Tuesday, 23 January 2018

Top-rate lecture, Job opp, Galway astrofest, ISS, NISF, Ian Ellioltt book, local teacher's RAS award, Future events

Hi all,
 
1. IAA LECTURE,  Wed 24 January, 7.30 p.m. "The Cassini Mission: The End of an Era ." By Prof Carl Murray, UCL.  Opportunity not to be missed – hear one of the top experts on the Cassini-Huygens Mission!
    Prof Carl Murray (Queen Mary, Univ of London) is originally from Belfast, and in fact he credits the IAA with fostering his interest in astronomy, which led to him reaching the position of one of the top planetary scientists in the UK! See https://www.speakers4schools.org/speakers/carl-murray/
   Professor  Murray was the sole UK member of the Cassini imaging team.
We are delighted to welcome him back again to give us another one of his superb lectures
   Synopsis: "The Cassini-Huygens mission to the Saturn system ended on 15th September 2017 when, the Cassini spacecraft was deliberately sent into the atmosphere of the planet and destroyed.  It was one of the most successful planetary missions ever launched.
   As a member of the Cassini Imaging Team, Prof Carl Murray has been directly involved in the mission from its inception and has been using Cassini images to study Saturn's rings and their interaction with small moons.
   In this lecture Prof Murray will give an insider's view of the mission's incredible successes and talk about his experiences exploring Saturn with Cassini.
   As a member of the Cassini Imaging Team, Prof Carl Murray has been directly involved in the mission from its inception and has been using Cassini images to study Saturn's rings and their interaction with small moons.
   In this lecture Prof Murray will give an insider's view of the mission's incredible successes and talk about his experiences exploring Saturn with Cassini."

See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5276981/NASA-releases-stunning-image-twilight-haze-Titan.html for some latest news and images.

And there are some amazing images of the Saturnian system here https://newatlas.com/gallery-tour-solar-system/53028/#gallery

    Doors open about 7.15pm. There is free parking available on the campus in the evenings. Admission Free, including light refreshments. We are located in the Bell Theatre, Department of Mathematics and Physics, QUB
   Wed 24 January, 7.30 p.m., Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB. Free admission, including light refreshments.  Free parking on QUB campus after 5.30 p.m.

2. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Education Development & Outreach Officer for immediate start at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, Cork. The successful candidate will work with the Cork Institute of Technology Head of Research, BCO Centre Head, members of the CIT Faculty of Engineering and with the BCO Science Education Officer to deliver and develop space themed materials for learners of all ages.The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in science communication, education and astronomy and a relevant scientific background. A key part of the role is to encourage schools and the public to get involved in and interact with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths). The candidate will coordinate, organise and participate in a wide range of activities locally, nationally and internationally, working together with BCO Education & Management Teams, BCO Labs researchers and external partners.The Education Development & Outreach Officer role will require engagement with a variety of stakeholders (researchers, science communicators, policy makers, schools, media and the public) using a variety of initiatives. The role will also involve developing a plan for engagement and participating in funding bids to sustain the activity into the future. Read the full job description here: Education Development & Outreach OfficerThe closing date for applications is Friday February 2, 2018 at 5pm. To apply: Send your CV and a cover letter to Clair McSweeney at clair.mcsweeney@bco.ie

3. Galway Astrofest: Friday - Saturday 26 - 27 January 2018.  
An excellent programme as usual. Note the change of venue to the Harbour Hotel in the city centre. Details attached, or click here for the festival brochure: http://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/?page_id=75

4. ISS.  A new series of evening passes will begin on 27 January.  Details for your own location, along with lots more information such as Iridium Flares, at www.heavens-above.com
 
5. NI Science festival, 15 – 25 February
Highlights from our point of view is the appearance by astronaut, Chris Hadfield. See the full programme at http://www.nisciencefestival.com/programme.php

