Hi all,
Please note: send all correspondence to me only at: terrymosel@aol.com
1. IAA Lecture, Wednesday 5 March, 7.30 p.m., Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics building, QUB: "Insights offered by comet nuclei and the upcoming Comet Interceptor mission"
Synopsis:
The formation and migration history of the Solar System is encoded in remnant planetary disc material, known to us as the diverse populations of minor planets. Of these, comets are some of the most pristine and provide us with regular opportunities to study their properties up close as they approach the Sun on eccentric orbits.
Comets are most well known for their spectacular displays of activity in which the central, solid nucleus becomes shrouded by a coma of dust and gas. However, during periods of inactivity we can directly probe the surface properties of their nuclei.
In this talk, I will describe the insights offered by observations of short-period comet nuclei, including how we use rotational lightcurves to extract information about their physical and surface properties, and what these tell us about their evolutionary path through the Solar System.
I will also outline the upcoming Comet Interceptor mission, a fast-class collaboration between ESA and JAXA with significant contributions from UK scientists. Expected to launch in 2029, the mission aims to perform the first ever flyby of a comet making its first approach to the inner Solar System, providing us with an up-close look at some of the least thermally processed material in the Solar System.
BIO:
Dr Abbie Donaldson is a research associate at the University of Edinburgh working with Professor Colin Snodgrass as Science Support Officer for Comet Interceptor. She completed her PhD in 2024, during which she studied Jupiter-family comets using ground-based observing facilities.
2. REQUEST FOR PHOTOS FROM IAA MEMBERS
The IAA has been invited by the organisers of INSAP 2025: "The 13th International Conference on the Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena" at QUB in June, to display an exhibition of astrophotos taken by members as part of the conference (see item 18 below). Only photos taken by paid-up IAA members are eligible, but they can have been taken anywhere in the world.
Initially they should be submitted as jpegs of less than 5Mb, but higher quality will be required for printing. Each should accompanied with a small caption stating what it is, and when and where it was taken. They can be of anything from meteors and aurorae to distant galaxies, and everything in between.
Submissions should be sent to Bernie Brown at bernie@berniebrown.biz as soon as possible.
3. IRISH ASTRONOMY WEEK, 1 – 8 March
Irish Astronomy Week 2025 is scheduled from March 1st to 8th, offering a variety of free events across Ireland to promote astronomy and space science. The project is the brainchild of Ronan Newman while the event now in its third year's plays host to almost 100 events including public library talks, stargazing sessions, workshops, planetarium shows, and exhibitions. The 2025 theme, "Our Place Amongst the Stars," encourages reflection on humanity's position in the universe. Keep an eye on the https://www.irishastronomyweek.ie/events-2025/ for regular updates in your county. For a visual overview, you might find this video about Irish Astronomy Week 2025 by Paul Evans very informative: https://youtu.be/V1K_YFm3qmc?si=7hTpTaJDUu9ScJM8
To keep Irish Astronomy Week going to 2026/27 we urgently needs financial support especially to pay for the website and stationary for libraries, please donate to https://gofund.me/cfdf7527
During Irish Astronomy Week, you'll typically find: Public talks by prominent astronomers and astrophysicists, covering topics like black holes, planets, and stars. Stargazing sessions with telescopes set up for public use to view the beautiful March conjunction of planets and Moon hosted by local astronomy clubs or observatories. Workshops and activities in libraries aimed at children and families, with fun and educational activities related to space. Planetarium shows and virtual reality experiences to help people explore space in immersive ways
Outreach events in schools to inspire students about careers in space science and technology. Irish Astronomy Week provides an opportunity for both amateur astronomers and the general public to explore astronomy together and to develop a greater appreciation for the night sky. Information about it can be found through our Facebook page, our website and other related groups as the week approaches.
See https://www.facebook.com/share/1B124rbzHv/
And https://www.facebook.com/share/18UAaWnbBB/
4. Irish Astronomy Week Event; March 5, Belfast Central Library
I will be giving a public lecture in Belfast Central Library, Royal Avenue, at 11.30 a.m, entitled Our View of the Universe.
