Hi all,
1. Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE - Third time lucky?
After two recent disappointments, this comet is already at perihelion, and surviving, and has reached almost first magnitude. It should be visible in mid-northern skies in the early mornings by the second week in July, passing between Gemini and Auriga. Definitely worth a look, especially when the Moon is still out of the way. It will be closest to Earth in late July, high up, and visible most of the night. Finder charts are available on various websites, including www.heavens-above.com.
2. ISS The ISS started a new series of morning passes on 2 July, transitioning into evening passes about mid-month, which will then continue until July 30. Depending on your location, you might get a shot of the ISS passing the comet – see 1 above!
Full details for your location, and lots of other astronomy information, on the excellent free site www.heavens-above.com
3. EARTH AT APHELION, July 4
The Earth will be furthest from the Sun in its elliptical orbit on July 4 at 11 34 UT, at a geocentric distance of 1.0166942 AU. (152,095,287.5 km). It will then have an apparent diameter of 31' 27".
4. PARTIAL PENUMBRAL LUNAR ECLIPSE: Jul 05. Most of Ireland will barely see this eclipse, in which only 35% of the Moon enters the Earth's faint outer shadow, the penumbra. The N part of the Moon will be the part that's slightly darker. The eclipse begins at 03.07 UT, and greatest eclipse occurs at 04.30 UT, after Moonset throughout Ireland. The Moon sets in Belfast at 03.49, in Dublin it sets at 03.59, and in Cork at 04.18. In Portmagee it doesn't set until 04.26, which is almost at greatest eclipse. Add one hour to those times for Summer Time! We have to wait until 2022 May 16 before we can see another Total Lunar Eclipse from Ireland, although it will be setting just after maximum eclipse
5. REGULAR FORTNIGHTLY SPACE and ASTRONOMY WEBINAR, July7
After a very positive reaction to our first webinar on Mars, Nick Howes and I have been asked by Space Store Live to make it a regular fortnightly feature. It will be called "Space Store Live: Nick and Terry's Astro Round-up". The first one, on Tuesday 26th, was also very well received.
They will be approximately 30 minutes long, every second Tuesday, at 7.30 p.m., covering whatever is topical in space and astronomy. The next one will be on Tuesday 7 July: youtube.com/spacestorelive
It's a Zoom webinar, and will be Live streamed to YouTube SpaceStore Live! Channel and Live streamed to Facebook Live. I'll post any last minute news via Twitter.
6. EVLBIN Seminars via Zoom, starts 8 July
The European VLBI Network (EVN) announces a series of online seminars "The sharpest view of the radio Universe: VLBI – Connecting Astronomers Worldwide". Seven speakers will cover 7 different science topics, and the talks will occur roughly every 7 weeks between early July 2020 and the EVN Symposium, which has been rescheduled to July 12-16, 2021. These talks will illustrate how Very Long Baseline Interferometry can improve our understanding of many astronomical phenomena, from stars to galaxies, and the talks are aimed at a broad astronomical audience. Full information about the webinars, which will be run using Zoom, can be found at https://www.evlbi.org/evn-seminars.
The first seminar will be on Wed 8 July 2020, 10:30 CEST. (9.30 BST) Our speaker, Cristiana Spingola (U.of Bologna) will talk about "Using Strong Gravitational Lensing to Zoom in on High-Redshift Galaxies".
The talks will be 35-40 min long, followed by a Q&A and discussion session. Attendants can join via Zoom following this link (Meeting ID: 977 9168 7969<https://astron.zoom.us/j/97791687969>). The talk will also be streamed in real time via YouTube (it will appear at the JIVE and EVN channel in due time <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsrIBxQU7aDQpr4WFgV80g>). Participants will be deferred to the YouTube channel after reaching the limit of 100 people on the Zoom session. Find the Calendar invitation at this link for Google Calendar<http://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&dates=20200708T083000Z/20200708T093000Z&text=EVN%20Seminar:%20Using%20Strong%20Gravitational%20Lensing%20to%20Zoom%20in%20on%20High-Redshift%20Galaxies%20 (Cristiana%20Spingola)&location=&details=EVN%20Seminar%20on%20%22EVN%20Seminar:%20Using%20Strong%20Gravitational%20Lensing%20to%20Zoom%20in%20on%20High-Redshift%20Galaxies%22%20by%20Cristiana%20Spingola.%20See%20https://www.evlbi.org/evn-seminars%20for%20further%20information.%0AJoin%20the%20Zoom%20room%20at%20https://astron.zoom.us/j/97791687969>;.