6. Memorial Book for the late Dr Ian Elliott – special offer to IAA members.
Charles Mollan, one of the country's foremost science historians, informs me of the following book, which he has worked on and completed as a tribute to the late Dr Ian Elliott, whom many will know from his work at Dunsink. 'William E. Wilson (The Work and Family of a Westmeath Astronomer', by Ian Elliott and Charles Mollan. The book is Number 5 in the RDS Science and Irish Culture Series.    The book has been published and will be launched at the RDS on 15 February. The launch will follow an astronomical lecture by Prof Jim Bennett (who wrote the definitive history of Armagh Observatory to mark its bicentenary) which may be of interest to your history-minded members. Details can be seen at the website : https://www.rds.ie/Whats-On/Event/33295  (Wilson was a leading Irish astronomer in the 19th century, and built Daramona Observatory in Westmeath. T.M.)
   While the retail price of the book is €30, IAA members can have copies for €20 each, if they can pick them up either from me at the address below, or from the RDS Library. Charles Mollan, 17 Pine Lawn, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin, A94 X956; Tel 01 2896186; Mobile 086 8144570; E-mail: charlesmollan@gmail.com.  Copies can be ordered from me, but unfortunately I'll have to charge postage to the €20 cost (€8 for 1 copy, €9 for 2, and €11 for 3). NB: I hope to attend that lecture, so if anyone wants me to collect a book for them, I can then bring it to an IAA meeting in Belfast, saving you the postage! But I will require full payment in advance – see me at the meeting on Wednesday or on 7 February. T.M.)
7. Jenny Lister, Schoolteacher from Co Down wins prestigious RAS award.
Great work. I had heard about her award, but I didn't know she was from Donaghadee! Belated congratulations.

8. FUTURE EVENTS ALERT
*IAU C1 Exobiology WS - Astrobiology Introductory Course'18, 4-10 March. The third session of the Astrobiology Introductory Course will be held from 4 to 10 March 2018 at the Ornithological Reserve of le Teich (33, France). Courses are designed for students preparing their PhD thesis in Astronomy, Geology, Chemistry, Biology, or History/Philosophy of science and any students wishing to acquire interdisciplinary training in astrobiology to complete their initial training and to be able to address questions about the origins of life, its terrestrial evolution, and its distribution in the Universe. The deadline for applications is January 15th, 2018. For program and registration, please see the website: http://www.exobiologie.fr/red/index.php/en/ 
*European Week of Astronomy and Space Sciences (EWASS2018).  This will be in Liverpool, from 3 to 8 April 2018. See http://eas.unige.ch/EWASS2018/index.jsp and http://eas.unige.ch/EWASS2018/
* International Day of Light, 16 May 2018.    Plan ahead and register your event in the official International Day of Light 2018 calendar! Following the highly successful International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies in 2015, May 16th, the International Day of Light, will provide an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of the central role that light plays in the lives of the citizens of the world. The broad theme of light allows many different sectors of society to participate in activities to raise awareness of science and technology, art and culture, and their importance in achieving the goals of UNESCO — education, equality and peace. 
   A good opportunity to highlight (!) light-pollution! And promote Earth Hour as well.
Register your event by filling out the form: http://bit.ly/2xLvvDK
* International Planetarium Society,  1–6 July 2018, Toulouse, France. More Information: http://www.ips-planetarium.org/page/IPS2018Toulouse  
* Robotic Telescopes, Student Research and Education (RTSRE) & InterNational Astronomy Teaching Summit Conferences, 23-27 July 2018. The 2nd annual Conference on Robotic Telescopes, Student Research and Education (RTSRE) will be held in Hilo, Hawai'i from July 23-25, 2018. This conference series focuses on building a sustainable community around the educational, technical, and student research uses of robotic telescopes. The conference will be co-located with the interNational Astronomy Teaching Summit (iNATS) from July 25-27, 2018 providing worldwide networking opportunities and hands-on workshops designed to expand educators' teaching strategy toolkit designed for innovative astronomy professors, teachers, and outreach professionals.  Find more information here: http://rtsre.net/ 
Inspiring Stars—the IAU Inclusive World Exhibition, 20-31 August 2018
"Inspiring Stars" will be an itinerant international exhibition promoted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to disseminate world efforts on inclusive research and outreach activities in astronomy. This inclusive world exhibition by showcasing assistive research tools and best inclusive outreach practices intends to broaden the horizons of children, parents, teachers and astronomers—everybody can become a scientist (astronomer)—inspiring the love for science in young people's minds. 
The exhibition will premiere during the IAU General Assembly 2018 in Vienna, from 20–31 August and will be shown around the world. Stay tuned as we keep you posted on all the progress of this IAU not-to-be-missed project for 2018! 
Centenary of IAU in 2019:  IAU100: Uniting our World to Explore the Universe
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the IAU will organize a year-long celebration to expand awareness of a century of astronomical discoveries as well as to support and improve the use of astronomy as a tool for education, development, and diplomacy under the central theme "Uniting our World to Explore the Universe". The celebrations will stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science and will reach out to the global astronomical community, national science organizations and societies, policy-makers, students and families, and the general public.
   For any inquiries, please contact Jorge Rivero González, the IAU100 Coordinator at: rivero[at]strw.leidenuniv.nl.
 9. 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
Meteoritic clues to supernova dust formation https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180118142629.htm
Winds around Black Holes as they consume mass https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180122150737.htm
All ultra-high energy particles and radiation shares common source https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180122110812.htm
Afterglow from Neutron Star merger continues to brighten https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180118142604.htm
 
