Thursday 25 November 2021

Sun lecture, GAN, Planets, ISS, Observatory for sale, Bright comet coming?, JWST talk, Teasers: 1 answer, 1 extra clue, more

Hi all,

 

1.  IAA Lecture, Wed 24 November, 19.30.  "The Active Sun - Observations of our Closest Star", by Dr Laura Hayes, TCD.

   We live in the presence of an active star - our Sun. During times of high solar magnetic activity, large explosions called 'solar flares' occur on the Sun. Solar flares are the most powerful and energetic phenomenon in our solar system, and they can have significant space-weather impacts on the near-Earth environment. In particular, they cause disruptions to telecommunications, and our technological infrastructure. Hence, building a better understanding of how the physical processes that drive these solar explosions are of major importance in modern society. In this talk, I will present an introduction to our active Sun, how we observe and study it from both space- and ground-based observatories and how new data from ESA's Solar Orbiter mission that was launched last year will provide new clues to solar flare energy release.  

Biography:

Laura is a solar physicist who currently works as a research fellow at the European Space Agency (ESA) at ESTEC in the Netherlands. She received an undergraduate degree in theoretical physics from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and soon after joined the astrophysics research group at Trinity to complete her PhD in solar flare physics. Following her PhD, she joined NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as a postdoctoral fellow for two years where she continued to work on solar flares with a focus on X-ray observations.  Her research makes use of both space- and ground-based observations of the Sun in multiple wavelengths to help build a better understanding of the physical processes that underpin solar flare energy release. In particular, she is involved with ESA's Solar Orbiter mission which launched in 2020 which is now providing new and unique observations of the Sun.

DETAILS
Time: Nov 24, 2021 07:15 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81395684573?pwd=dzVyRWNxVXBQdDhFa0FQYkVMNFF0QT09

Meeting ID: 813 9568 4573
Passcode: 986079

The room will open around 19:15 to allow for a prompt start

This talk will also be Simulcast on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/irishastronomy/videos

2. Join Globe at Night (GaN) for the Last Campaigns in 2021!
Globe at Night is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure night-sky brightness and submit their observations. The last dates for the 2021 campaign are November 25–December 4, 2021.
Read more:  
https://www.globeatnight.org/6-steps.php  

 

3. Catch Saturn and Jupiter while you can.

SATURN: is still fairly close and bright, but it's very low from our latitude, so viewing conditions are not great. It's now mag 0.3, in Capricorn, with an apparent diameter of 18".

   The angle of the ring system to Earth has been steadily decreasing recently, so the rings no longer extend beyond the poles. Aesthetically, I think this angle, and down to an angle of about 10 degrees, is the most beautiful.

    Of the satellites, Titan is visible in any telescope, and Rhea is not too difficult. With the low altitude, it may be harder to see fainter Dione and Tethys, especially as they are closer to the planet. Big telescopes and good seeing are required for Enceladus and Mimas.

      I've seen them all, using the 10-inch refractor at Armagh Observatory, and my own 37cm Newtonian, but when Saturn was a lot higher up, and in much less light-polluted skies!

Jupiter is also still readily visible from UK & Ireland, after its Opposition on August 20. It's in Capricorn,  mag -2.5, some 20 degrees E of Saturn, and with an apparent diameter of 46". It's a bit higher up than Saturn, and that will gradually increase over the next few years.

   The four big Galilean moons are visible in even a modest telescope. This year, the Sun and Earth are almost exactly in the plane of Jupiter's equator, so the moons pass backwards and forwards almost exactly in the same plane. This means that sometimes they are so close together that they will appear as one, unless you use high magnification.

 

4.  ISS: The ISS started a new series of evening passes on 21 November. Full details for your location on www.heavens-above.com

 

5. For Sale: Pulsar Observatory

Due to the unfortunate death of an IAA member, there is a rare chance to purchase a second hand 2.2m Pulsar Observatory.  The observatory is absolutely brand new (only delivered earlier in the year), and it has automated shutter and dome rotation kits complete. It is expected that the price will be around £3999. Delivery can be arranged. Anyone interested, contact Andy McCrea, who is acting on behalf of the widow: Email  s.mccrea980@btinternet.com

 

6. Comet 2021/A1 (Leonard) is brightening! It looks like we're going to get another moderately bright comet, probably visible to the naked eye, and certainly in binoculars. It will be visible in the morning sky from UK/Ireland during the end of November and the first half of December, with the main peak around Dec 9 perhaps at mag 4, maybe mag 3.5. But there may then be an extra peak a few days later, on December 12, when it might reach mag 2, due to a forward scattering effect.

   It will then start to move too far south in the sky to be seen from here, as it moves towards perihelion on January 3rd 2022, exactly a year after its discovery.

   Last Quarter is on Nov 27, so after that there'll be no interference from moonlight until it starts to get bright again at FQ on Dec 11, and it will be full on Dec 19.

The website www.heavens-above.com gives finder charts and latest magnitude estimates, as well as lots of other observing information.

 

7. IAS lecture, 29 November, 7.30 p.m. via Zoom, free. The title of the main talk is "The James Webb Space Telescope: Beginnings" and will be given by Kevin Nolan. Details of this interesting talk are given below.