Title & abstract: Using Strong Gravitational Lensing to Zoom in on High-Redshift Galaxies
The centres of galaxies are powerful laboratories to test models of galaxy formation, as well as the interplay between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies. While these sub-galactic scales can be directly investigated in the local Universe, it is observationally extremely difficult to access them at high redshift. In this talk, we will exploit the combination of strong gravitational lensing and multi-wavelength high angular resolution observations to directly study the parsec scale emission in active galaxies at z > 1. The magnifying effect of strong lensing and the milliarcsecond angular resolution of HST, Keck AO and VLBI observations allow us to spatially resolve the central parts of distant lensed galaxies, especially if they are located in the regions at highest magnification. Therefore, it becomes possible to unveil dual and offset AGN candidates, but also faint extended jets embedded in massive molecular gas reservoirs at cosmological distances. Nevertheless, this kind of study is currently limited by the small number of radio-loud lensed sources. We will conclude by discussing the current efforts to search for more lensing systems in wide-field VLBI surveys.
On behalf of the EVN Seminars Organizing Committee, the Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC and the University College Cork, Denise Gabuzda (University College Cork)
7. Death of Austin Hastings, former chairman of Cork Astronomy Club. June 27.
I was very sorry to learn of the death of Austin Hastings, for many years the main driver and mainstay of CAC . He died on 27 June, after a period of illness. Members of CAC formed a guard of honour at the church. He will be greatly missed by members of the club, and the amateur astronomical community throughout Ireland. As well as being an enthusiast, and always ready to help any newcomer he was a true gentleman. Our sympathy to his family and friends.
8. Noctilucent Clouds.
These are visible through June and at least the first 3 weeks of July, sometimes longer. There was a very nice display at the time of the Solstice, being seen as far South as London and Surrey. Look low down in the North when the first stars are visible, for these ethereal wispy silvery very high altitude clouds. Their name means 'night-shining', and they are so high up that they are illuminated by the Sun long after ordinary clouds would be in the Earth's shadow, They are caused by ice crystals forming on the very fine particles of dust left behind when meteors burn up at high altitude. They make lovely photos too.
9. Paul Evans has produced another excellent 'Lockdown Video guide to the sky: https://youtu.be/TvxKjws-skM
10. July 14, Jupiter at opposition.
11. Festival of Curiosity, July 16 – 19.
For the full family programme visit festivalofcuriosity.ie/programme
12. July 20, Saturn at opposition.
13. Perseid meteors. August 11-12-13. Max on Aug 12 at 13h
14. August 14 250th anniversary of perihelion of Comet Lexell , which had just passed 0.015 AU from Earth, approx 6 Lunar Distances, or about 1.4m miles. The coma was about 2° 23' across! This is the closest known comet pass to Earth.
15. IAU Meet the Astronomers Programme. This is now open to everyone, for a virtual talk. See https://www.iau.org/public/meettheiauastronomers/
16. National Astronomy Week, 14 – 22 November.
National Astronomy Week (NAW) will be held in the UK from Saturday 14 November to Sunday 22 November, to celebrate the close approach of Mars. Amateur and professional astronomers will be holding observing events during the week. Seen through a telescope magnifying about 100 times, Mars will appear as a pale orange disc, with its markings clearly visible, at a distance of 80 million km.
Although Mars is at its closest to Earth a month earlier, by November it is well up in the sky during the early evening, allowing younger schoolchildren an opportunity to get a good view of the planet. It will not be as close again until 2033. As well as Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon will be on show during National Astronomy Week. Details of observing events will be posted on the NAW website.
17. 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.
ARCHAEOASTRONOMY
Major new find at Stonehenge https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200622164652.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
ASTROPHYSICS
Quantum entanglement in Cubesat in orbit https://newatlas.com/telecommunications/quantum-entanglement-cubesat-spooqy1/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=21ff45620c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_06_26_08_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-21ff45620c-92786061
https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2020/06/30/astronomers-witness-a-monster-stara-mysteriously-disappearing/
Excess neutrinos and gamma rays https://science.psu.edu/news/Murase6-2020
The second most distant Quasar is so massive it upends theories of the early universe https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200701160132.htm and
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200625140723.htm
Massive star just suddenly disappeared! https://bigthink.com/surprising-science/missing-star?rebelltitem=2#rebelltitem2 Note the lead author from TCD!