Earth & Moon  
 
Exoplanets
 
Solar System

New technique to find life on Mars https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180118100822.htm

Amazing photos of SS objects https://newatlas.com/gallery-tour-solar-system/53028/#gallery

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/01/mars-buried-water-ice-subsurface-geology-astronauts-science/?utm_source=NatGeocom&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=inside_20180122&utm_campaign=Content&utm_rd=1662473516   Two mistakes in this: the year on Mars is purely a result of its mean distance from the Sun - the ellipticity of the orbit has nothing to do with it. If the orbit was circular, or twice as elliptical, the year would be the same length as long as the mean distance was the same. And Mars is shown orbiting in the wrong direction - all the planets move in an anticlockwise direction. Apart from that it's good, and well illustrated.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5290823/Study-Mercurys-orbit-reveals-sun-losing-mass.html

 

SETI
The building blocks of life show how life can develop https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180122175526.htm

SPACE
UK and France to cooperate in space despite Brexit http://en.rfi.fr/20180119-uk-france-space

SUN:

UFO's, Conspiracy Theories etc
I have been accused of being very 'anti-UFO/Aliens' etc, and I have been particularly asked to post this link. So to show that I have an open mind, here it is. For the record, my position is one of healthy scepticism, following the dictum 'extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence'. And I'm not anti-aliens at all - I am sure that there are other intelligent civilizations in the universe, and I would be absolutely delighted if we ever find conclusive proof that they exist. Unfortunately, IMHO such proof does not yet exist. And that includes what's in the above link.
 
 
11. 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 www.irishastro.org .
 
Clear skies,
Terry Moseley


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Friday, 19 January 2018

Top-rate Cassini lecture, job opening, Galway astrofest, ISS, NI Science festival, QUB honoured, UFOs not, ESO, Weblinks