Admission free, but Booking essential, Ask staff for details
t: 028 9050 9150
e: belfast.central@librariesni.org.uk
5. Mayo Dark Sky Events for Irish Astronomy Week, 7th March.
More info here: https://www.mayodarkskypark.ie/news/irish-astronomy-week/
Registration Link; https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MbqzcDseQGONa-PgeBTcqQ#/registration
6. Moon reaches its Northernmost point for 2025 on 7 March.
This is called the Major Northern Lunar Standstill, when the Moon will have a Declination of +28ยบ 42.6'
7. MERCURY has a good evening apparition.
The innermost planet is visible as an evening star in the first half of March, with Greatest Eastern Elongation on March 8. Start looking about 30 minutes after local sunset, using binoculars at first. It lies to the lower right of much brighter Venus throughout most of this apparition.
| 8. CORK ASTRONOMY CLUB EVENTS for Irish Astronomy Week Astrophotography talk — Saturday March 8 — Sara Harvey (winner of the Irish astrophotography competition 'Reach for the Stars') will give a talk on "Our Galaxy and Beyond: Deep Space Photography" — capturing images of the night sky from Nebulae, to dust, star clusters and galaxies — learn how this can be done from the comfort of your back garden — perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, photography lovers and dreamers alike.
9. WARNING! I strongly advise against buying binoculars from Temu! Based on their latest advertisements, they haven't the slightest idea what they are selling. There's a pair of 8x35, for which the advert is full of errors: (1) It says that the larger the objective lens, the wider the field of view. Categorically not true. The field of view is determined only by the magnification and the eyepiece design. (2) It describes their Field of View as "8m FT at 1600m" This is meaningless. FOV is given by convention either as angular degrees, e.g. 8,2 degrees, or as xxm at 1000m (or in USA xxft at 1,000 yards) If the advert is meant to be 8 million feet at 1600m, that's meaningless. If it's meant to be 8 million feet at 1600 miles, that's laughable, as there's nowhere on Earth where you can see for 1600 miles, and it would be meaningless in space. It's also impossible, as 8 million feet is 1515 miles, and 1515 miles width of FOV at 1600 miles is impossible for binoculars. If we ignore the 'FT", and take it as "8m at 1600m", that's ridiculously small. (3): the text says that they are "fixed focus", whereas the photo clearly shows a focussing wheel! (4) the text says that they are not waterproof, but one of the photos shows them half immersed in water! (5) The spec says that their 'range' is 20km. That's pathetic, as I have a similar size pair which have a range of 2.7 million Light-years, i.e. to M33 in Triangulum. And I can even see 100km on Earth with my unaided eyes on a clear day! (Sensible people don't buy from Temu anyway!)
10. ISS. The ISS will start a new series of evening passes on 13 March. See www.heavens_above.com for details.
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11. Venus: the Evening Star
Venus is now by far the brightest starlike object in the night sky! The magnitude is now -4.5, and the apparent diameter is 47", and the crescent phase is visible in binocular in twilight.
12. Brilliant Jupiter dominates the dark sky!
The king of the planets is still really bright in E Taurus after its opposition on 7 December. It's mag -2.2, which makes it the second brightest planet, after Venus. It's nicely up in the Eastern sky as soon as twilight ends.
The apparent disc diameter is now gradually decreasing, but is still an impressive 40". Even a 75mm telescope will show the Great Red Spot when it's on or near the meridian. Binoculars will show the 4 big Galilean Moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto, and a moderate telescope will show at least the start and end of their transits across the disc. That's because the edge of the planet is darker than the middle due to 'limb darkening', so the bright satellite shows up against the dark background. But when the satellite is near the middle of the disc, the contrast with the brighter background is much less, and it takes a big telescope and steady seeing to reveal the satellite.
However, the much darker shadows of the satellites are easy to see the whole way across the disc. Also interesting to watch, and easier to see, are the satellites entering and leaving eclipse in Jupiter's shadow, except very near opposition when this happens very close to the disc itself, as now.
At the moment, the outer Moon, Callisto, does not undergo any of these phenomena, because of the orbital tilt at present, so it always passes just above or just below the disc of Jupiter each orbit.
See NASA | Jupiter in 4k Ultra HD
13. MARS now fading. The Red Planet is still prominent late in the night, near Castor and Pollux in Gemini, forming almost an isosceles triangle with them. It's magnitude -0.2, but comparatively small with an apparent diameter of only 10".
14. New budget-priced and very portable smartscope
Review: Smart stargazing with a Dwarf III telescope and a phone
This is even smaller and more portable than the Seestar 30. I don't know if it's available in UK/Ireland yet.
