission fees apply.

www.armaghplanet.com

02837523689

3. KILLER ASTEROIDS - PUBLIC LECTURE, 3 August, 7 p.m.

The Michael West Public Lectures in astronomy will be held each year to explain some of the latest and most exciting discoveries in the world of Astronomy. They are named after Dr. Michael West, who is supporting scientific research and public outreach in the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queens.
    Dr. Pedro Lacerda, the Michael West research Fellow in Astronomy, said
"A lot of people are interested in astronomy, which happens to be a major research topic at Queen's University Belfast. We want to give everyone the chance to learn about it from some of the best astronomers in the world."
   The second lecture in the series, entitled "Killer Asteroids" will be given by Dr. Robert Jedicke from the University of Hawaii. Dr. Jedicke is a renowned asteroid hunter, and is leading the search for dangerous asteroids with the new PanSTARRS1 telescope in Hawaii. This lecture will be held on Wednesday 3rd August.

The talk will take place in the Larmor Lecture Theatre in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Queen's. Attendance is free of charge, but seats must be booked either by phone at 028 9097 3202, or by visiting the website http://tinyurl.com/MichaelWestLectures and registering there.

These talks have been organised by the Astrophysics Research Centre at QUB, in association with the Irish Astronomical Association.

 

4. IAA Member's photo shortlisted for Astronomy Picture of the Year!One of Martin Campbell's images has been shortlisted for the Astronomy Picture of the Year 2011. This is the second year in succession that one of his images has been shortlisted. Martin is well known for his exquisite images, particularly widefield or all-sky images, and has given a superbly illustrated talk to the IAA on this subject. Let's all wish him luck, but of course even getting shortlisted is a superb achievement.

5. ECLIPSE CHASER SURVEY. IAA member Dr Kate Russo, who gave us a lecture on this topic last year, is writing a book on 'eclipse chasers' or 'umbraphiles' as they are sometime known. She has posted the following item for eclipse chasers; I am forwarding it as I know that many members on this list are eclipse chasers to a greater or lesser degree.  (I have edited out some introductory and background material. T.M.)

" I am an eclipse chaser, and also a psychologist, and I am now currently researching my book about the people who chase eclipses. 
   The book has a provisional title of "Total Addiction", and will be published by Springer next year.  The focus is not on eclipses themselves, but rather the experiences of those who chase eclipses - what drives us, motivates us to see totality.  Some questions and topics I am hoping to cover:  
- Are we all suffering from an addiction?
- What drives us all to chase eclipses?
- What is the emotional experience of totality?
- What do eclipses mean to us?
- What makes us unique as a group?
- Is there an eclipse chasing personality?
- How do people make decisions about where to go for clear skies?
   As part of this research, I have put together a brief survey for eclipse chasers, which can be found here:  http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/582415/A-survey-of-eclipse-chasers-for-launch-July-4-2011 .   A link to this survey can also be found on Bill Kramer's eclipse chasers website www.eclipse-chasers.com .  
   This is a general survey, taking approximately 20 minutes to complete, which aims to explore people's motivations and experiences of totality.  Information gathered in this survey is anonymous, and will help guide the content of the book.  I am hoping that as many eclipse chasers as possible complete this survey. 
   I am also hoping that people are interested in being part of the book by sharing experiences - i.e. of your first time, what eclipses mean to you, challenges of being an eclipse chaser, what it's like to be responsible for others seeing an eclipse, or anything that you feel is important or interesting.  You can do this by sending me an email about anything you wish to share about you as an eclipse chaser; and/or by participating in an interview (skype most likely!) about your experiences.  There is space to leave your contact details if you would like in the survey, or else you can email me directly on umbraphillia@gmail.com.
The book will be completed early next year, in order to be available in the lead up to the 2012 eclipse in north Queensland, which coincidentally, is where I am from.  
    I hope people think this is an interesting and worthwhile idea, and I hope I can do us all justice.  Please forward these details on to any other eclipse chasers you know.