Hi all,
 
1. IAA LECTURE,  Wed 24 January, 7.30 p.m. "The Cassini Mission: The End of an Era ." By Prof Carl Murray, UCL.
    Prof Carl Murray (Queen Mary, Univ of London) is originally from Belfast, and in fact he credits the IAA with fostering his interest in astronomy, which led to him reaching the position of one of the top planetary scientists in the UK! See https://www.speakers4schools.org/speakers/carl-murray/
   Professor  Murray was the sole UK member of the Cassini imaging team.
We are delighted to welcome him back again to give us another one of his superb lectures
   Synopsis: "The Cassini-Huygens mission to the Saturn system ended on 15th September 2017 when, the Cassini spacecraft was deliberately sent into the atmosphere of the planet and destroyed.  It was one of the most successful planetary missions ever launched.
   As a member of the Cassini Imaging Team, Prof Carl Murray has been directly involved in the mission from its inception and has been using Cassini images to study Saturn's rings and their interaction with small moons.
   In this lecture Prof Murray will give an insider's view of the mission's incredible successes and talk about his experiences exploring Saturn with Cassini.
   As a member of the Cassini Imaging Team, Prof Carl Murray has been directly involved in the mission from its inception and has been using Cassini images to study Saturn's rings and their interaction with small moons.
   In this lecture Prof Murray will give an insider's view of the mission's incredible successes and talk about his experiences exploring Saturn with Cassini."

See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5276981/NASA-releases-stunning-image-twilight-haze-Titan.html for some latest news and images

    Doors open about 7.15pm. There is free parking available on the campus in the evenings. Admission Free, including light refreshments. We are located in the Bell Theatre, Department of Mathematics and Physics, QUB
   Wed 24 January, 7.30 p.m., Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB. Free admission, including light refreshments.  Free parking on QUB campus after 5.30 p.m.

2. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Education Development & Outreach Officer for immediate start at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, Cork. The successful candidate will work with the Cork Institute of Technology Head of Research, BCO Centre Head, members of the CIT Faculty of Engineering and with the BCO Science Education Officer to deliver and develop space themed materials for learners of all ages.The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in science communication, education and astronomy and a relevant scientific background. A key part of the role is to encourage schools and the public to get involved in and interact with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths). The candidate will coordinate, organise and participate in a wide range of activities locally, nationally and internationally, working together with BCO Education & Management Teams, BCO Labs researchers and external partners.The Education Development & Outreach Officer role will require engagement with a variety of stakeholders (researchers, science communicators, policy makers, schools, media and the public) using a variety of initiatives. The role will also involve developing a plan for engagement and participating in funding bids to sustain the activity into the future. Read the full job description here: Education Development & Outreach OfficerThe closing date for applications is Friday February 2, 2018 at 5pm. To apply: Send your CV and a cover letter to Clair McSweeney at clair.mcsweeney@bco.ie

3. Galway Astrofest: Friday - Saturday 26 - 27 January 2018.  
An excellent programme as usual. Note the change of venue to the harbour Hotel in the city centre. Click here for the festival brochure:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t4u4…/festival%20flyer%202018.pdf…

4. ISS.  A new series of evening passes will begin on 27 January.  Details for your own location, along with lots more information such as Iridium Flares, at www.heavens-above.com
 
5. NI Science festival, 15 – 25 February
Highlights from our point of view is the appearance by astronaut, Chris Hadfield. See the full programme at http://www.nisciencefestival.com/programme.php

6. QUB Astronomers honoured by Royal Astronomical Society
The Fowler Award (G) is awarded to: Dr David Jess, and George Darwin Lecturer (A) will be: Professor Stephen Smartt, both of the Astrophysics Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast

7. Excellent Expose of UFO documentary claims

8. Ireland's bid to join ESO is underway.
Please see below the update on the ESO negotiations from the ESO contact group.
    "We are very pleased to announce that formal negotiations began last Thursday (January 11 2018) between ESO and the Ireland, with the aim of Ireland becoming the 16th ESO member state on October 1, 2018.
The meeting included delegates from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, delegates from ESO lead by the Director General Prof Xavier Barcons, and representatives from the Irish astronomical community (Prof Paul Callanan UCC and Prof Tom Ray DIAS). Everyone is very hopeful for a timely and positive conclusion of the negotiations over the next few months."