15. WhatsApp Group for alerts on Observing Nights.
The IAA have set up a WhatsApp Group for updates on Observing Nights. If you would like to be included in this group, please e-mail Mary at callistoboxers@hotmail.com with your full name & mobile telephone number.
No discussions about anything other than Observing Nights will be posted on this group.
16. Total Lunar Eclipse, 14 March. This occurs in the pre-dawn sky, as the Moon is getting very low in the West. The start of totality is just visible here before the Moon sets. The further West you are on the island, the later the Moonset, and so the more of totality you'll see – clouds permitting.
17. Partial Solar Eclipse, 29 March. The magnitude will be over 50% for all of Ireland, with NW Mayo getting 57%. The IAA hopes to organise at least one public observing event for this eclipse.
18. INSAP, QUB, 9-12 June, and at AOP, 13 June. This major international conference celebrates the "Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena" in the arts
See: INSAP 2025 | School of Arts, English and Languages | Queen's University Belfast
"The 13th International Conference on the Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena (INSAP) offers a dynamic forum for scholars, artists and enthusiasts from a variety of disciplines to explore the profound impact of astronomical phenomena on human thought, culture and artistic expression throughout history. From ancient mythology to modern art, and from literary works to cutting-edge scientific research, the conference fosters interdisciplinary dialogue that bridges the gap between science and the humanities. This year's theme, Celestial Connections Across Time and Space, explores the diverse ways in which celestial events have driven scientific innovation, sparked ethical, religious and philosophical questions and inspired artistic and literary creativity throughout history.
Northern Ireland, with its stunning landscapes and legendary skies, has long inspired awe and wonder. From the ancient megalithic monuments like the Giant's Ring and Beaghmore Stone Circles, which align with celestial events, to the region's clear, starry nights that offer breathtaking views of the Milky Way, it is a location where the heavens and Earth converge in a profound dialogue.
Taking place at Queen's University Belfast 8-13 June in the iconic Canada Room and Council Chamber within the Lanyon Building and on 13 June at the historic Armagh Observatory, the conference covers an extensive range of topics—from ancient astronomy and indigenous sky lore to the latest advances in astrophysics and space exploration.
Highlights of the conference include keynote lectures by leading experts Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell (Department of Physics, Oxford University) and Professor Tom Ray (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies), expert-led sessions on neolithic sites like Newgrange, Dowth, Knowth and Stonehenge, interactive workshops, art and astro-photography exhibitions and panel discussions that will inspire new perspectives and collaborations.
The Welcome Reception will be held on Sunday 8 June in the Rotunda of Belfast City Hall. Delegates will explore the rich history of Belfast and enjoy a private, guided tour of the iconic City Hall. The tour will provide access to areas typically closed to the public, including The Council Chamber and the Robing Room, where the civic chains and official jewels are displayed.
The Conference Dinner is scheduled for June 12 at Belfast Castle, nestled on the picturesque slopes of Cave Hill Country Park.
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, one of the oldest observatories in the UK and Ireland, centre for astronomical research since its establishment in 1790. Today, it remains a vital institution for studies in solar physics, stellar activity and climate science. As well as Armagh Observatory, the Planetarium plays a crucial role in public outreach and education, inspiring the next generation of astronomers through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Other events include cultural and musical performances, a guided bus tour of Belfast, stargazing sessions and the optional guided tour of Ireland's key astronomical landmarks of Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth on Saturday 14 June.
The conference is supported by the School of Arts, English and Languages (Queen's University Belfast), the 'Crossing Frontiers: Medieval Visions of Modern Science' International Research Network, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, NI SPACE, Belfast City Council, Visit Belfast, and the Irish Astronomical Association."
19. European Astronomy Society 2025 meeting in Cork 23-27 June 2025. This is the body representing professional astronomers throughout Europe. There will be at least one public lecture, details tba.
20. ALAN 2025, 28 – 30 October 2025, Westport.
Preparations are under way for the 9th Scientific Conference on Artificial Light At Night, ALAN2025, from October 28-30, 2025, in Westport, Ireland. Our host will be Dark Sky Ireland. The invited speakers will be revealed soon, but we can already promise you interesting talks about science, governance, dark sky outreach, and lighting design.
The conference offers a platform for interdisciplinary networking and exchange on the topics Biology & Ecology, Governance & Regulations, Health, Measurements & Modelling, Social Sciences & Humanities, Technology & Design.