Kate Russo, Queen's University Belfast

6. The ISS will begin another series of morning passes over Ireland at the end of July: details as always are on www.heavens-above.com

7. PERSEIDS. The annual Perseid meteor shower will reach maximum on the night of 12-13 August, with the peak predicted for 04h on the 13th. The IAA will be holding a 'Perseid Party' on the evening of the 12th, at Delamont Country Park, south of Killinchy on the A22 to Downpatrick, commencing about 8 p.m. with a Fry-up / BBQ. Obviously such an event is weather dependent, so check the IAA website www.irishastro.org beforehand to see if it will be going ahead. Unfortunately the Moon will be full on the 13th, so only the brighter meteors are likely to be seen that night. However, the Perseid shower is active from the end of July to about the 20th of August, with low rates to start with, building up gradually to the peak on the 13th, then gradually dropping away again. So look out for Perseids any time from the end of this month, especially before the Moon gets too bright. The radiant is near the famous 'Double Cluster', which lies roughly midway between Perseus and Cassiopeia.

8. IAA SOLAR DAY at WWT, CASTLE ESPIE, 14 August, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.. The Irish Astronomical Association will be running another of its ever-popular 'Solar Days' at the WWT at Castle Espie, near Comber, Co Down. Now that Solar activity is steadily increasing, we can expect to see lots of detail on the Sun's disk if there's any clear sky. We will have a selection of solar telescopes, each fitted with specialised safe astronomical filters, to see it in visible light, and in the wavelengths of Calcium and H-Alpha. There should be sunspots and huge prominences, each many times bigger than planet Earth. We will also have the usual display of astronomical and space items, posters, etc, and a mobile planetarium, so come along even if it's cloudy. More details on www.irishastro.org 

9. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is now even easier: This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc.  See also www.irishastro.org. 

 

Clear skies,
 
Terry Moseley
 

Two Lectures, Eclipse survey, ISS, Perseids, IAA Solar Day at WWT

Hi all,

  

1. Final reminder: Supermassive Black Holes: Lecture at QUB on Friday 22 JULY,  in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

   The lecture will be given by Professor Reinhard Genzel, Director of the Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. Professor Genzel is an international expert on investigating black holes that weigh millions of times more than our Sun. In 2008 he won the prestigious Shaw Prize for establishing the existence of a huge Black Hole in the centre of our own Milky Way.

   Black Holes are the most extreme, most mysterious, most fascinating and least understood objects in the universe. And the big ones, such as the one at the centre of our own Milky Way Galaxy, which has a mass equivalent to about a million Suns, are the most powerful energy emitters in the universe.

   Some others, in giant galaxies, are even bigger. So Supermassive Black Holes break just about all the records in the entire universe!

(NB: the date was incorrectly given as 27 July in my Skydiary section in Stardust - sorry.)
        The talk will take place in the Larmor Lecture Theatre in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Queen's. Attendance at the talk is free of charge, but seats must be booked either by phone at 028 9097 3202, or by visiting the website http://tinyurl.com/MichaelWestLecture Series and registering there.
    These talks have been organised by the Astrophysics Research Centre at QUB, in association with the Irish Astronomical Association.

 

2. PUBLIC LECTURE ON 'RECENT' SPACE IMPACTS: Prof Mike Baillie of QUB is giving a public lecture titled "What happens when a scientist plays at archaeology" in the Whitla Hall, Queens University Belfast, on Wednesday, July 27^th at 7pm. The alternative title is "How precise tree-ring dating raises issues concerning the frequency of extraterrestrial impacts."      

Mike is Professor Emeritus of Palaeoecology at Queen's, and a world expert on tree-ring dating, and is well known to many astronomers in Ireland and further afield for his interesting and forthright views on the rate of relatively recent comet/asteroid impacts on Earth as revealed by accurate tree-ring dating of climatic events, and indeed with possible links to stories in Irish and other mythologies. He has given fascinating and thought-provoking lectures to the IAA, among others, on this topic.  He has written three books on the topic "Exodus to Arthur", "New Light on the Black Death: the cosmic connection", and "The Celtic Gods: comets in Irish mythology", the latter with IAA member Dr Patrick McCafferty. See: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/gap/Staff/AcademicStaff/ProfEmeritusMikeBaillie/.

 For details of the lecture see http://www.iopireland.org/ and click on the lecture notice in the noticeboard section of the site.

This public lecture is part of the XXVII International Conference on Photonic, Electronic and Atomic Collisions, being held in Queen's from July 27^th to August 2^nd. A map of the QUB campus showing the Whitla Hall is on p 2 of the main conference programme, available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/icpeac2011/index.html. (Thanks to John Flannery for the initial alert.)