9. FUTURE EVENTS ALERT
*IAU C1 Exobiology WS - Astrobiology Introductory Course'18, 4-10 March. The third session of the Astrobiology Introductory Course will be held from 4 to 10 March 2018 at the Ornithological Reserve of le Teich (33, France). Courses are designed for students preparing their PhD thesis in Astronomy, Geology, Chemistry, Biology, or History/Philosophy of science and any students wishing to acquire interdisciplinary training in astrobiology to complete their initial training and to be able to address questions about the origins of life, its terrestrial evolution, and its distribution in the Universe. The deadline for applications is January 15th, 2018. For program and registration, please see the website: http://www.exobiologie.fr/red/index.php/en/ 
*European Week of Astronomy and Space Sciences (EWASS2018).  This will be in Liverpool, from 3 to 8 April 2018. See http://eas.unige.ch/EWASS2018/index.jsp and http://eas.unige.ch/EWASS2018/
* International Day of Light, 16 May 2018.    Plan ahead and register your event in the official International Day of Light 2018 calendar! Following the highly successful International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies in 2015, May 16th, the International Day of Light, will provide an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of the central role that light plays in the lives of the citizens of the world. The broad theme of light allows many different sectors of society to participate in activities to raise awareness of science and technology, art and culture, and their importance in achieving the goals of UNESCO — education, equality and peace. 
   A good opportunity to highlight (!) light-pollution! And promote Earth Hour as well.
Register your event by filling out the form: http://bit.ly/2xLvvDK
* International Planetarium Society,  1–6 July 2018, Toulouse, France. More Information: http://www.ips-planetarium.org/page/IPS2018Toulouse  
* Robotic Telescopes, Student Research and Education (RTSRE) & InterNational Astronomy Teaching Summit Conferences, 23-27 July 2018. The 2nd annual Conference on Robotic Telescopes, Student Research and Education (RTSRE) will be held in Hilo, Hawai'i from July 23-25, 2018. This conference series focuses on building a sustainable community around the educational, technical, and student research uses of robotic telescopes. The conference will be co-located with the interNational Astronomy Teaching Summit (iNATS) from July 25-27, 2018 providing worldwide networking opportunities and hands-on workshops designed to expand educators' teaching strategy toolkit designed for innovative astronomy professors, teachers, and outreach professionals.  Find more information here: http://rtsre.net/ 
Inspiring Stars—the IAU Inclusive World Exhibition, 20-31 August 2018
"Inspiring Stars" will be an itinerant international exhibition promoted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to disseminate world efforts on inclusive research and outreach activities in astronomy. This inclusive world exhibition by showcasing assistive research tools and best inclusive outreach practices intends to broaden the horizons of children, parents, teachers and astronomers—everybody can become a scientist (astronomer)—inspiring the love for science in young people's minds. 
The exhibition will premiere during the IAU General Assembly 2018 in Vienna, from 20–31 August and will be shown around the world. Stay tuned as we keep you posted on all the progress of this IAU not-to-be-missed project for 2018! 
Centenary of IAU in 2019:  IAU100: Uniting our World to Explore the Universe
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the IAU will organize a year-long celebration to expand awareness of a century of astronomical discoveries as well as to support and improve the use of astronomy as a tool for education, development, and diplomacy under the central theme "Uniting our World to Explore the Universe". The celebrations will stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science and will reach out to the global astronomical community, national science organizations and societies, policy-makers, students and families, and the general public.
   For any inquiries, please contact Jorge Rivero González, the IAU100 Coordinator at: rivero[at]strw.leidenuniv.nl.
 10. 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
Fly to and through the Orion Nebula youtu.be/xCFg5udYbAg
Swarm of hydrogen clouds fleeing the MW bulge -https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180110163212.htm
HST spots very ancient galaxy through gravitational lens http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42692843
HST and the 3 million billion solar mass galaxy cluster! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180116144249.htm
Whirlpool rotation found in earliest galaxies https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180110131538.htm
 
Earth & Moon  
http://earthsky.org/earth/meteor-lit-up-michigan-night-skies?mc_cid=ee0fc78d99&mc_eid=dca371d595 NB, it did not 'cause' an earthquake, but the shockwave it produced was equivalent to a mag 2.0 earthquake.
 
