Hi all,
1. IAA Lecture, Wed 2 March, 7.30 p.m. by Dr Deirdre Coffey, UCD. Star and planet formation: a whistle-stop tour!
Abstract
Studies of the birth of a star and its solar system have become particularly relevant in this exciting new era of extrasolar planets discoveries. I will outline our current understanding of how a star is born, and how observations of newly forming stars can hint at sites of newly forming planets. Finally, I will outline Ireland's involvement in the European Space Agency's upcoming space mission 'Ariel' to probe exoplanet atmospheres.
Brief Biography
Dr Deirdre Coffey is an Assistant Professor at the UCD School of Physics. She earned her PhD at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), which she followed with five years of post-doc experience based at Arcetri Observatory in Florence, Italy, and also at DIAS. She joined UCD in 2012. Her research interests are in the area of star and planet formation. Currently, she is National Program Manager for the European Space Agency's upcoming space mission 'Ariel' to probe exoplanet atmospheres; she is Chair of the Astronomical Society of Ireland; and committee member of the Institute of Physics in Ireland, as well as the Royal Irish Academy's Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences Committee.
ZOOM details: Time: Mar 2, 2022 07:15 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88613059568?pwd=am1hd2lTb214TWtTL3NxRC9KOGp3UT09
Meeting ID: 886 1305 9568
Passcode: 383639
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. ISS:
The ISS continues its series of morning passes until 10 March. It will then commence a new series of evening passes on 18 March. Full details for your location on www.heavens-above.com, and on various Smartphone Apps. One ray of hope - the crew of 4 Americans, 2 Russians and 1 German continue their collaborative work in spite of the carnage in Ukraine below.
3. ARMAGH OBSERVATORY & PLANETARIUM INVITES YOU TO COME EXPLORE
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this 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 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.
4. IAU and International Partners Urge UN to Protect Dark and Quiet Skies
The IAU, together with partner organisations, has submitted a new Working Paper to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), seeking to protect dark and quiet skies from interference by human activities. The paper was accepted for discussion at the opening of the 59th session of the COPUOS Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) — the first time that the issue of dark and quiet skies has been tabled as a formal agenda item by the UN.
Read more information:
https://www.iau.org/news/announcements/detail/ann22010/
5. 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.
6. 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/
7. Connemara Astronomy Club. We are super excited to launch our first ever Book Club meeting coinciding with International Women's Day on Tuesday, 8th March @ 8 pmThe Book is What Stars are Made of: The Life of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin by Donovan Moore. It can be ordered from The Clifden Bookshop and the usual online places. Topic: Connemara Astronomy Club Book Club
Time: Mar 8, 2022 08:00 PM Dublin
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83489461726?pwd=TzFJeXI5SFJWQzJKU0FuenNBSkxsZz09
Meeting ID: 834 8946 1726
Passcode: 806704
8. IAU Announces 3 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/
9. 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
10. 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!
11. 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
12. NEW EASY TEASER: What do Centaurus, Crux and Orion, and only they, have in common?
13. NEW DIFFICULT TEASER –
A T C G f P e M b J S What's the astronomical connection? Note, the ATCG has nothing to do with the 4 DNA bases Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine and Guanine – it's just coincidence.
Please send all Teaser answers to me at my aol address terrymosel@aol.com
14. 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.
15. 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:
Ultra-fast radio burst could usher in whole new class of space signals (newatlas.com)
Possible massive 'kilonova' explosion creates an epic afterglow | Space
Death spiral: A black hole spins on its side -- ScienceDaily
COSMOLOGY
Was Einstein wrong? The case against space-time theory (msn.com)
EARTH & MOON
What is the temperature on the moon? (msn.com)
China's moon rover spots 2 strange glass spheres on far side (msn.com)
New GOES-T weather satellite to offer scientists sharper eyes on Earth's climate (msn.com)
Detailed images like never before of the Apollo sites on the Moon - Arover
Looming Rocket Impact Forecasts Trouble for Future Lunar Exploration - Scientific American
The Termination Event has Arrived | Spaceweather.com (spaceweatherarchive.com) I include this here, as it has implications for Earth.
EXOPLANETS
SPACE
Rockets to lift off from Shetland Islands by year's end (msn.com)
Rocket Lab will launch its 1st mission from new pad today. Here's how to watch live (msn.com)
Europe's joint Mars mission with Russia postponed by Ukraine war (msn.com)
High-energy boron-based fuels promise cleaner, greener space rockets (newatlas.com)
- https://spacenews.com/russian-asat-debris-creating-squalls-of-close-approaches-with-satellites/
Peace in space: Nasa says US and Russian astronauts still working together (msn.com). This is not really surprising – most astronauts and cosmonauts have a very liberal attitude to geopolitics, and I doubt if any of the cosmonauts support the invasion.
What happens when someone dies in space? Space tourism brings new legal and moral issues | Space
SUN
Massive solar telescope starts science observations (msn.com) Don't forget the contribution by Prof Mihalis Mathioudakis of the ARC in QUB.
The Termination Event has Arrived | Spaceweather.com (spaceweatherarchive.com)
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES.
James Webb Space Telescope plans probe of massive star radiation (msn.com)
16. 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
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