   A few minutes before the start time just click and join the Zoom Meeting on this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82615600989?pwd=SWZMSmUxV3BiWGk4ZFVpdXdRRk1lQT09
Meeting ID: 826 1560 0989
Passcode: 195985

   This free on-line public talk by Kevin Nolan looks at how the James Webb Space Telescope due to be launched on the 18th December will provide unprecedented insights into the beginning of the Universe itself, on how the first stars and galaxies arose and on how new stars and planets form.

   Kevin Nolan is lecturer in physics at TU Dublin, Tallaght Campus. Kevin's first popular science book was published in 2008, titled "Mars, a Cosmic Stepping Stone". He is a volunteer for The Planetary Society and in this outreach capacity delivers talks, writes articles, offers occasional analysis on matters of space exploration to RTE TV and Radio.

 

 

8. Next Space and Astronomy Webinar, with your truly and Nick Howes. Spacestore.co.  Tue 30 November, 7.30 p.m.

 

9.  'Easy' Teaser – the answer.

Q. In a telescope without a drive, which First Magnitude star would move quickest through the field of view of any eyepiece?

CLUE: Think about this -  Conversely, which bright star (about 2nd mag), would move most slowly in the field of view of a telescope without a drive? if you know that, apply the opposite parameters, and then use a star atlas to find the answer.

OKAY -  No-one in the 'beginners' category has answered this, but Paul Evans did eventually give the correct answer.

The answer is Procyon, because it's the First magnitude star which is closest to the celestial equator. I thought that the clue would have helped – since the stars move due to the daily rotation of the Earth, the stars near the celestial poles move slowest. Indeed, Polaris would stay in the view of a low power eyepiece for a complete 24 hour rotation!

   Conversely, which stars appear to move fastest? – Obviously, those furthest from the poles, i.e. nearest the celestial equator. And a quick check would have shown that Procyon is the closest, at

Lat ~ +6 deg. Next = Betelgeuse, + 7 deg 24'; then Rigel, - 8 deg 12'; then Altair, ~ +9 deg.

  New 'Easy Teaser' in the next bulletin.

                                                                                                     

10. DIFFICULT TEASER + another extra hint
ZZUB. 

Yes, folks – that was it!

No-one has come close yet, so here are the hints -  

HINT 1. Part of the clue is in the nature of a joke.

HINT 2. Again, think of a joke, sort of a schoolkid joke….

HINT 3. You are looking for a lead to the name of an astronomer

   NB: I've had several suggestions along the lines that ZZUB backwards would be BUZZ Aldrin, or BUZZ LightYear), and leading on from those. That's partly the right way of thinking, but it's neither of those.

 

   Please send all answers to me at my aol address terrymosel@aol.com

 

11. Davagh Dark Sky Park and Observatory now open, with pre-booking, and some restrictions.

 See https://www.midulstercouncil.org/visitor/things-to-do/star-gazing/davagh-dark-sky-observatory , and https://www.facebook.com/omdarksky/ I'll post any updates here. Or phone 03000 132 132 for changing Covid-19 advice.

 

12. PAYMENT OF IAA ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: PAYPAL IS WORKING AGAIN ! Subscriptions were due on September 1. We're glad to be able to keep the amount unchanged for yet another year: £20 for individual membership, £25 for family membership (only one copy of STARDUST per family).

Anyone wishing to pay by bank transfer should contact the Treasurer, Pat O'Neill (pb.oneill@ntlworld.com, or treasurer@irishastro.org) for our bank details.

 

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

Astronomers discover enormous 'barrier' separating the center of the Milky Way from the cosmic ray sea | Live Science

One in five galaxies in the early universe could still be hidden behind cosmic dust -- ScienceDaily

High-speed propeller star is fastest spinning white dwarf -- ScienceDaily

Mini Black Holes may have smashed into the Moon https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/sci/moon-black-holes.html

 

EARTH & MOON

Earth is the Solar System's densest planet. It shouldn't be. - Big Think

NASA's DART Mission Could Help Cancel an Asteroid Apocalypse - Scientific American

A new era of planetary exploration: what we discovered on the far side of the Moon | Space

Antarctic ice-sheet destabilized within a decade: A new Study provides critical insights into ice mass loss in Antarctica -- ScienceDaily

Scientist reveals cause of lost magnetism at meteorite site -- ScienceDaily

Mini Black Holes may have smashed into the Moon https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/sci/moon-black-holes.html
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2298442-astronomers-have-found-a-second-trojan-asteroid-sharing-earths-orbit/

 

EXOLIFE

Life on Mars search could be misled by false fossils, study says -- ScienceDaily

Alien organisms – hitchhikers of the galaxy? -- ScienceDaily

 

IMAGES

Stunning snaps from Hubble's latest grand tour of the outer solar system (newatlas.com)

https://www.sciencealert.com/the-dramatic-birth-of-a-baby-star-has-been-captured-by-hubble

 

SOLAR SYSTEM

Life on Mars search could be misled by false fossils, study says -- ScienceDaily

Earth is the Solar System's densest planet. It shouldn't be. - Big Think

Watch Ingenuity Mars helicopter soar in amazing new videos from Perseverance rover | Space

Spacecraft will crash into asteroid to test [Video] (aol.co.uk)

 

