Hi all,
1. IAA Public Lecture: "Amateur Observations of Meteors." 14 November, By Michael O'Connell).
Michael, a former chair of the Irish Federation of astronomy Societies, is an experienced amateur observer and photographer in several fields, including solar and meteor studies.
This talk outlines where meteors are from, why we have meteor showers and how to observe them.
Michael describes the meteor science that amateur astronomers can play an active role in.
In particular, the talk outlines how to detect meteors using visual techniques, with cameras and via radio.
The talk also outlines why it's useful to observe meteors as part of a group effort.
Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB, 7.30pm
All welcome. Free admission, including light refreshments.
2. IAA Observing Nights, Delamont Country Park, Killinchy, Co Down,
Fri 9 or Sat 10 November. Check the IAA website at 6 p.m. on those days to see if the event is going ahead that night or not.
3. Armagh Planetarium StarTracker Evening Tuesday 13 November, 6.30pm - 9pm
Enjoy a brand new Digital Theatre show "The Sun: Our Living Star" and weather permitting be fascinated by the views of the Night Sky and the Moon through our 12 inch telescope. There will also be astronomy talks in our Copernicus Hall.
Spaces are limited so pre-booking is essential for this event.
6.30pm: Doors Open
7.00pm: Astronomy Talk
7.30pm: Digital Dome Show "The Sun: Our Living Star"
The Sun has shone on our world for four and a half billion years. The light that warms our skin today has been felt by every person who has ever lived. It is our nearest star and our planet's powerhouse, the source of the energy that drives our winds, our weather and all life. Discover the secrets of our star in this planetarium show and experience never-before-seen images of the Sun's violent surface in immersive fulldome format.
The Sun has shone on our world for four and a half billion years. The light that warms our skin today has been felt by every person who has ever lived. It is our nearest star and our planet's powerhouse, the source of the energy that drives our winds, our weather and all life. Discover the secrets of our star in this planetarium show and experience never-before-seen images of the Sun's violent surface in immersive fulldome format.
Stargazing throughout the evening weather permitting
9.00pm: Event close
*Purchase a dome show ticket and enjoy a complimentary tea/coffee and traybake.
Please call 028 37523689 for more info or book online via www.armaghplanet.com
4. Nominate a scientist to feature on the new Bof E £50 note. The person nominated must be British and deceased, which rules out local superstar Jocelyn Bell Burnell, but QUB is supporting the nomination of John Bell, after whom the lecture theatre in which the IAA holds its meetings is named You can vote, within the next 5 weeks, at https://app.keysurvey.co.uk/f/1348443/10fc/
5. Win A Zero-G Flight
Inspire Space (fronted by among others, Dr Laura Keogh who gave us a great lecture last year, and Dr Norah Patten, who will be talking to us next spring) are promoting an amazing raffle. Unfortunaterly it's only open to residents of ROI for legal reasons.
Fly like a superhero and float like an astronaut! All you have to do is buy a raffle ticket! Only 999 raffle tickets will be sold so be quick – a perfect Christmas present for anyone interested in space, weightlessness or flying! **Closing date to buy tickets is 29 January 2019 and the draw will take place on 31 January 2019**
6. ISS. The ISS continues its series of morning passes until 13 November. It will than commence a new series of evening passes on 26 November. Details for your own location, and lots more info on space and astronomy, on www.heavens-above.com
7. Mayo Dark Sky Festival.
This was even better than last year's event, and that one was a hard act to follow. The speakers were excellent, and the organisation was top class. Although it was too windy for telescopic observations, we got some really dark clear skies after the superb dinner on the Saturday night. And they had double the attendance of last year! This event goes from strength to strength, and is well worth the journey.
Congratulations to Derek, Fiona and Georgia (in alphabetical order, as I wouldn't dare try to attribute order of importance!)
8. Images of Starlight Exhibition opens November 11
The second IAS Images of Starlight exhibition will be held in the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, for 3 weeks from November 11th: More details at www.irishastrosoc.org where you'll also find other events listed. Telescope viewing nights at the Gardens are on Nov 20th and 21st.
9. Space and Astronomy films in Dublin. The last three of the four films being shown weekly in November as part of Christ Church Cathedral's candle-list film series will be: Nov 12th, "A Brief History of Time"; Nov 19th: "Nostalgia for the Light"; Nov 26th: "The Farthest". All take place in The Music Room at Christ Church, start at 6:30pm, and admission is free.
10. Science Week Open Night at Blackrock Castle Observatory, Friday 16th November
Join us at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory for an Open Night during Science Week 2018. This night promises to be fascinating and fun; with everything from entertaining workshops, to engaging lectures with our special guests Prof Robert Walsh and Dr Kevin Mitchell, there will be something for all ages and interests.
