Hi all,
1. Space and astronomy Webinar, 7.30 p.m., Tues 15 February. With Nick Howes and Yours truly. Hosted by SpaceStore.co
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY_3uLbZ3Tk
2. IAA Lecture, Wed 16 February, 7.30 p.m. "SETI and Adaptive Optics: A Match Made in the Heavens". by Ben McKeon, NUIG
Synopsis:
This presentation gives an overview of SETI (the search for extra terrestrial intelligence) and the various methods by which this search is carried out. In the first part of the talk, I outline the history of SETI before detailing more recent work in this area, focusing briefly on the use of the I-LOFAR radio telescope for SETI activities. The disadvantages of conventional radio SETI techniques are discussed, while also highlighting the value of optical telescopes to the SETI cause.
The second part of this talk introduces my research on adaptive optics (AO) and how this technology is crucial for imaging exoplanets directly. I describe the main components of an AO system and how they work before speculating on how adaptive optics may be able to detect evidence of advanced alien civilisations.
Biog:
Ben says: I'm an avid space geek and first-year PhD student researching adaptive optics at NUI Galway. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the world of SETI last Summer when I took part in an internship with Breakthrough Listen and the Berkeley SETI Research Center. An active member of the NUIG Astronomy Society, I always enjoy talking about the wonders of the night sky. When I'm not tinkering with my own telescope or designing a new one, I'm usually found running, reading or knee-deep in a pile of Lego.
ZOOM DETAILS
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86036851590?pwd=RUVBYnVxSmZ5UHlwOTA1OGdvVmQ0QT09
Meeting ID: 860 3685 1590
Passcode: 833900
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. Online Seminar with Jill Tarter (emeritus Chair for SETI Research, SETI Institute, California, USA), Thursday, 17th February 2022 | 16:00h GMT
Are we alone? Humans have been asking this question throughout history. We want to know where we came from, how we fit into the cosmos, and where we are going. We want to know whether there is life beyond the Earth and whether any of it is intelligent.
Since the middle of the twentieth century we have had new tools that permit us to embark on a scientific exploration to try to answer this old question. We no longer have to ask the priests and philosophers what we should believe about extraterrestrial life; we can explore and discover what's actually out there. Our tools are getting ever better. We have discovered extremophiles in the most unexpected places on this planet and we have discovered that there really are far more planets than stars out there. We haven't yet found life beyond Earth. Evidence for extraterrestrial life may turn out to be ambiguous, as illustrated by the recent debate over the claim of Phosphine in the clouds of Venus, and whether this might imply biology. Evidence for technosignatures could be less ambiguous. There is a vast amount of other potentially-habitable real estate to explore beyond our solar system, and there are many plans to do just that. The 21st century will be the century in which we will find some answers.
As we look up and look out, we are forced to see ourselves from a cosmic perspective; a perspecive that shows us as all the same, all Earthlings. This perspective is fundamental to finding a way to sustain life on Earth for the long future.
Jill Tarter is the emeritus Chair for SETI Research at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California. As a founding member of the SETI institute, and as its director for SETI Research between 1999-2012, she has played a central role in securing private investment to advance SETI science after NASA's SETI program was terminated in 1993. She continues to do so as a member of the management board for the Allen Telescope Array (ATA). Throughout her distinguished career – which began with a Bachelor of Engineering Physics from Cornell and a PhD degree from UC Berkley – Jill Tarter's work in astronomy and astrobiology has been recognized by many awards, e.g.: two Public Service Medals from NASA, the Lifetime Achievement Award by Women in Aerospace (1989), the Adler Planetarium Women in Space Science Award (2003), the Carl Sagan Prize for Science Popularization (2005), the TED Prize (2009) and the 2014 Jansky Lectureship. She was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2002, Legacy Fellow of the American Astronomical Society in 2020, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021. In 2004 Time Magazine named her one of the Time 100 most influential people in the world, and in 2012 one of the Time 25 most influential people in space.