Exposed giant planet core discovered in very close orbit https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200701125438.htm I note the names of Chris Watson and Don Pollacco among the 100+ contributing authors!
Eta Carina binary star emits Very High Energy gamma rays https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200701100106.htm
Excess neutrinos come from coronae round Supermassive Black Holes https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200701084750.htm
Birth of giant star cluster produces stellar fireworks. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200702115024.htm
To find SMBHs, start with Jupiter https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200630125136.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
Ultrahot planet in strange orbit around weird star! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200630125144.htm
First detection of light from a Black Hole merger https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200625102532.htm
COSMOLOGY
This is mind-bending stuff, but fascinating. https://www.livescience.com/truth-behind-nasa-mirror-parallel-universe.html?utm_source=Selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9160&utm_content=LVS_newsletter+&utm_term=3473357&m_i=kTPk62E4DYIadhw_fq0NkPdvRVxA%2Bm0599xfHg6fOQ0WBMYy1M8BVLTxo45TvzCKT6RzcyT2utYwhXHJswwMXX50hk3EgyYPmmEU_B%2Bkkf
Dark matter may originate from Axions https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200626125021.htm
EARTH & MOON
Metal-rich craters offer clues to Moon's formation https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200701151724.htm
It was an asteroid that ended the reign of the dinosaurs https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200629150544.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
EXOLIFE
EXOPLANETS
Interacting planets discovered by ground-based observatory https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200702113250.htm
Ultrahot planet is in strange orbit around weird star! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200630125144.htm
First measure of spin-orbit alignment on Beta Pictoris B https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200629090010.htm
Super-Earths discovered orbiting very nearby Red Dwarf! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200625144833.htm
Infant 'Neptune' discovered in dust disc https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200624120448.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
IMAGES
SETI
SOLAR SYSTEM
Searching for clues to life on Mars https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/06/nasa-s-new-rover-will-collect-martian-rocks-and-clues-planet-s-ancient-climate?utm_campaign=news_daily_2020-06-25&et_rid=415711678&et_cid=3379645
Amazing new images of sample return sites on asteroid Bennu! https://mail.aol.com/webmail-std/en-gb/DisplayMessage?ws_popup=true&ws_suite=true
SPACE
China to launch a Mars mission comprising an orbiter, lander and rover! https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/06/mars-mission-would-put-china-among-space-leaders?utm_campaign=news_daily_2020-06-25&et_rid=415711678&et_cid=3379645
Prize money for the best design of a 'Luu'. https://newatlas.com/space/nasa-lunar-loo-challenge/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=21ff45620c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_06_26_08_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-21ff45620c-92786061
Almost - https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newslondon/florida-startup-plans-to-run-balloon-rides-to-the-edge-of-space/ar-BB16aMVM?ocid=msedgdhp The sky would be dark (ignoring aurorae), but not dark enough to see stars to the NE limit, and you wouldn't experience any weightlessness. But you would see the curvature of the Earth - you could buy a ticket for your favourite flat Earther. I don't know whether it would be in daylight, or night-time, or some of each. If there's a night-time option, avoid moonlight!
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8462751/NASA-outlines-plan-use-steam-powered-robots-explore-icy-moons.html James Watt would approve!
SUN
Neutrinos reveal solar secrets https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/06/elusive-neutrinos-reveal-how-nuclear-fusion-fuels-sun?utm_campaign=news_daily_2020-06-25&et_rid=415711678&et_cid=3379645
10 years of solar activity in time lapse video https://newatlas.com/space/nasa-sun-time-lapse-video/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=21ff45620c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_06_26_08_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-21ff45620c-92786061
New light on the mystery of the Sun's cycle https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200625144835.htm
Telescopes, Instruments, Techniques
New optical laser frequency comb will aid the search for exoplanets https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200622152507.htm
18. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION. This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://documents.irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc
If you are a UK taxpayer, please tick the 'gift-aid' box, as that enables us to reclaim the standard rate of tax on your subscription, at no cost to you. You can also make a donation via Paypal if you wish: just click on the 'Donate' button. See also https://irishastro.org/
The Irish Astronomical Association is registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 105858
DISCLAIMER: Any views expressed herein are mine, and do not necessarily represent those of the IAA.
Clear skies,
Terry Moseley
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