For more hands-on educational fun, there will be a Gravity Well, a Soma Cube, and a Light Wall to explore!
Our friends at Cork Astronomy Club will be on site for Stargazing and more*.
All this plus more educational and interactive exhibits await you at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory. There's a scientist in all of us, so come let yours out!
*Stargazing, as always, will be weather dependent.
Full details here: Science Week Open Night
11. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium: Georgian Day Tours, Saturday 24 November 2018
12noon & 2pm
12noon & 2pm
Follow the Christmas Star during a tour of Armagh Observatory and Astropark. The Observatory building, the Human Orrery and the Astropark are included as part of the tour. You will hear about the Observatory's history, its current scientific research and its programmes of Science. Above that journey back in time and learn about the star the Wise Men followed to find Baby Jesus.
Tour Times:
12noon Tour (with 2pm Dome show if buying combo ticket)
2pm Tour (with 4pm Dome show if buying combo ticket)
Prices:
Tour Ticket: Observatory Tour with Tea/Coffee and Mince Pie is £10.00
Combo Ticket: Observatory Tour with Mystery of the Christmas Star Dome show with Tea/Coffee and Mince Pie is £15.00
12. Armagh Planetarium: "Mystery of the Christmas Star" Dome Show Returns, Sat 24 November
Join Armagh Planetarium this Christmas as we journey back more than 2000 years to Bethlehem, and seek to discover an explanation for the star the Wise Men followed to find the baby Jesus in "Mystery of the Christmas Star".
The Star of Bethlehem is an iconic astronomical event whose true origin remains unknown even today, in spite of years of speculation and research. The show will guide the viewer through some of these investigations and the most likely causes of this interesting cosmological object which was remarkable enough to make the wise men travel across the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem to see the newborn baby. You will also explore possible dates for the birth of Christ and look at the historical records of significant astronomical events which occurred at this time. This modern retelling of the Christmas story in our digital theatre will charm and captivate audiences.
The Star of Bethlehem is an iconic astronomical event whose true origin remains unknown even today, in spite of years of speculation and research. The show will guide the viewer through some of these investigations and the most likely causes of this interesting cosmological object which was remarkable enough to make the wise men travel across the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem to see the newborn baby. You will also explore possible dates for the birth of Christ and look at the historical records of significant astronomical events which occurred at this time. This modern retelling of the Christmas story in our digital theatre will charm and captivate audiences.
The show opens on Saturday 24th Nov 2018 until Saturday 5th January 2019.
Show Times:
Tuesday – Friday at 2pm
Saturday/School Holidays at 2pm and 4pm
13. Participate in the 100 Hours of Astronomy Global Project
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary (IAU100) and to commemorate, we will organise a year-long celebration to increase 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.
The 100 Hours of Astronomy will be the kick-off worldwide event of IAU100 and will be composed of a broad range of activities aimed at involving the public. 100 Hours of Astronomy will take place over four days and nights, from 10-13 January 2019, with amateur and professional astronomers, astronomy enthusiasts and the general public invited to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the Universe. Hundreds of local events are being planned by science facilities and astronomy enthusiasts around the world, including telescope observing sessions, exhibitions, lectures, art projects, classroom projects, field trips, special shows and more. In many countries, there will be public lectures by specially selected speakers, experts in astronomy, keen to participate in this planet-wide venture.
It is only a few months before the yearlong centennial celebration of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will take place. As a big kick-off event, the global project 100 Hours of Astronomy is organised to take place 10-13 January 2019. Everyone around the globe can participate in this joint effort to bring astronomy to the general public.
Find more: https://www.iau-100.org/participate-100-hours-of-astronomy
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary (IAU100) and to commemorate, we will organise a year-long celebration to increase 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.
The 100 Hours of Astronomy will be the kick-off worldwide event of IAU100 and will be composed of a broad range of activities aimed at involving the public. 100 Hours of Astronomy will take place over four days and nights, from 10-13 January 2019, with amateur and professional astronomers, astronomy enthusiasts and the general public invited to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the Universe. Hundreds of local events are being planned by science facilities and astronomy enthusiasts around the world, including telescope observing sessions, exhibitions, lectures, art projects, classroom projects, field trips, special shows and more. In many countries, there will be public lectures by specially selected speakers, experts in astronomy, keen to participate in this planet-wide venture.
It is only a few months before the yearlong centennial celebration of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will take place. As a big kick-off event, the global project 100 Hours of Astronomy is organised to take place 10-13 January 2019. Everyone around the globe can participate in this joint effort to bring astronomy to the general public.
Find more: https://www.iau-100.org/participate-100-hours-of-astronomy
14. APOLLO 8 remembered. This is an excellent video tribute, just coming up to the 50th anniversary in December. This flight will be the subject of our lecture on December 12.