Please click on this Link for the Zoom Session >>
Meeting ID: 852 6990 9362 Password: 459004
4. Connemara Astronomy Club Lecture: Exploring Strange New Worlds: An Introduction to Exoplanets by Dr Steph Merritt, Queen's University Belfast, Thursday, 17th Feb @ 8 pm.
SYNOPSIS: Not too long ago, the existence of planets outside our own solar system was the stuff of speculation and science-fiction. We imagined far-away worlds and star systems, populated them with aliens, and rendered them as backdrops to thrilling space adventures. With the discovery of the first exoplanet in 1992, fiction became fact: and since that year, over 4000 exoplanets have been discovered, ranging from enormous gas giants one step away from being stars themselves to smaller terrestrial planets that can convincingly remind us of our own Earth. But how do we detect these strange new worlds? How can we learn more about them? And where are those aliens, anyway? This beginner's guide to exoplanets aims to answer these questions, covering the most common detection methods and characterisation techniques in the field, highlighting a few of the strange and wonderful worlds we've found, and exploring what it actually means for a planet to be "habitable".
Biog: Dr Merritt is an astronomer and planetary scientist at Queen's University Belfast, working in both exoplanet atmospheres and solar system science, where she is currently leading the development of open-access software designed to detect or disprove the existence of Planet Nine with the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83826832788?pwd=ZmluYWFhSDVVamc0WC9XUW9qcmlsUT09
Meeting ID: 838 2683 2788, Passcode: 428323
2A: Congratulations to the inimitable and indomitable Sinead Mannion, founder of the Club, on being awarded the William James McHenry Award by QUB. Very well deserved!
5. ARMAGH OBSERVATORY & PLANETARIUM INVITES YOU TO COME EXPLORE THIS MID-TERM
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this mid-term and into Spring to experience an out of this world trip to remember. The Planetarium is the ideal place to create long lasting memories and spark curiosity to learn more about space.
From immersive dome shows to exploring the cosmos at the interactive exhibition space, and sensory room, there is something to keep everyone captivated during their day out. The planetarium is equipped with a state-of-the-art Digistar 7 digital project system for an all-immersive theatre experience. Visitors of all ages will be immersed in a 360-degree dome experience where shows are played on the roof.
The planetarium is showcasing many dome-shows during the mid-term holidays and spring, suitable for all ages. Shows include, "Astronaut George" best suited for pre-schoolers and little ones. "Perfect Little Planet" is the ideal show for families as you discover the Solar System, taking you on the ultimate space vacation! "We are Stars" is the perfect animated dome show for over 6's and seeks to answer some of the biggest questions for all time; what are we made of and where did it all come from?
The shows are not just for the kids, adults have the chance to view some immersive dome shows too. "Look Up! A Winter Night Sky Tour" takes you on a tour around the night sky as seen from Ireland. Let a presenter guide you through the beautiful objects and constellations seen at this time of year. This show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky. More shows are available.
The cleverly designed interactive exhibition area allows little ones to explore outer space and broaden their curiosity for the intergalactic phenomena. You can touch a real piece of ancient history; a real meteorite!
To get outdoors, explore the Astropark which has a scale model of the Universe, brought down to Earth in a beautiful natural setting. As you journey through the park you will get to interact with a scale model of the Solar System.
The recently refurbished modern sensory room provides an enjoyable and calming multisensory experience for all our visitors, with features including bubble tubes and interactive exhibits. Leave some time in your day out to refuel at the café and explore the shop for treats, educational gifts and more.
For those with additional needs, a brand-new changing places facility is available to assist to ensure your day out is relaxing and you have everything you need.
Tickets for the dome shows and exhibitions are available to purchase online via www.armagh.space and pre booking is required. The Armagh Observatory & Planetarium is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday.
Armagh Planetarium: Half-Term dome shows, Mon 14 - Sun 20 February
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this half term and into spring to experience an out of this world trip to remember. The planetarium is the ideal place to create long lasting memories and spark curiosity to learn more about space.
From immersive dome shows to exploring the cosmos at the interactive exhibition space, and sensory room, there is something to keep everyone captivated during their day out.