3. ECLIPSE CHASER SURVEY. IAA member Dr Kate Russo, who gave us a lecture on this topic last year, is writing a book on 'eclipse chasers' or 'umbraphiles' as they are sometime known. She has posted the following item for eclipse chasers; I am forwarding it as I know that many members on this list are eclipse chasers to a greater or lesser degree.  (I have edited out some introductory and background material. T.M.)

" I am an eclipse chaser, and also a psychologist, and I am now currently researching my book about the people who chase eclipses. 
   The book has a provisional title of "Total Addiction", and will be published by Springer next year.  The focus is not on eclipses themselves, but rather the experiences of those who chase eclipses - what drives us, motivates us to see totality.  Some questions and topics I am hoping to cover:  
- Are we all suffering from an addiction?
- What drives us all to chase eclipses?
- What is the emotional experience of totality?
- What do eclipses mean to us?
- What makes us unique as a group?
- Is there an eclipse chasing personality?
- How do people make decisions about where to go for clear skies?
   As part of this research, I have put together a brief survey for eclipse chasers, which can be found here:  http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/582415/A-survey-of-eclipse-chasers-for-launch-July-4-2011 .   A link to this survey can also be found on Bill Kramer's eclipse chasers website www.eclipse-chasers.com .  
   This is a general survey, taking approximately 20 minutes to complete, which aims to explore people's motivations and experiences of totality.  Information gathered in this survey is anonymous, and will help guide the content of the book.  I am hoping that as many eclipse chasers as possible complete this survey. 
   I am also hoping that people are interested in being part of the book by sharing experiences - i.e. of your first time, what eclipses mean to you, challenges of being an eclipse chaser, what it's like to be responsible for others seeing an eclipse, or anything that you feel is important or interesting.  You can do this by sending me an email about anything you wish to share about you as an eclipse chaser; and/or by participating in an interview (skype most likely!) about your experiences.  There is space to leave your contact details if you would like in the survey, or else you can email me directly on umbraphillia@gmail.com.
The book will be completed early next year, in order to be available in the lead up to the 2012 eclipse in north Queensland, which coincidentally, is where I am from.  
    I hope people think this is an interesting and worthwhile idea, and I hope I can do us all justice.  Please forward these details on to any other eclipse chasers you know.

Kate Russo, Queen's University Belfast

4. ISS: The ISS will begin another series of morning passes over Ireland at the end of July: details as always are on www.heavens-above.com

5. PERSEIDS. The annual Perseid meteor shower will reach maximum on the night of 12-13 August, with the peak predicted for 04h on the 13th. The IAA will be holding a 'Perseid Party' on the evening of the 12th, at Delamont Country Park, south of Killinchy on the A22 to Downpatrick, commencing about 8 p.m. with a Fry-up / BBQ. Obviously such an event is weather dependent, so check the IAA website www.irishastro.org beforehand to see if it will be going ahead. Unfortunately the Moon will be full on the 13th, so only the brighter meteors are likely to be seen that night. However, the Perseid shower is active from the end of July to about the 20th of August, with low rates to start with, building up gradually to the peak on the 13th, then gradually dropping away again. So look out for Perseids any time from the end of this month, especially before the Moon gets too bright. The radiant is near the famous 'Double Cluster', which lies roughly midway between Perseus and Cassiopeia.

6. IAA SOLAR DAY at WWT, CASTLE ESPIE, 14 August, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.. The Irish Astronomical Association will be running another of its ever-popular 'Solar Days' at the WWT at Castle Espie, near Comber, Co Down. Now that Solar activity is steadily increasing, we can expect to see lots of detail on the Sun's disk if there's any clear sky. We will have a selection of solar telescopes, each fitted with specialised safe astronomical filters, to see it in visible light, and in the wavelengths of Calcium and H-Alpha. There should be sunspots and huge prominences, each many times bigger than planet Earth. We will also have the usual display of astronomical and space items, posters, etc, and a mobile planetarium, so come along even if it's cloudy. More details on www.irishastro.org 

7. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is now even easier: This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc.  See also www.irishastro.org. 