Solar System

The storms of Jupiter http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5264113/The-incredible-cloud-belts-Jupiter.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5258231/Incredible-alien-rock-Hypatia-predate-solar-system.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5279587/A-potentially-hazardous-asteroid-flying-past-Earth.html

Turbulent winds explain Martian mountain mystery https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180111141558.htm

Swift Space Mission spies extreme comet spin change https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180110150452.htm

 

SPACE

Telescopes, Instruments, Techniques etc
New space telescope to study nearby stars https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180110220500.htm

UFO's, Conspiracy Theories etc
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5261939/Has-Stephen-Hawking-replaced-puppet.html I say that there's no such thing as Conspiracy Theorists. They are just made up by the media to give them something to talk about. After all, if we just accepted all the science that has been proved beyond any reasonable shadow of doubt, then they wouldn't be able to 'stir it up' by proposing alternative views. Thus the existence of Conspiracy Theorists is itself a Conspiracy Theory. If only…../
 
10. TWITTER Follow the IAA on Twitter: @IaaAstro.
 
11. 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 www.irishastro.org .
 
Clear skies,
Terry Moseley


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Friday, 5 January 2018

NY Party, Lecture, ISS, Mars/Jupiter close, Impact Crater talk, ESO's VR tour.

Hi all,

 

1. May I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

 

2. IAA New Year Party: Saturday 6th January 2018, at McBride's on the Square, Comber, Co. Down. We start off with buffet eats and drinks at McBride's, at 5.15 for 5.30 p.m.; then make our way to the Tudor Private Cinema about a mile away, for more seasonal hot drinks, a special showing of "Hidden Figures" (highly recommended), and the usual quiz for all. Details are on the IAA website, and a booking form was issued with the latest Stardust, sent to IAA members. Non-members can book via the IAA website All are welcome, including guests and non-members.

   McBride's is on the NW corner of the main Square in Comber. See http://www.mcbridesonthesquare.co.uk/  Parking is available in the Square, or on Killinchy St (A22), which is on the route to the Tudor Cinema.

   The Tudor Cinema is in Drumhirk Road, which is 1.3 miles (2.1 km) from McBride's on the right off the Killinchy Road (A22). It's exactly 1.0m (1.7km) from the roundabout at the junction of the Ring Road and Killinchy Road.

   And the entry to the cinema is the first laneway on the left on Drumhirk Road – it's 600 yds (550m) from the turn-off the Killinchy Road. Look for the IAA Party signs. Drive to the end of that laneway, and park.

 

3. IAA LECTURE,  Wed 10 January, 7.30 p.m. "Einstein made (relatively) Simple." By Brian MacGabhann (GAC). We are delighted to welcome Brian back to Belfast, in anticipation of another one of his superb lectures.

  SUMMARY: Einstein's Theory of Relativity represents the best and most complete explanation of the way the universe works which we currently have, and underpins all of modern cosmology, astronomy and astrophysics. The talk is aimed very much at the interested lay-person, and no previous knowledge of the topic is required. It will guide the audience through the core building blocks of the theory, and explain how Einstein arrived at the sometimes bizarre conclusions that he did. 
   This is the ideal lecture for anyone who has ever wondered what the Theory of relativity was all about, or who wanted an easy to follow guide to Einstein's ideas.

Wed 10 January, 7.30 p.m., Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB. Free admission, including light refreshments.  Free parking on QUB campus after 5.30 p.m.

 

4. ISS.  A new series of morning passes over Ireland commenced on 28 December. Details for your own location, along with lots more information such as Iridium Flares, at www.heavens-above.com

 

5. Mars- Jupiter Conjunction

In the early morning twilight, Mars has been gradually closing in on much brighter Jupiter: Mars is mag +1.5, whereas Jupiter is mag -1.8. Over the next few days the separation decreases until on 6 Jan Mars will be only 23' to the right of Jupiter. Next morning just after they rise Mars will be only 13' below and a bit right of Jupiter – that's less than half a Moon diameter. Next morning the separation will have increased to 35' – a bit more than a Moon diameter.