SPACE

https://www.sciencealert.com/iodine-spacecraft-propulsion-has-been-tested-in-orbit 

"Irresponsible" Russian Anti-Satellite Test Creates Orbital Debris Field, Endangering the Space Station and Crew - Universe Today

Orbital Launch in January? Elon Musk Updates His Vision for SpaceX's Starship - Universe Today

Watch Ingenuity Mars helicopter soar in amazing new videos from Perseverance rover | Space

Space station astronauts resume normal operations after Russian anti-satellite missile test | Space

Meet LICIACube, the small but mighty spacecraft that will watch NASA's epic DART asteroid crash | Space

NASA wants to smash a spacecraft into an asteroid, but don't worry. Earth isn't at risk. | Space

LightSail 2 solar sail is still soaring above Earth more than two years after launch | Space

What we learned from living for a simulated year on Mars - https://www.facebook.com/111184950457867/posts/419447856298240/?sfnsn=scwspmo
Spacecraft will crash into asteroid to test [Video] (aol.co.uk) 

Private space startup Astra reaches orbit for the first time (newatlas.com)

 

Telescopes, Instruments, Techniques.

Scientists create insights into perhaps the most extreme state of matter produced on Earth -- ScienceDaily

The Just Wait Space Telescope lunch delayed to Dec 22…. James Webb Space Telescope launch delayed to Dec. 22 | Space

 

14.   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


 

Friday 19 November 2021

Lunar eclipse tonight, Lecture on Sun, STFC events, GAN, Giant planets, ISS, Observatory for sale, Webinar, Teasers, more

Hi all,

(NB, all times are summer time when in force, for convenience)

 

1. Large Partial Lunar Eclipse, tonight, 19 November.

A very large Partial Lunar Eclipse (mag 0.978) will occur on Nov 19, but maximum occurs after local moonset, so only part of the partial phase will be visible, as the Moon sets. The following details, for Belfast and Galway, show that the further West you are, the deeper the Moon will be into the eclipse before it sets.

Moon enters Penumbra           06h 00m 01s.   Altitude at Belfast = 14.9º      Altitude at Galway = 16.5º

Moon enters Umbra                07h 18m 03s    Altitude at Belfast = 04.8º      Altitude at Galway = 05.9º

Maximum eclipse                    09h 02m 34s    Altitude at Belfast = -7.0º       Altitude at Galway = - 6.7º

For the very far west of the Island, the Moon will be almost halfway through the eclipse as it sets.

Also, remember that as the Moon is getting very low in the NW, the Sun will be about to rise in the SE, so the sky will become increasingly brighter. Not easy to see, and a challenge to image the deeper umbral phases.  

 

2. IAA Lecture, Wed 24 November, 19.30.  "The Active Sun - Observations of our Closest Star", by Dr Laura Hayes, TCD.

   We live in the presence of an active star - our Sun. During times of high solar magnetic activity, large explosions called 'solar flares' occur on the Sun. Solar flares are the most powerful and energetic phenomenon in our solar system, and they can have significant space-weather impacts on the near-Earth environment. In particular, they cause disruptions to telecommunications, and our technological infrastructure. Hence, building a better understanding of how the physical processes that drive these solar explosions are of major importance in modern society. In this talk, I will present an introduction to our active Sun, how we observe and study it from both space- and ground-based observatories and how new data from ESA's Solar Orbiter mission that was launched last year will provide new clues to solar flare energy release.  

Biography:

Laura is a solar physicist who currently works as a research fellow at the European Space Agency (ESA) at ESTEC in the Netherlands. She received an undergraduate degree in theoretical physics from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and soon after joined the astrophysics research group at Trinity to complete her PhD in solar flare physics. Following her PhD, she joined NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as a postdoctoral fellow for two years where she continued to work on solar flares with a focus on X-ray observations.  Her research makes use of both space- and ground-based observations of the Sun in multiple wavelengths to help build a better understanding of the physical processes that underpin solar flare energy release. In particular, she is involved with ESA's Solar Orbiter mission which launched in 2020 which is now providing new and unique observations of the Sun.

DETAILS
Join Zoom Meeting

Time: Nov 24, 2021 07:15 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81395684573?pwd=dzVyRWNxVXBQdDhFa0FQYkVMNFF0QT09

Meeting ID: 813 9568 4573
Passcode: 986079

The room will open around 19:15 to allow for a prompt start

This talk will also be Simulcast on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/irishastronomy/videos

3. STFC events


22 November, 19:00
Missions to Near Earth Asteroids.
Online. Click here to book.

23 November, 18:00
Talking Science: The Science of Dr Who by Karl Byrne.
Online. Age recommendation for audience 12+. Click here to book.

 

 

4. Join Globe at Night (GaN) for the Last Campaigns in 2021!
Globe at Night is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure night-sky brightness and submit their observations. The last dates for the 2021 campaign are November 25–December 4, 2021.
Read more:  
https://www.globeatnight.org/6-steps.php  

 

5. Catch Saturn and Jupiter while you can.

SATURN: is still fairly close and bright, but it's very low from our latitude, so viewing conditions are not great. It's now mag 0.2, in Capricorn, with an apparent diameter of 18.2".