 

Clear skies,
 
Terry Moseley
 

Lecture at QUB, Shuttle landing, Rocket Weekend at Armagh, Aurora Trip

Hi all,

1. Supermassive Black Holes: Lecture at QUB on 22 JULY.
     The Michael West Public Lectures in astronomy will be held each year to explain some of the latest and most exciting discoveries in the world of Astronomy. They are named after Dr. Michael West, who is supporting scientific research and public outreach in the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queens.
    Dr. Pedro Lacerda, the Michael West research Fellow in Astronomy, said
"A lot of people are interested in astronomy, which happens to be a major research topic at Queen's University Belfast. We want to give everyone the chance to learn about it from some of the best astronomers in the world."
    The first talk on "SuperMassive Black Holes" will be held on Friday 22nd July in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

   Black Holes are the most extreme, most mysterious, most fascinating and least understood objects in the universe. And the big ones, such as the one at the centre of our own Milky Way Galaxy, which has a mass equivalent to about a million Suns, are the most powerful energy emitters in the universe.

   Some others, in giant galaxies, are even bigger. So Supermassive Black Holes break just about all the records in the entire universe!

   The lecture will be given by Professor Reinhard Genzel, Director of the Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. Professor Genzel is an international expert on investigating black holes that weigh millions of times more than our Sun. In 2008 he won the prestigious Shaw Prize for establishing the existence of a huge Black Hole in the centre of our own Milky Way.

(NB: the date was incorrectly given as 27 July in my Skydiary section in Stardust - sorry.)
        The talk will take place in the Larmor Lecture Theatre in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Queen's. Attendance at the talk is free of charge, but seats must be booked either by phone at 028 9097 3202, or by visiting the website http://tinyurl.com/MichaelWestLecture Series and registering there.
    These talks have been organised by the Astrophysics Research Centre at QUB, in association with the Irish Astronomical Association.

Prof Alan Fitzsimmons                               Tel: +44 (0) 2890-973124
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy        Fax: +44 (0) 2890-973110
Queen's University Belfast         e-mail: a.fitzsimmons@qub.ac.uk
Belfast BT7 1NN                          WWW: http://star.pst.qub.ac.uk/~af/

 

 

2. Final mission of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The Shuttle Atlantis has now undocked from the ISS and is in the de-orbiting phase, approaching atmospheric re-entry for a touchdown on Thursday. Safe landing, folks!

   Thanks to Peter Paice for the following info on tv programmes:

Channel 4:  Sat. 23 July 7.30 - 9 pm. "The Space Shuttle's last flight".

BBC2:  Sun. 24 July 9.0 - 10pm. "Space Shuttle - final mission"

             Thur. 28 July 7 pm. repeat

 

3. ROCKET WEEKEND AT ARMAGH PLANETARIUM

So you want to be a ROCKET SCIENTIST? Have you ever wondered how to build a solid fuel space rocket?  Have you ever wanted to witness a rocket launch?  If the answer is yes, then Armagh Planetarium is the place to be on the 30^th and 31^st of July 2011 for a blastoff into a fun-filled weekend of rockets.

Rocket Man Andy Willis is looking to recruit some space engineers in his Rocket Workshop to construct some real rockets ready to be delivered to the launch pad.  Are you ready to be his apprentice?

Take part in the countdown and watch as the rocket is launched up into the air, carrying its very own satellite.  Perhaps even try and guess the height that the rocket travelled!

You will also discover the latest design in Japanese space planes, participate in some water rocket launching and even be trained up on how to make paper planes.

If you are up for the challenge, step up to the launch pad and call on 028 37 523689 to book your place.  The rocket workshop is FREE, but places are limited and filling up fast.  Workshops will blastoff at 11am and 2pm sharp each day.

On this weekend the Planetarium will have their summer programme of Digital Theatre shows on offer.  Here you can relax and experience our planet and beyond and view the cosmos as never seen before.  Check out www.armaghplanet.com for show trailers and times.  Pre-booking for a theatre show is essential and normal admission fees apply.

www.armaghplanet.com

02837523689

 

4. AURORA TRIP TO NORTHERN NORWAY - bookings closing soon

Closing date for bookings for this trip will be coming soon, so if you want to go, don't delay. As there are several attachments to the original, I have already forwarded it separately to all. For further information, contact Ann Relph of Ulster Travel (who organised the recent eclipse trip to China): Ulster Travel Ltd, 2 Church Street, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 6AB, E: info@ulstertravel.com

"As solar activity continues to climb there has been a great increase in strong auroras, with almost nightly shows in the auroral zone. Ulster Travel has organized a special auroral viewing expedition which will put you directly under the auroral oval in Tromso, Norway during late October this year.  