We welcome researchers, lighting professionals, policy makers, light pollution activists, and everybody who is interested in the effects of artificial light at night. The conference aims to present new findings, exchange experiences and ideas, network, and discuss hoe artificial light can be used with less negative impacts.
I'm on the organising committee for this event, so I'll keep you posted regarding the programme.
For more information check out our website at artificiallightatnight.org .
NB - the cut off date for submission of abstracts for anyone wishing to present at ALAN'25 is coming up on the 20th of March. This will be followed immediately by the wonderful Mayo Dark Sky Festival in nearby Newport –
21: Mayo Dark Sky Festival, 31 October – 2 November. More details later.
22. Exciting Opportunities for Research and Collaboration from the IAU Professional-Amateur Working Group
The IAU Professional-Amateur Working Group (Pro-Am WG) has launched the IAU Pro-Am Research Collaboration (PARC), an initiative that promotes and facilitates professional-amateur research collaborations in astronomy. PARC aims to enhance professional astronomy research capacity through collaboration with amateur astronomers.
23: Eclipse planning.
This may be of interest to those planning observing locations for the total solar eclipses in 2026 and 2027
Global risk map reveals the most dangerous countries and cities
And weather prospects for the coming eclipses such as the one in Spain in 2026, and N. Africa in 2027, are on www.eclipsophile.com . The discussions there will help you pick a site for the eclipse, as weather is one of the important factors to consider.
24: Recurrent Nova T Corona Borealis – Now postponed to 2025 – or later????
(Since there's still absolutely no sign of it going off, I've put this to the end of this section)
I hate to have to say – "I told you so." OK, that's not true – everyone likes to know that they've been right, when they've gone out on a limb!
The Story:
There were reports on social media in early March 2024 that T CrB was due to explode again in the next week or two, i.e. in late March: I stuck my neck out, and said that we couldn't predict the next outburst with that degree of accuracy. I was right.
There have since been several more articles, saying much the same thing, and it still hasn't happened. The position remains the same - It could explode tomorrow – or not for another year or more! It's normally around magnitude 10 but in 1946 it faded to about 11 just before the outburst on 9 February, but at outburst it reaches mag 2.0 or 3.0 (as in 1946)
The first outburst was discovered by Irish astronomer John Birmingham in Tuam, Co Galway, on 12 May 1866. Earlier archive observations indicate possible previous outbursts in 1217, 1787, as well as 1866 & 1946. The eruptions in 1787, 1866 and 1946, indicated an approximate 80 year period. BUT you can't assume a period from only 2 intervals ! However, in the year before the 1946 outburst, it dimmed to magnitude 12.3, and this has happened again recently, suggesting a possible outburst is imminent. BUT, once again, you can't predict from a single event!
Incidentally, the gap from 1217 to 1787, assuming some eruptions that were not observed, gives a
period of 81.4 years if there were 7 outbursts. And if we add on the two later outbursts, 1866 & 1946, that gives an average period of 81.0 years. So 1946 + 81 gives 2027….. ! Just sayin' …..
As I've said many times, while there are records of several previous explosions, we only have a sample of one set of detailed observations of the pre-explosion stage – in 1946. And it's always dangerous to extrapolate from one set of observations!
So, keep an eye on it - comparison charts can be found on the websites of the BAA Variable Star Section, or the AAVSO. The current magnitude is around 10, so you'll need a good telescope to see it now.
(BTW, don't confuse it with the other nearby famous variable star, R CrB, which does the opposite – it stays normally around 6th magnitude, but occasionally dims to as faint as magnitude 14 or 15!)
(And for comparison, the other not quite so well-known recurrent nova, RS Oph, was seen to, or is thought to have, erupted 9 times since 1898 – with intervals of approximately 9, 26, 12, 13, 9, 18, 21 and 18 years; so its period is by no means constant. It could also be that the 26 year interval actually comprises 3 of just under 9 years, 2 of which were missed; similarly with the 18 and 21-year intervals. It would be very easy to miss some eruptions if they occurred near its solar conjunctions. However, as T CrB is visible all year round, it's very unlikely that any outbursts since 1946 have been missed)
Anyway, do keep an eye out – T CrB lies just outside the East side of the circle of the 'Crown', about a degree from Epsilon CrB, but you really do need charts to observe it properly. It's now visible in the morning sky in the East from about midnight., and high enough for proper observation by about 1 a.m.