   The angle of the ring system to Earth has been steadily decreasing recently, so the rings no longer extend beyond the poles. Aesthetically, I think this angle, and down to an angle of about 10 degrees, is the most beautiful.

    Of the satellites, Titan is visible in any telescope, and Rhea is not too difficult. With the low altitude, it may be harder to see fainter Dione and Tethys, especially as they are closer to the planet. Big telescopes and good seeing are required for Enceladus and Mimas.

      I've seen them all, using the 10-inch refractor at Armagh Observatory, and my own 37cm Newtonian, but when Saturn was a lot higher up, and in much less light-polluted skies!

Jupiter is also still readily visible from UK & Ireland, after its Opposition on August 20. It's in Capricorn,  mag -2.6, some 20 degrees E of Saturn, and with an apparent diameter of 48". It's a bit higher up than Saturn, and that will gradually increase over the next few years.

   The four big Galilean moons are visible in even a modest telescope. This year, the Sun and Earth are almost exactly in the plane of Jupiter's equator, so the moons pass backwards and forwards almost exactly in the same plane. This means that sometimes they are so close together that they will appear as one, unless you use high magnification.

 

6.  ISS: The ISS will start a new series of evening passes on 21 November. Full details for your location on www.heavens-above.com 7

 

7. For Sale: Pulsar Observatory

Due to the unfortunate death of an IAA member, there is a rare chance to purchase a second hand 2.2m Pulsar Observatory.  The observatory is absolutely brand new (only delivered earlier in the year), and it has automated shutter and dome rotation kits complete. It is expected that the price will be around £3999. Delivery can be arranged. Anyone interested, contact Andy McCrea, who is acting on behalf of the widow: Email  s.mccrea980@btinternet.com

 

8. Next Space and Astronomy Webinar, with your truly and Nick Howes. Spacestore.co.  Tue 30 November, 7.30 p.m.

 

9.  'Easy' Teaser.

In a telescope without a drive, which First Magnitude star would move quickest through the field of view of any eyepiece?

  A CLUE – no suggestions for this one yet, so here's a clue. Think about this -  Conversely, which bright star (about 2nd mag), would move most slowly in the field of view of a telescope without a drive? if you know that, apply the opposite parameters, and then use a star atlas to find the answer.

(This one has been answered, but by someone who's not eligible for the 'Easy' category) so I'll leave it here for a while longer

                                                                                                     

10. NEW DIFFICULT TEASER + an extra hint
ZZUB. 

Yes, folks – that was it!

HINT: No-one has come even close yet, so here's a hint. -  Part of the clue is in the nature of a joke.

NB: I've had several suggestions along the lines that ZZUB backwards would be BUZZ Aldrin, or BUZZ LightYear), and leading on from those. That's partly the right way of thinking, but it's neither of those. Again, think of a joke, sort of a schoolkid joke….

 

   Please send all answers to me at my aol address terrymosel@aol.com

 

11. Davagh Dark Sky Park and Observatory now open, with pre-booking, and some restrictions.

 See https://www.midulstercouncil.org/visitor/things-to-do/star-gazing/davagh-dark-sky-observatory , and https://www.facebook.com/omdarksky/ I'll post any updates here. Or phone 03000 132 132 for changing Covid-19 advice.

 

12. PAYMENT OF IAA ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: PAYPAL IS WORKING AGAIN ! Subscriptions were due on September 1. We're glad to be able to keep the amount unchanged for yet another year: £20 for individual membership, £25 for family membership (only one copy of STARDUST per family).

Anyone wishing to pay by bank transfer should contact the Treasurer, Pat O'Neill (pb.oneill@ntlworld.com, or treasurer@irishastro.org) for our bank details.

 

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

The giant black hole of galaxy M87 shoots jets at nearly light speed | Space

Gravitational wave treasure trove shows black holes, neutron stars colliding | Space

Astronomers spot small black hole beyond the Milky Way in milestone discovery | Space

Black hole found hiding in star cluster outside our galaxy -- ScienceDaily

Gamma ray discovery could advance understanding of role of ultra-fast outflows in the evolution of galaxies -- ScienceDaily

Wormholes may be stable after all, new theory suggests | Live Science

Galaxy Collisions Preview Milky Way's Fate - Scientific American Very good article on galaxy mergers in general. But I wonder why the Andromeda galaxy is shown as spinning round its disc axis, as well as rotating about its central axis, whereas the Milky Way is not?

Astronomers team up to create new method to understand galaxy evolution: A husband-and-wife team of astronomers established the star formation history of a post-starburst galaxy using its cluster population. -- ScienceDaily

 

COSMOLOGY

Black holes may be growing as the universe expands | Space

 

EARTH & MOON

Earth's 1st continents arose hundreds of millions of years earlier than thought | Live Science

Near Earth asteroid might be a lost fragment of the Moon

https://www.facebook.com/groups/100328570137468/permalink/1615588681944775/?sfnsn=scwspmo&ref=share and
A 'quasi-moon' asteroid companion of Earth that may actually be a moon relic | Space

The moon's top layer alone has enough oxygen to sustain 8 billion people for 100,000 years | Space

Europe is warming faster than the rest of the world and scientists are puzzled | Space It gets worse and worse – follow the links about the Arctic!