The group will be led by Terence Murtagh, who is an expert aurora photographer.  Recently, he spent seven months filming the Aurora for the world's first high resolution, three sixty degree all dome movie "Experience the Aurora" which is currently being shown in digital theatres around the world.

Terence will take you to some of most accessible viewing locations and be on hand to provide advice and assistance with photographic techniques. He will also make available a Canon EOS 5D Mk II camera for you to capture the aurora should you not want to carry a camera and tripod on the trip. The period chosen in October is during the dark of the Moon and weather permitting, you will be in an excellent position to witness one of nature's most spectacular events.

The Raddisson Blu Hotel is one of the best in Tromso. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring the town and the Tromso environs. It is also only 15 minutes away from some good auroral viewing locations.

Full details, including booking forms, are on the attachments to the original email which I have already forwarded separately. If anyone needs these details again, please let me know.

 

5. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is now even easier: This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc.  See also www.irishastro.org. 

 

Clear skies,
 
Terry Moseley
 

QUB/IAA Lectures, Dawn at Vesta, Final Shuttle, Aurora Trip

Hi all,

1. Michael West Lectures in Astronomy at QUB; First on 22 JULY.
   This summer will see the first in a series of public lectures at Queen's University, Belfast where the sky is not the limit. Everyone is invited to hear how astronomers discover monstrous black holes and dangerous asteroids, from international scientists who are leading the work.
   The Michael West Public Lectures in astronomy will be held each year to explain some of the latest and most exciting discoveries in the world of Astronomy. They are named after Dr. Michael West, who is supporting scientific research and public outreach in the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queens.
    Dr. Pedro Lacerda, the Michael West research Fellow in Astronomy, said
"A lot of people are interested in astronomy, which happens to be a major research topic at Queen's University Belfast. We want to give everyone the chance to learn about it from some of the best astronomers in the world."
    The first talk on "SuperMassive Black Holes" will be held on Friday 22nd July in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. It will be given by Professor Reinhard Genzel, Director of the Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. Professor Genzel is an international expert on investigating black holes that weigh millions of times more than our Sun. In 2008 he won the prestigious Shaw Prize for establishing the existence of a huge Black Hole in the centre of our own Milky Way.

(NB: the date was incorrectly given as 27 July in my Skydiary section in Stardust - sorry.)
    The second talk on "Killer Asteroids" will be given on Wednesday 3rd August by Dr. Robert Jedicke from the University of Hawaii. Dr. Jedicke is a renowned asteroid hunter, and is leading the search for dangerous asteroids with the new PanSTARRS1 telescope in Hawaii. "This telescope in one of a kind, and is allowing us to discover everything from nearby asteroids to exploding stars in the most distant galaxies" said Professor Stephen Smartt, director of the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen's.
    Both talks will take place in the Larmor Lecture Theatre in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Queen's. Attendance at the talks is free of charge, but seats must be booked either by phone at 028 9097 3202, or by visiting the website http://tinyurl.com/MichaelWestLecture Series and registering there.
    These talks have been organised by the Astrophysics Research Centre at QUB, in association with the Irish Astronomical Association.

Prof Alan Fitzsimmons                               Tel: +44 (0) 2890-973124
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy        Fax: +44 (0) 2890-973110
Queen's University Belfast         e-mail: a.fitzsimmons@qub.ac.uk
Belfast BT7 1NN                          WWW: http://star.pst.qub.ac.uk/~af/

 

 

2. DAWN SPACECRAFT ORBITS VESTA:

NASA's ion-propelled Dawn probe has now entered orbit around the main-belt asteroid Vesta where it will remain for a year, before moving on to study the largest of the asteroids (or if you prefer, the dwarf planet) Ceres. 

   It has already sent back the most detailed image of Vesta yet: see: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/18jul_dawn4/

    It will commence its full science program in August, aiming to give us lots of information about what may be the oldest 'original' planetary type surface in the Solar System.