 

6. Earth at Perihelion. Earth was at its closest to the Sun in its elliptical orbit on January 03 at 05.34, at a distance of 0.9833 AU.

 

7. "HUNTING FOR A HIDDEN IMPACT CRATER IN SCOTLAND".  Dr Mike Simms is presenting a talk to Belfast Geologists' Society on Monday 15th January on this topic. VENUE: Ulster Museum (old Stranmillis Road entrance) 7:30 pm.  Tea and coffee from 7:00 pm. IAA members are very welcome to attend. 

 

8. IFAS Calendars – UPDATE: I have now got copies of the 2018 edition of these calendars for those who ordered them via me. I'll bring them to the meeting on 10 January.

 

 9. ESO launches new Virtual Reality Tours to experience its sites
ESO's Virtual Tours are a collection of hundreds of 360-degree panorama pictures that can be used for many purposes. ESO's latest release includes options to view the images in virtual reality mode or 360-degree panoramic mode. You can now use a cell phone with either a standard cardboard virtual reality headset or oculus rift glasses to experience tours of ESO's facilities in an exciting new way. This latest release also includes new and updated virtual tours of ESO's observatories and facilities, bringing better functionality on computers and new panoramic views.

 

10. Globe At Night Campaign, 2018

https://www.globeatnight.org/5-steps.php#d2018 %C2%A0  

 

11. IAU enlarges and updates list of official star names; https://www.iau.org/public/themes/naming_stars/#table

 

12. FUTURE EVENTS ALERT

* Galway Astrofest: Saturday 27 January 2018. More details later.

*IAU C1 Exobiology WS - Astrobiology Introductory Course'18, 4-10 March. The third session of the Astrobiology Introductory Course will be held from 4 to 10 March 2018 at the Ornithological Reserve of le Teich (33, France). Courses are designed for students preparing their PhD thesis in Astronomy, Geology, Chemistry, Biology, or History/Philosophy of science and any students wishing to acquire interdisciplinary training in astrobiology to complete their initial training and to be able to address questions about the origins of life, its terrestrial evolution, and its distribution in the Universe. The deadline for applications is January 15th, 2018. For program and registration, please see the website: http://www.exobiologie.fr/red/index.php/en/ 

*European Week of Astronomy and Space Sciences (EWASS2018).  This will be in Liverpool, from 3 to 8 April 2018. See http://eas.unige.ch/EWASS2018/index.jsp and http://eas.unige.ch/EWASS2018/

* International Day of Light, 16 May 2018.    Plan ahead and register your event in the official International Day of Light 2018 calendar! Following the highly successful International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies in 2015, May 16th, the International Day of Light, will provide an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of the central role that light plays in the lives of the citizens of the world. The broad theme of light allows many different sectors of society to participate in activities to raise awareness of science and technology, art and culture, and their importance in achieving the goals of UNESCO — education, equality and peace. 

   A good opportunity to highlight (!) light-pollution! And promote Earth Hour as well.

Register your event by filling out the form: http://bit.ly/2xLvvDK

* International Planetarium Society,  1–6 July 2018, Toulouse, France. More Information: http://www.ips-planetarium.org/page/IPS2018Toulouse  
* Robotic Telescopes, Student Research and Education (RTSRE) & InterNational Astronomy Teaching Summit Conferences, 23-27 July 2018. The 2nd annual Conference on Robotic Telescopes, Student Research and Education (RTSRE) will be held in Hilo, Hawai'i from July 23-25, 2018. This conference series focuses on building a sustainable community around the educational, technical, and student research uses of robotic telescopes. The conference will be co-located with the interNational Astronomy Teaching Summit (iNATS) from July 25-27, 2018 providing worldwide networking opportunities and hands-on workshops designed to expand educators' teaching strategy toolkit designed for innovative astronomy professors, teachers, and outreach professionals.  Find more information here: http://rtsre.net/ 