A new era of planetary exploration: what we discovered on the far side of the Moon (theconversation.com)

Satellites discover huge amounts of undeclared methane emissions | Space#

The Beaver Moon lunar eclipse on Nov. 19 will be the longest of the century. Here are its stages explained. | Space

If an asteroid really threatened the Earth, what would a planetary defense mission look like? | Space

Solar 'Superflares' Rocked Earth Less Than 10,000 Years Ago--and Could Strike Again - Scientific American

 

EXOLIFE

Interstellar visitor 'Oumuamua wasn't a nitrogen iceberg, Harvard astrophysicists say | Live Science Loeb is still promoting his 'alien spacecraft' hypothesis, although indirectly, and with Siraj as first author, to deflect the reaction of most astronomers to seeing his name on yet another paper about this object!

 Life on Mars search could be misled by false fossils, study says -- ScienceDaily

 

EXOPLANETS

New method to detect Tatooine-like planets validated -- ScienceDaily

Tread lightly: 'Eggshell planets' possible around other stars -- ScienceDaily

Simulations provide clue to missing planets mystery -- ScienceDaily

 

SETI.

Why are we still searching for intelligent alien life? | Space

 

SOLAR SYSTEM

Mars helicopter Ingenuity aces 15th Red Planet flight | Space

Lucy's mission to the Trojan asteroids NASA's Lucy mission to the Trojan asteroids is on its way - Asteroid Day

Space rocks keep hitting Jupiter. What's the deal with that? | Space

Interstellar visitor 'Oumuamua wasn't a nitrogen iceberg, Harvard astrophysicists say | Live Science Loeb is still promoting his 'alien spacecraft' hypothesis, although indirectly, and with Siraj as first author, to deflect the reaction of most astronomers to seeing his name on a paper about this object!

If an asteroid really threatened the Earth, what would a planetary defense mission look like? | Space

   NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars just collected its 3rd sample of the Red Planet (photos) | Space

 

SPACE

Space station to dodge Chinese space junk before SpaceX Crew-3 astronaut launch | Space

SpaceX Dragon capsule with Crew-2 astronauts splashes down in Gulf of Mexico | Space

https://www.aol.com/spacex-aims-night-crew-launch-211022569-131731442.html

Startup SpinLaunch completes first test flight with wild rocket-flinging launch system | Space This is a bit different! It's the same principle as a slingshot. But the rocket and its payload would be subject to huge centrifugal G-forces - they don't say what the release speed is, but it seems to be supersonic. And I don't know what degree of vacuum they have in the spin chamber, but it can't be that great, as the tube is sealed just by some sort of plastic sheeting, unless there's an inner flap or door which retracts just before ejection.

See also SpinLaunch's rocket-free kinetic launch system conducts first test flight (newatlas.com)

China's first Shenzhou 13 spacewalk sees 2 astronauts test suits, robotic arm | Space

SpaceX launches Crew-3 astronauts to space station for NASA in nighttime liftoff | Space

Tour SpaceX's Crew Dragon Endurance with its Crew-3 astronauts in this NASA video | Space

SpaceX fires up Starship SN20 prototype in key 6-engine test (video) | Space

Space debris forces astronauts on space station to take shelter in return ships | Space

Russian anti-satellite test a 'dangerous and irresponsible' act that threatens astronauts, US says | Space

China is building a new ship for sea launches to space | Space

A chunk of a Chinese satellite almost hit the International Space Station. They dodged it — but the space junk problem is getting worse | Space

Court Turns Down Blue Origin's Attempt to Prevent SpaceX's Lander Contract - Universe Today

NASA's Target for First Artemis Moon Landing Slips to 2025 (universetoday.com)

On the launch pad at last, NASA's Webb telescope will probe first stars and weather on alien worlds | Science | AAAS

This is old, but still relevant Who's going to fix the space junk problem? | Space

And see Space debris from Russian anti-satellite missile test spotted in telescope images and video | Space

War in space began on Sunday. Here's why the superpowers are on red alert (msn.com)

'Space vandals': West fumes as Russia hails satellite strike's 'razor-sharp precision' (msn.com)

 

SUN

Solar 'Superflares' Rocked Earth Less Than 10,000 Years Ago--and Could Strike Again - Scientific American

 

Telescopes, Instruments, Techniques.

Hubble telescope team gets one science instrument running again, continues troubleshooting glitch | Space

New era of 'Great Observatories' may be coming for NASA | Space Space telescopes may be the future for optical and near-optical astronomy, given the increasing number of satellites planned to be launched. But those instruments simply could not cope with the demands for observing time.

   HST fixes continue https://www.facebook.com/100044501376615/posts/430914861735223/?sfnsn=scwspmo
https://scitechdaily.com/sending-a-tiny-telescope-past-saturn-could-solve-some-of-the-biggest-mysteries-of-the-universe/

 

14.   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


 

Tuesday 9 November 2021

The Moon: Earth's constant companion, STFC, AOP, GAN, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Meteors, Webinar, PLE, ISS, Teasers, Observatory for sale

Hi all,

(NB, all times are summer time when in force, for convenience)

 

1. IAA Lecture, Wed 10 November, 19.30.  Dr Donnacha O'Driscoll, UCD: "The Moon: Earth's Constant Companion"

This will be a general presentation on Earth's constant celestial companion, the Moon. Its formation, physical attributes, movements, effects on the Earth and how to observe it. It will be a fun, entertaining and hopefully informative talk that will have something in it for all ages with no prior knowledge required.