  Follow the mission at http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/. You can find Vesta yourself in binoculars, using the charts at http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/asteroids/122249184.html

 

3. Final mission of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The end of NASA's Space Shuttle programme approaches as Atlantis nears the end of its 12-day STS-135 mission. It has a crew of four astronauts, Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and mission specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, and brought more than 3.5 tonnes of supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). STS-135 brings the project to an end, more than 30 years after the first flight of Columbia in 1981. Only 4 astronauts could be safely carried on this mission, in case the Shuttle was damaged, and they would then have to return in one of the much smaller Russian craft. See http://www.nasa.gov

4. AURORA TRIP TO NORTHERN NORWAY

The following information may be of interest to readers. As there are several attachments to the original, I have already forwarded it separately to all. For further information, contact Ann Relph of Ulster Travel (who organised the recent eclipse trip to China): Ulster Travel Ltd, 2 Church Street, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 6AB, E: info@ulstertravel.com

"As solar activity continues to climb there has been a great increase in strong auroras, with almost nightly shows in the auroral zone. Ulster Travel has organized a special auroral viewing expedition which will put you directly under the auroral oval in Tromso, Norway during late October this year.  

The group will be led by Terence Murtagh, who is an expert aurora photographer.  Recently, he spent seven months filming the Aurora for the world's first high resolution, three sixty degree all dome movie "Experience the Aurora" which is currently being shown in digital theatres around the world.

Terence will take you to some of most accessible viewing locations and be on hand to provide advice and assistance with photographic techniques. He will also make available a Canon EOS 5D Mk II camera for you to capture the aurora should you not want to carry a camera and tripod on the trip. The period chosen in October is during the dark of the Moon and weather permitting, you will be in an excellent position to witness one of nature's most spectacular events.

The Raddisson Blu Hotel is one of the best in Tromso. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring the town and the Tromso environs. It is also only 15 minutes away from some good auroral viewing locations.

Full details, including booking forms, are on the attachments to the original email which I have already forwarde separately. If anyone needs these details again, please let me know.

 

5. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is now even easier: This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc.  See also www.irishastro.org. 

 

Clear skies,
 
Terry Moseley
 

DIAS & QUB Lectures, Last Shuttle, BCO, Aurora Trip, Aphelion

Hi all,

 

1. DIAS Public Lecture, UCD, 5 July. "THE DARK SIDE OF THE UNIVERSE"

 

Please note that advance registration is now required for this lecture, which takes place on Tuesday July 5th at 6.30pm. Tickets for the lecture can be obtained from:
http://ssmr.ucd.ie/darkuniverse/Dark_Universe.html.
   This is the 2011 Statutory Public Lecture of the School of Cosmic Physics, and will be given by Professor Malcolm Longair, Emeritus Jacksonian Professor of Natural Philosophy, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge. 
  The lecture takes place in Room B004, Computer Science and Informatics building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4.
  Admission is free. See http://ssmr.ucd.ie/darkuniverse/Dark_Universe.html

"The Dark Side of the Universe". Black holes, dark matter and dark energy are among the most important ingredients of our Universe, but don't emit light and are therefore invisible. Former Astronomer Royal Malcolm Longair will describe why we're confident that all three exist, and discuss their importance for fundamental physics. The talk will be profusely illustrated with recent results from a wide range of Earth-based and space telescopes,
simulations and movies.

Astrophysics/Astronomy Section, School of Cosmic Physics, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 31 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. Telephone + 353-1-662 13 33, Fax              + 353-1-524 23 02, E-mail hod@cp.dias.ie

2. Michael West Lecture Series in Astronomy Launched at Queens.
   This summer will see the first in a series of public lectures at Queen's University where the sky is not the limit. Everyone is invited to hear how astronomers discover monstrous black holes and dangerous asteroids, from international scientists who are leading the work.
   The Michael West Public Lectures in astronomy will be held each year to explain some of the latest and most exciting discoveries in the world of Astronomy. They are named after Dr. Michael West, who is supporting scientific research and public outreach in the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queens.
    Dr. Pedro Lacerda, the Michael West research Fellow in Astronomy, said
"A lot of people are interested in astronomy, which happens to be a major research topic at Queen's University Belfast. We want to give everyone the chance to learn about it from some of the best astronomers in the world."
    The first talk on "SuperMassive Black Holes" will be held on Friday 22nd July in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. It will be given by Professor Reinhard Genzel, Director of the Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. Professor Genzel is an international expert on investigating black holes that weigh millions of times more than our Sun. In 2008 he won the prestigious Shaw Prize for establishing the existence of a huge Black Hole in the centre of our own Milky Way.
    The second talk on "Killer Asteroids" will be given on Wednesday 3rd August by Dr. Robert Jedicke from the University of Hawaii. Dr. Jedicke is a renowned asteroid hunter, and is leading the search for dangerous asteroids with the new PanSTARRS1 telescope in Hawaii. "This telescope in one of a kind, and is allowing us to discover everything from nearby asteroids to exploding stars in the most distant galaxies" said Professor Stephen Smartt, director of the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen's.
    Both talks will take place in the Larmor Lecture Theatre in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Queen's. Attendance at the talks is free of charge, but seats must be booked either by phone at 028 9097 3202, or by visiting the website http://tinyurl.com/MichaelWestLecture Series and registering there.
    These talks have been organised by the Astrophysics Research Centre at QUB, in association with the Irish Astronomical Association.