Inspiring Stars—the IAU Inclusive World Exhibition, 20-31 August 2018
"Inspiring Stars" will be an itinerant international exhibition promoted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to disseminate world efforts on inclusive research and outreach activities in astronomy. This inclusive world exhibition by showcasing assistive research tools and best inclusive outreach practices intends to broaden the horizons of children, parents, teachers and astronomers—everybody can become a scientist (astronomer)—inspiring the love for science in young people's minds. 
The exhibition will premiere during the IAU General Assembly 2018 in Vienna, from 20–31 August and will be shown around the world. Stay tuned as we keep you posted on all the progress of this IAU not-to-be-missed project for 2018! 

Centenary of IAU in 2019:  IAU100: Uniting our World to Explore the Universe
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the IAU will organize a year-long celebration to expand awareness of a century of astronomical discoveries as well as to support and improve the use of astronomy as a tool for education, development, and diplomacy under the central theme "Uniting our World to Explore the Universe". The celebrations will stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science and will reach out to the global astronomical community, national science organizations and societies, policy-makers, students and families, and the general public.
   For any inquiries, please contact Jorge Rivero González, the IAU100 Coordinator at: rivero[at]strw.leidenuniv.nl.

13. 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

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5226889/The-secret-galactic-birth-control-revealed.html and https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180101144800.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/alien-megastructure-star-mystery-may-finally-have-been-solved_uk_5a4b71d4e4b025f99e1d7546 and https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180103101133.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29  The 'alien megastructure' was always far and away the least likely explanation. This was a bad example of wishful thinking and desire for publicity trumping (sorry!) sound scientific reasoning.

 

Earth & Moon  

https://www.aol.co.uk/video/we-could-live-in-caves-on-the-moon-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-5a4bd71f30066f3bad5322b7/

Noctilucent Clouds over Antarctica, from space: http://spaceweather.com/DAISY_PICS/current_daisy.png?PHPSESSID=l5gc47pum5k5k7dulrh8athug5

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5230165/Blue-Moon-Blood-Moon-align-end-January.html The hype has started early! It won't be blue in any sense; just a slightly larger than usual Full Moon, with a Total Lunar Eclipse, none of which is visible in Europe.

 

Light Pollution:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5221935/How-light-pollution-REALLY-affects-view-sky.html

 

Solar System

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5218597/Cassini-captures-stunning-shot-glowing-Enceladus.html

 

SPACE

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/dec/31/china-mission-to-far-side-of-the-moon-space-discovery  

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5215401/Incredible-footage-Elon-Musks-latest-SpaceX-launch.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5201943/NASA-picks-two-finalists-space-exploration-competition.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5229087/SpaceX-prepares-launch-secretive-Zuma-satellite.html Why do they use stupid expressions like "The Dragon capsule was towing nearly 5,000 pounds of supplies to the ISS". No, it wasn't. It was carrying …. 'Towing' would mean it was pulling something behind it in a trailer! Idiotic. And "bares" should be "bears".

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5229837/NASA-image-spacecraft-shows-Earth-3m-miles-away.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5229285/Tricorder-one-day-alien-life-tested.html

https://www.aol.co.uk/video/we-could-live-in-caves-on-the-moon-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-5a4bd71f30066f3bad5322b7/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5232569/SpaceX-reveals-footage-Falcon-Heavy-megarocket.html It's amazing that since 1969 to now in 2018 we still don't have a rocket nearly as powerful as the Saturn 5!

https://newatlas.com/nasa-space-debris-sensor/52805/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=c4978634cf-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-c4978634cf-92786061

 

Telescopes, Equipment, etc.

Single lens can focus all colours in a single point. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180101144747.htm

   https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/security-flaws-put-virtually-all-phones-and-computers-at-risk-1.3344731?utm_source=lunchtime_digest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news_digest

 

14. TWITTER Follow the IAA on Twitter: @IaaAstro.

 

15. 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 www.irishastro.org .

 

Clear skies,

Terry Moseley




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