Biog.

It will be presented by IAS member Dr. Donnacha O'Driscoll who is a scientist by profession. He is the General Manager of the Science Foundation Ireland research centre 'Insight' in UCD. Although professionally he has worked in the biotechnology and data analytical sectors, his passion is in astronomy and in particular Lunar astronomy. He has been an active observer of the Moon for over 40 years and has presented many talks on the subject in that time. He established and runs the website www.themoon.ie which is an outreach project, acting as a source of information and teaching aids on all things Lunar to individuals young and old and to various groups and schools.

DETAILS
Time: Nov 10, 2021 07:15 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86346334772?pwd=L3AvZE9KZjZPMHZBT25BbkNkUUhHZz09
Meeting ID: 863 4633 4772

Passcode: 859645

 

 

2. STFC events

16 November, 19:00
Galaxies: past and present.
Online. Age recommendation for audience 12+. Click here to book.

22 November, 19:00
Missions to Near Earth Asteroids.
Online. Click here to book.

23 November, 18:00
Talking Science: The Science of Dr Who by Karl Byrne.
Online. Age recommendation for audience 12+. Click here to book.

 

 

 

3. AOP Free Show in November

FREE TICKETS
(We would appreciate a donation to our PhD Programme)

Tue 9 - Fri 12 Nov at 3pm
   Come to Armagh and see that show written and produced by AOP Director Prof. Michael Burton with soundtrack developed by the SRC Music Department. This show is being screened at COP26 in Glasgow!
   Recommended for those over the age of 6.
Your ticket includes entry to the exhibition area.
This is a free dome show but a donation to our PhD programme would be most appreciated.
   Written and Directed by AOP Director Prof. Michael Burton, "Our Place in the Cosmos" is a planetarium show about the special, fragile place of the Earth in our Galaxy, the only habitat we yet know able to sustain life.
Show lasts approx. 25 mins

Please note:

Pre-Booking only via www.armagh.space

We have reduced capacity in our dome theatre

Please arrive at least 15-20mins before your scheduled start time as shows start promptly

 

 4. Join Globe at Night (GaN) for the Last Campaigns in 2021!
Globe at Night is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure night-sky brightness and submit their observations. The last dates for the 2021 campaign are November 25–December 4, 2021.
Read more:  
https://www.globeatnight.org/6-steps.php  

 

5. Mercury is still visible low in the East in the morning twilight. Start looking about 45 minutes before local sunrise. It will brighten over the next few days, but will also be moving in closer to the Sun

   On the morning of Nov 10, Mercury (mag -0.9) will lie just 1 degree above left of Mars (mag 1.6)

Never use binoculars to search for Mercury when the Sun is above the horizon, or even just about to rise, just in  case you get it in their field of view.

 

6. Catch Saturn and Jupiter while you can.

SATURN: is still fairly close and bright, but it's very low from our latitude, so viewing conditions are not great. It's now mag 0.2, in Capricorn, with an apparent diameter of 18.2".

   The angle of the ring system to Earth has been steadily decreasing recently, so the rings no longer extend beyond the poles. Aesthetically, I think this angle, and down to an angle of about 10 degrees, is the most beautiful.

    Of the satellites, Titan is visible in any telescope, and Rhea is not too difficult. With the low altitude, it may be harder to see fainter Dione and Tethys, especially as they are closer to the planet. Big telescopes and good seeing are required for Enceladus and Mimas.

      I've seen them all, using the 10-inch refractor at Armagh Observatory, and my own 37cm Newtonian, but when Saturn was a lot higher up, and in much less light-polluted skies!

Jupiter is also still readily visible from UK & Ireland, after its Opposition on August 20. It's in Capricorn,  mag -2.6, some 20 degrees E of Saturn, and with an apparent diameter of 48". It's a bit higher up than Saturn, and that will gradually increase over the next few years.

   The four big Galilean moons are visible in even a modest telescope. This year, the Sun and Earth are almost exactly in the plane of Jupiter's equator, so the moons pass backwards and forwards almost exactly in the same plane. This means that sometimes they are so close together that they will appear as one, unless you use high magnification.

 

7. Northern Taurid Meteors, maximum, Nov 12. Not a major shower, and rather spoiled by a FQ Moon, but worth a look, especially after the Moon sets.

 

8. Next Space and Astronomy Webinar, with your truly and Nick Howes. Spacestore.co.  Wed 16 November, 7.30 p.m.

 

9. Leonid Meteors maximum, 17/18 November. No great activity expected this year, and the Moon is almost Full, so don't expect to see much.

 

10. Large Partial Lunar Eclipse, 19 November.

A very large Partial Lunar Eclipse (mag 0.978) will occur on Nov 19, but maximum occurs after local moonset, so only part of the partial phase will be visible, as the Moon sets. The following details, for Belfast and Galway, show that the further West you are, the deeper the Moon will be into the eclipse before it sets.