Prof Alan Fitzsimmons                               Tel: +44 (0) 2890-973124
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy        Fax: +44 (0) 2890-973110
Queen's University Belfast         e-mail: a.fitzsimmons@qub.ac.uk
Belfast BT7 1NN                          WWW: http://star.pst.qub.ac.uk/~af/
Northern Ireland

3. Final launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The end of NASA's Space Shuttle programme approaches on 8 July, when the window opens for the final launch of Atlantis from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The 12-day STS-135 mission will be the final journey of a Shuttle into space, carrying a crew of four astronauts and more than 3.5 tonnes of supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) and testing a robotic refuelling system.

STS-135 will be the 135th Shuttle flight, bringing the project to an end, more than 30 years after the first flight of Columbia in 1981. The astronauts on this final flight are Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and mission specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. Only 4 astronauts can be safely carried on this mission, in case the Shuttle is damaged, and they have to return in one of the much smaller Russian craft. See http://www.nasa.gov

4. BCO Events, Cork. Students from 8 to 12 years are invited to join us for our 4th annual Space Camp using science and engineering to explore the universe. There are still some places available, but with Cork 96FM's Nick Richards running a promotion to win a spot at Space Camp next week, we expect to fill up soon! Contact us at the Castle to book your place now. Cost €95 per child. Members & second child discount.
    Join us on daily 'behind the scenes' tours of the Castle's towers and dungeon where an animated guide will take you on a trip back through the colourful history of Blackrock, Cork or into the future of blazars, quasars and the BCO Planet Search Programme.
13.30 and 15.30 daily.

FREE July 1 (Monthly Event). First Fridays at the Castle is a monthly action packed open night with workshops, lectures and free admission to Cosmos at the Castle. July's first Friday is extra special as we honour the last ever space shuttle flight. Marking the end of an era with us are NASA astronaut Dan Tani in a video link & his Cork family Dan and Mary Egan. There will be shuttle goodies and music by Jim X Comet. Wow!
See www.bco.ie

5. AURORA TRIP TO NORTHERN NORWAY

The following information may be of interest to readers. As there are several attachments to the original, I have already forwarded it separately to all. For further information, contact Ann Relph of Ulster Travel (who organised the recent eclipse trip to China): Ulster Travel Ltd, 2 Church Street, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 6AB, E: info@ulstertravel.com

"As solar activity continues to climb there has been a great increase in strong auroras, with almost nightly shows in the auroral zone. Ulster Travel has organized a special auroral viewing expedition which will put you directly under the auroral oval in Tromso, Norway during late October this year.  

The group will be led by Terence Murtagh, who is an expert aurora photographer.  Recently, he spent seven months filming the Aurora for the world's first high resolution, three sixty degree all dome movie "Experience the Aurora" which is currently being shown in digital theatres around the world.

Terence will take you to some of most accessible viewing locations and be on hand to provide advice and assistance with photographic techniques. He will also make available a Canon EOS 5D Mk II camera for you to capture the aurora should you not want to carry a camera and tripod on the trip. The period chosen in October is during the dark of the Moon and weather permitting, you will be in an excellent position to witness one of nature's most spectacular events.

The Raddisson Blu Hotel is one of the best in Tromso. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring the town and the Tromso environs. It is also only 15 minutes away from some good auroral viewing locations.

Full details, including booking forms, are on the attachments to the original email which I will forward separately."

6. APHELION: Finally, just as we are getting some reasonable weather again, it may be worth noting that the Earth will be at aphelion, its farthest distance from the Sun for the year, on July 4 at 14.53 (15.53 BST), at a distance of 1.0167 Astronomical Units. The reason we have our summer now, of course, is nothing to do with the distance, but because the N hemisphere of the Earth is turned towards the Sun by 23.5 degrees, at this time of year.

7. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is now even easier: This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc.  See also www.irishastro.org. 

 

Clear skies,
 
Terry Moseley