15. Advance Notice The Galway Astronomy Festival takes place on Saturday January 26th, 2019.
The festival will take place in our new venue, The Harbour Hotel, New Docks Road, Galway.
We were very happy with last year's festival and hopefully this coming year's festival will be equally successful.
16. 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
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
17. Starmus V — Star-studded Lineup for 2019
Created by Garik Israelian, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), the Starmus Festival is a combination of science, art and music that has featured presentations from astronauts, cosmonauts, Nobel Prize winners and other prominent figures from science, culture, the arts and music. Now celebrating its fifth year, and timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings, Starmus V will take place in Bern, Switzerland, from 24 to 29 June 2019. The IAU is a partner organisation of Starmus and among the confirmed speakers will be IAU Secretary General, Piero Benvenuti, and IAU President-elect, Ewine van Dishoeck. IAU announcement: https://www.iau.org/news/announcements/detail/ann18007/
Created by Garik Israelian, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), the Starmus Festival is a combination of science, art and music that has featured presentations from astronauts, cosmonauts, Nobel Prize winners and other prominent figures from science, culture, the arts and music. Now celebrating its fifth year, and timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings, Starmus V will take place in Bern, Switzerland, from 24 to 29 June 2019. The IAU is a partner organisation of Starmus and among the confirmed speakers will be IAU Secretary General, Piero Benvenuti, and IAU President-elect, Ewine van Dishoeck. IAU announcement: https://www.iau.org/news/announcements/detail/ann18007/
18. 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
When the LMC and SMC collided! https://earthsky.org/space/collision-confirmed-large-small-magellanic-clouds?utm_source=EarthSky+News&utm_campaign=31217129b4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_02_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c643945d79-31217129b4-394571661
'Sonic Boom' from a GRB https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181004131831.htm
Gamma rays from a microquasar puzzle astronomers https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181004131810.htm
Cosmic fountain's clues to galaxy evolution https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181106103840.htm
Ultra-hot gas round white dwarfs https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181107082509.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
Ages of stars in Wild Duck Cluster revealed https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181108134128.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29 Surely this has implications beyond the ages of stars in clusters!
The oldest star in the galaxy; nearly as old as the universe? https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181105160900.htm
Producing magnetic field lines in deep space – just wiggle https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181105143114.htmb
COSMOLOGY
Cosmology theories challenged by galaxy observations https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181004131828.htm
EARTH & MOON
Earth's dust cloud satellites confirmed. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181026102622.htm
Two lunar craters named for Apollo 8. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181005111434.htm
New theory for origin of Earth's water https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181107130306.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
EXOLIFE
Laser signalling our presence to other stars https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181105132859.htm It would be simple to send flashes to represent the first prime numbers, (1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, etc) – but would they be using the decimal system?
EXOPLANETS
Exploring alien ocean worlds https://earthsky.org/space/new-plan-how-to-explore-solar-system-ocean-worlds?utm_source=EarthSky+News&utm_campaign=18336dcd51-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_02_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c643945d79-18336dcd51-394571661
IMAGES
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6339251/Intergalactic-call-caped-crusader-Hubble-reveals-cosmic-Bat-Shadow-1300-light-years-away.html This pareidolia can be taken too far!
SETI
SOLAR SYSTEM
Why are Europa's plumes not showing a heat signature? https://earthsky.org/space/europas-water-vapor-plumes-lack-expected-heat-signatures?utm_source=EarthSky+News&utm_campaign=31217129b4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_02_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c643945d79-31217129b4-394571661
Chemicals in Saturn's rings affect its upper atmosphere https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181004143937.htm
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6359581/The-calm-center-Jupiters-Great-Red-Spot.html
Evidence of outburst flooding on Mars https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181105132920.htm
Comet tails blow in the Solar Wind https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181102131952.htm
SPACE
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/techandscience/cosmonaut-brains-show-space-travel-causes-lasting-changes/ar-BBOV1OI?ocid=spartandhp Why are they not planning and designing a rotating spacecraft, as per "2001, A Space Odyssey"? It's just rocket science!
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6362529/The-2-5-MILLION-martian-mansion-Marss-homes-gardens-gyms-spas.html In your dreams, for the foreseeable future at least.
SUN
Borexino detector sheds light on Solar neutrinos https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181105105211.htm
TELESCOPES, EQUIPMENT, Etc
19. IAA subscriptions for the coming year were due on 1 September. A reminder was included with the latest issue of Stardust, which all members should have received.
20. 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 .
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 .
The Irish Astronomical Association is registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 105858
DISCLAIMER: Any views expressed herein are mine, and do not necessarily represent those of the IAA.
Clear skies,
Terry Moseley
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