Moon enters Penumbra           06h 00m 01s.   Altitude at Belfast = 14.9º      Altitude at Galway = 16.5º

Moon enters Umbra                07h 18m 03s    Altitude at Belfast = 04.8º      Altitude at Galway = 05.9º

Maximum eclipse                    09h 02m 34s    Altitude at Belfast = -7.0º       Altitude at Galway = - 6.7º

For the very far west of the Island, the Moon will be almost halfway through the eclipse as it sets.

Also, remember that as the Moon is getting very low in the NW, the Sun will be about to rise in the SE, so the sky will become increasingly brighter. Not easy to see, and a challenge to image the deeper umbral phases.  

 

11.  ISS: The ISS will start a new series of evening passes on 21 November. Full details for your location on www.heavens-above.com 7

 

12. For Sale: Pulsar Observatory

Due to the unfortunate death of an IAA member, there is a rare chance to purchase a second hand 2.2m Pulsar Observatory.  The observatory is absolutely brand new (only delivered earlier in the year), and it has automated shutter and dome rotation kits complete. It is expected that the price will be around £3999. Delivery can be arranged. Anyone interested, contact Andy McCrea, who is acting on behalf of the widow: Email  s.mccrea980@btinternet.com

 

 

13.  'Easy' Teaser.

In a telescope without a drive, which First Magnitude star would move quickest through the field of view of any eyepiece?

  A CLUE – no suggestions for this one yet, so here's a clue. Think about this -  Conversely, which bright star (about 2nd mag), would move most slowly in the field of view of a telescope without a drive? if you know that, apply the opposite parameters, and then use a star atlas to find the answer.

(This one has been answered, but by someone who's not eligible for the 'Easy' category) so I'll leave it here for a while longer

                                                                                                     

14. NEW DIFFICULT TEASER + a hint
ZZUB. 

Yes, folks – that's it!

HINT: No-one has come even close yet, so here's a hint. -  Part of the clue is in the nature of a joke.

 

   Please send all answers to me at my aol address terrymosel@aol.com

 

15. Davagh Dark Sky Park and Observatory now open, with pre-booking, and some restrictions.

 See https://www.midulstercouncil.org/visitor/things-to-do/star-gazing/davagh-dark-sky-observatory , and https://www.facebook.com/omdarksky/ I'll post any updates here. Or phone 03000 132 132 for changing Covid-19 advice.

 

16. PAYMENT OF IAA ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: PAYPAL IS WORKING AGAIN ! Subscriptions were due on September 1. We're glad to be able to keep the amount unchanged for yet another year: £20 for individual membership, £25 for family membership (only one copy of STARDUST per family).

Anyone wishing to pay by bank transfer should contact the Treasurer, Pat O'Neill (pb.oneill@ntlworld.com, or treasurer@irishastro.org) for our bank details.

 

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.

 

ASTROPHYSICS

Neutron star collisions are 'goldmine' of heavy elements, study finds: Mergers between two neutron stars have produced more heavy elements in last 2.5 billion years than mergers between neutron stars and black holes. -- ScienceDaily

Black hole thermodynamics: A history from Penrose to Hawking -- ScienceDaily

94% of the universe's galaxies are permanently unreachable - Big Think

Astronomers discover massive galaxy 'shipyard' in the distant universe -- ScienceDaily

'Balding' black holes prove Einstein right again on general relativity | Space

Weird cosmic object keeps exploding over and over again, and scientists don't know why | Live Science

New study proposes expansion of the universe directly impacts black hole growth -- ScienceDaily So BHs extract energy directly from the expansion of space-time? How? If they do, how would that affect the accelerated expansion of the universe, attributed to Dark Energy? As there are more BHs now than there were, say 5 billion years ago, they would be extracting more energy from the expansion now, so that would slow it down – the opposite of what we seem to see. Curioser and curioser, said Alice….

Gravitational 'kick' may explain the strange shape at the center of Andromeda -- ScienceDaily

Scientists detect signs of water in a galaxy far, far away: New study marks most distant detection of required element for life as we know it in a regular star-forming galaxy -- ScienceDaily

Jet from giant galaxy M87: Computer modelling explains black hole observations: Further confirmation of Einstein's theory of general relativity -- ScienceDaily

Astronomers make most distant detection yet of fluorine in star-forming galaxy -- ScienceDaily

Spacetime shimmers in bumper crop of new gravitational wave detections (newatlas.com)

What's Snuffing Out Galaxies Before Their Time? - Universe Today

 

COSMOLOGY

94% of the universe's galaxies are permanently unreachable - Big Think Well worth reading, and enjoy the video fly-through of the HUDF!

BICEP3 tightens the bounds on cosmic inflation -- ScienceDaily Why do we need Inflation to explain isotropy, i.e.  that the universe is (almost) the same in all directions? Why can't it just be an inherent result of the Big Bang? Why assume that the universe would not be isotropic without it?

Spooky action at a distance: a haunted quantum world - Big Think

Is the Universe Fine-Tuned for Life? - Universe Today

 

EARTH & MOON

China's fresh moon rocks are younger than the Apollo samples and no one knows why | Space

Europe announces new satellite constellation to track human-made greenhouse gas emissions | Space

Space solar power's time may finally be coming (msn.com)

Terraforming: why the Moon is a better target than Mars - Big Think There's another factor favouring the Moon – the 8-month journey to get to Mars will result in much greater danger to astronauts than the 3 days it takes to get to the Moon. But there are also downsides – the region that has the water, at the Moon's N Pole, does not seem to have any lava tubes. Further, it gets much less sunlight than the Moon's low latitude regions, as the Sun just barely scrapes above the horizon there.  