Dome show Times:
10:15am: Perfect Little Planet (Relaxed)
11:00am: Astronaut George
12noon: Our Solar System
1pm: Look Up winter skies
2pm: We are Stars
3pm: Perfect Little Planet
4pm: Tales of a Time Traveler
Half-Term Special Events
AOP Big Quiz Night 18 Feb
Legendary Telescopes Tour 12 Feb-27 March
Online Startracker 22 Feb
Climate Change live science show 26-27 Feb
6. New February Sky Guide video by Paul Evans
7. JWST Latest
Webb Space Telescope Community Events and Resources
NASA and its partners want to share the experience of the Webb Space Telescope's first images with communities all over the United States and abroad. The release of Webb's first images in July 2022 represents a unique opportunity to engage our international community. You can apply to be a Community Event host, the deadline for applications is Friday, February 25, 2022. Other resources have been made available to the astronomy outreach community, including a launch kit and many informal education resources.
Read more: https://outerspace.stsci.edu/display/WSTCE/
8. Nostalgic Kelly's People video at Armagh Planetarium. Lots of familiar faces!
I found this video of Kelly's People shot at Armagh Planetarium in 1988, broadcast on 11/11/1988. It's almost 43m long.
Kelly's People: Armagh Planetarium - View media - Northern Ireland Screen | Digital Film Archive, if that doesn't work, I hope I've transcribed this ULR correctly!
https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/kellys-people-armagh-planetarium-4182
As well as myself, there's Terence Murtagh (Director), Lecturers John Flynn, John Tate and Martin Ratcliffe (all interviewed), Nigel Henbest and the late lovely Heather Couper (also interviewed), Past IAA Presidents Bruce Hardie, Ronnie Ormonde, (both dec'd), plus Andy McCrea (with hair!) and Tony Drennan (briefly interviewed); and other IAA members: George Brannan, Michael Duffy (with beard, interviewed), Mary Kirwan-Mackey, Derek Heatly, Dr Brian Sloan (now dec'd), Cecil McCartney (now dec'd), Diana Johnston and Lindsay Green. Also Stephen Armstrong (a technician at the Planetarium), and Stan Nesbitt.
If anyone recognises anyone else, let me know, with a time, and approximate location and description.
BTW, the seating in the dome then was in a circle, so you see two different halves of the audience at various times.
9. AOP and OM/Davagh listed in 10 best UK Observatories
https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/astronomical-observatories-uk/ It's great that both Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, and the new Observatory at OM/Davagh Dark Sky Park made it into this top ten list
10. Irish Asteroid names – request for information.
Michael O'Connell has asked for my help. He's compiling a list of all asteroids with Irish connections,
i.e. named after Irish people or places, or people closely associated with the country.
If any readers know of any not on the list (see last bulletin) please email me at terrymosel@aol.com and I'll pass the info on to him. (if you don't know the number, just give the name of the person or place, with as much relevant information as possible). Thanks.
11. Free February sky guide.
https://www.irishastronomy.org/kunena?view=topic&catid=42...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/irishastro/permalink/10160633878165955/?sfnsn=scwspmo&ref=share
12. Women and Girls in Astronomy 8 March
The Women and Girls in Astronomy project supports events that recognise the role of women in advancing science and encourages girls to consider careers in astronomy. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) strongly encourages activities throughout the year, with a particular focus on International Day adopted by the United Nations: International Women's Day on 8 March.
More on how you can take part in Women and Girls in Astronomy: https://www.iau.org/public/women-and-girls-in-astronomy/
13. IAU Announces Three New Prizes for Astronomy Education, Outreach and Development
The IAU is launching three new prizes to be awarded every three years at the General Assembly: the IAU Astronomy Education Prize, the IAU Astronomy Outreach Prize and the IAU Astronomy Development Prize. These awards have been created with generous funding from IAU Past President Ewine van Dishoeck. Nominations will be open from 15 February 2022 until 15 March 2022 for the first round of prizes, which will be presented at the IAU XXXI General Assembly in Busan, South Korea, in August this year.
Read more: https://www.iau.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iau2202/
14. Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition. Reach for the stars! Enter the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition for a chance to win £10,000 and be part of a major London exhibition. See
https://www.facebook.com/100140416703461/posts/4940918395958948/?sfnsn=mo
15. UK Students Space Conference, 5&6 March, 2022
NSSC 2022 (ukseds.org) Registration required!
The UKSEDS National Student Space Conference, now in its 34th year, is the premier event for students interested in space, usually uniting them with academics and professionals from across the country to network, share knowledge, and discuss the challenges facing the sector.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NSSC 2021 had to move online, however we managed to preserve the essence of the conference that students know and love. Consequently NSSC 2022 will be a hybrid event, with online attendees being able to watch the talks and ask questions, all through our Nebula platform.
It is open to all, and features talks by leading space science and industry figures, a careers fair, and opportunities to take part in discussions and networking events.
The event is organised by UKSEDS, the UK's national student space society, and is this year hosted by the KCL Space at King's College London.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or subscribe to our email newsletter for updates on this and other events.
16. International Day of Light, 16 May 2022
The International Day of Light (IDL) is a global initiative by UNESCO celebrated annually on the 16th of May, focusing on the significance of light and its role in science, art, technology, culture, education, and sustainable development in diverse fields, that help achieve UNESCO's goals – education, equality, and peace. This year IDL also focuses on the UN International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development 2022 & UN International Year Of Glass, the success of the James Webb Space Telescope and the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
To learn more and register your event: https://www.lightday.org
17. Our Place in Space Project: In conjunction with QUB's ARC and the NI Science Festival
The Our Place In Space project is coming to N. Ireland for three long spells this year: in Derry from 22nd April to 22nd May, on Divis mountain 11th June to 10th July & at the Folk & Transport Museum from 17th Sept to 1 October.
Details are on the website – www.ourplaceinspace.earth with a nice video of Stephen Smartt and Oliver Jeffers.
The IAA has been asked to provide accompanying stargazing events, and details of these will be announced shortly. Watch this space!
18. ISS:
The ISS will commence a new series of morning passes on 18 February. Full details for your location on www.heavens-above.com, and on various Smartphone Apps
19. NEW EASY TEASER: What do Centaurus, Crux and Orion, and only they, have in common?
20. DIFFICULT TEASER – Final clue
What does the number 695 represent?
When you see the answer your initial subjective reaction will be - Wow, that's amazing! Then you'll think – Well, yes, of course!
No correct answers yet, so here's the clues.
Clue 1. The exact figure is 694.83, so it's something we know fairly precisely!
Clue 2: It's to do with the solar system.
Clue 3. It's to do with angular measurement.
Clue 4. Maybe now someone will rise to the occasion.
Clue 5. You don't have to be horizontal to get this one, but…
Clue 6: If I asked you the question 'live', you would probably say, 'in very rough figures - about 720'.
(NB, there will only be no more clues after this one, so if no-one gets it, I claim total victory!)
Please send all Teaser answers to me at my aol address terrymosel@aol.com
21. Davagh Dark Sky Park and Observatory is 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.
22. 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:
Small galaxies can lose their dark matter in confrontations with Goliath galaxies (msn.com)
Astronomers discover a new type of star covered in helium burning ashes -- ScienceDaily
EARTH & MOON
Science breakthrough as researchers find key clue about origin of life: 'Scary how simple' (msn.com)
New Earth Trojan asteroid -- ScienceDaily
1.5 million-year-old fossil rewrites 'Out of Africa' theory (msn.com)
Antarctica breakthrough 'ends debate' on climate change as ice sheet VANISHED before (msn.com)
EXOLIFE
EXOPLANETS
Moons may yield clues to what makes planets habitable -- ScienceDaily
Tiny new planet discovered around Sun's nearest neighbor (newatlas.com)
SPACE
Rocket heading for Moon collision was launched by China, not SpaceX (newatlas.com)
First private spacewalk scheduled for late 2022 (newatlas.com)
EU lays out $6.8 billion satellite communication plan in space race (msn.com)
23. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION. This link gives options to join the IAA.
https://irishastro.org/join-the-iaa/ If you are a UK taxpayer, please select 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
No comments:
Post a Comment