Massive comet exploding over Chile 12,000 years ago may have created strange glassy rocks | Space and

Mysterious glass in the Atacama Desert may be from an ancient exploding comet | Live Science

'Cannibal' sun eruption gives departing astronauts their best aurora | Space

Powerful Landsat 9 satellite beams home 1st photos of Earth | Space

 

EXOLIFE

NASA is Getting Serious About the Search for Life in the Universe - Universe Today

 

EXOPLANETS

The upside-down orbits of a multi-planetary system: Astronomers have discovered exoplanets that orbit in planes at 90 degrees from each other. -- ScienceDaily

Astronomers may have discovered a planet outside of our galaxy -- ScienceDaily

Rocky exoplanets are even stranger than we thought: A new astrogeology study suggests that most nearby rocky exoplanets are quite unlike anything in our Solar System -- ScienceDaily

ExoMoons could host life https://www.facebook.com/100024704893495/posts/1080385612794925/?sfnsn=scwspmo

 

SETI.

SETI: Why extraterrestrial intelligence is more likely to be artificial than biological | Space

 

SOLAR SYSTEM

NASA's Juno spacecraft flew above Jupiter's Great Red Spot and discovered that the vortex churns up to 310 miles deep (msn.com)

NASA's Perseverance rover beamed back striking images of Mars after 2 weeks cut off from Earth (msn.com)

Perseverance rover snaps stunning images of Mars after communications blackout | Live Science

Juno peers deep into Jupiter's colorful belts and zones -- ScienceDaily

NASA's Juno probe reveals secrets of Jupiter's atmosphere in 3D | Space

Likely home of Martian meteorites pinpointed -- ScienceDaily

NASA says a glitchy strap could be behind Lucy asteroid probe's solar array troubles | Space

Watch NASA's Mars helicopter Ingenuity take its 14th flight in this full video | Space

A Mission to Explore the Methane Lakes on Titan - Universe Today

Moons are Planets too - Universe Today

 

SPACE

China launches 40th orbital rocket mission of 2021, a new record: report | Space

China launches military satellite that will take aim at space junk | Space

Back pain common among astronauts offers treatment insights for the earth-bound: Research reviews show back pain affects more than 50% of space travelers -- ScienceDaily

Making Martian rocket biofuel on Mars: New study outlines biotechnology process to produce rocket fuel on red planet -- ScienceDaily

Carbon nanotubes could help electronics withstand outer space's harsh conditions -- ScienceDaily

Amazon to launch 1st prototype internet satellites for Kuiper constellation in 2022 | Space

Microbes could be used to make rocket fuel on Mars (newatlas.com)

Engineers develop better method for cleaning up orbiting space junk -- ScienceDaily

Blue Origin's 'Mannequin Skywalker' goes on display at Space Camp | Space

Space solar power's time may finally be coming (msn.com)

Terraforming: why the Moon is a better target than Mars - Big Think There's another factor favouring the Moon – the 8 month journey to get to Mars will result in much greater danger to astronauts than the 3 days it takes to get to the Moon. But there are also downsides – the region that has the water – at the Moon's N Pole – does not seem to have any lava tubes. Further, it gets much less sunlight than the Moon's low latitude regions, as the Sun just barely scrapes above the horizon there.

Low-gravity simulator design offers new avenues for space research and mission training -- ScienceDaily

https://www.space.com/china-long-march-6-rocket-launches-sdgsat-1 

China's Shenzhou 13 crew takes its first spacewalk, the country's 1st by a female astronaut | Space

New Idea: Use the Starship HLS to Create a Lunar Base! - Universe Today

Blue Origin Announces the "Orbital Reef," the Space Station they Plan to Build in Orbit - Universe Today

Bacteria Could Make Rocket Fuel on Mars - Universe Today

More satellite space pollution? https://www.facebook.com/543617930/posts/10159321736077931/?sfnsn=scwspmo

 

SUN

Watch the sun fire off solar flares in this mesmerizing NASA video | Space

Sun outburst goes 'cannibal' as fast new blob overtakes a slower one | Space

'Cannibal CME' sun storm marks rise of new solar cycle in space weather | Space

 

Telescopes, Instruments, Techniques.

There are over 300 ways that the new James Webb Space Telescope could fail, NASA says | Space I have often wondered why they didn't design it so that as much of the deployment as possible would be done while it is still in LEO, so that any defects can be fixed by spacewalking astronauts, before sending the deployed array out to the L2 point.

Astronomers target habitable exoplanets, black holes and inclusivity as top priorities for next decade | Space And a new Space Telescope too!

Hunt for Alien Life Tops Next-Gen Wish List for U.S. Astronomy - Scientific American

Laboratory will illuminate formation, composition, activity of comets: New experiments will measure the properties of comet material in space-like conditions. -- ScienceDaily

Hubble Science Instruments are Malfunctioning, Putting the Telescope in Safe Mode - Universe Today

 

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