It's at Declination: 25° 55′ 12.613″; R.A.: 15h 59m 30.1622s
LATEST - REALITY BITES!
Now they're saying "sometime this year" (that was 2024) – and also, in the same article "within the next couple of years" ! What Is the 'Zombie Star' Set To Come Back to Life According to NASA? - Newsweek
FINALLY - Someone else confirms what I've been saying since early March!
T Coronae Borealis: Why the mysterious star still remains unexploded
See near the end - "When should we expect an explosion?"
ANOTHER UPDATE: Where's the Blaze Star? Why the overdue 'new star' T Coronae Borealis has yet to light up the night sky
It's NOT overdue. Any sensible assessment would have concluded that it was impossible to predict to within a year, let alone within weeks or months!
And the latest: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/24825144.rare-t-corona-borealis-star-system-visible-norfolk/
I wonder why Norfolk is to be so lucky?!?
26. NEW DIFFICULT TEASER
What does the quantity 859,540 km represent in astronomy? (actually, 859,539 is the most accurate figure I can get, but I don't think it's known to that degree of precision!)
No answers yet, so here's a clue: It's a round figure.
Another clue: It relates to something in the Solar System.
Another clue: You might get it in a roundabout fashion.
And another: It's as easy as A, B, C….
UPDATE: Another, more recent source gives the figure as 859,413,
27. NEW EASY TEASER:
What two distinctions are held by the constellation Scorpius? I'll give credit for either one, with a special mention for anyone who gets both!
No answers yet, so here's a clue. In each case, it's beating 11 others.
And another clue: In one case, it's the smallest/least parameter in which it holds the record.
Another clue: Both answers relate to astronomy rather than astrology.
Another clue: In fact, to astrologers, one of them does not apply at all, and the other is irrelevant.
Remember, only send answers to me at my aol address: terrymosel@aol.com.
28. 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:
'Einstein's equations need to be refined': Tweaks to general relativity could finally explain what lies at the heart of a black holeMost powerful cosmic rays in the universe start shockingly close to Earth, paper claims
James Webb Space Telescope joins cosmic detectives in hunt for dark matter | Space
COSMOLOGY'Einstein's equations need to be refined': Tweaks to general relativity could finally explain what lies at the heart of a black hole EARTH & MOON'We're on the moon!' Private Blue Ghost moon lander aces historic lunar landing for NASA | Space
Moon touchdown for Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost lander private spacecraft
Public Vote Names Quasi-Moon Cardea After Roman Goddess of Thresholds | IAU
ccor_newmoon1_full_opt.gif (1204×1255)
NASA's water-hunting Lunar Trailblazer probe suffers glitch on its way to the moon | Space
Private Blue Ghost lander sees far side of the moon in breathtaking detail ahead of lunar landing (video) | Space
SpaceX rocket launches private moon lander and NASA 'trailblazer' to hunt for lunar water | Space
EXOPLANETS Scientists just looked inside a truly sci-fi planet | Mashable
IMAGESSpace photo of the week: James Webb telescope reveals mysterious 'light echo' in the broken heart of Cassiopeia | Live Science
SOLAR SYSTEM Space breakthrough as Elon Musk launches rocket on unprecedented mission
Chinese scientists developing Mars drone that can roll and fly across Red Planet (video)
Earth's new 'Quasi-Moon' is named Cardea Public Vote Names Quasi-Moon Cardea After Roman Goddess of Thresholds | IAU
NASA supercomputer finds billions of comets mimicking the Milky Way's shape: 'The universe seems to like spirals!' | Space
Space breakthrough as Chinese Rover finds evidence of beaches on Mars as Red Planet had a warmer climate and vast ocean
SPACE NASA delays launch of SPHEREx and PUNCH missions to March 6
NASA's Push for Commercial Partners | Watch
Space breakthrough as Elon Musk launches rocket on unprecedented mission
Chinese scientists developing Mars drone that can roll and fly across Red Planet (video)
European satellite launcher set for first commercial blast off
NASA's water-hunting Lunar Trailblazer probe suffers glitch on its way to the moon | Space
SpaceX gets FAA approval for Flight 8 of Starship megarocket
SpaceX rocket launches private moon lander and NASA 'trailblazer' to hunt for lunar water | Space
Katy Perry set to travel to space as part of all-female mission
BIG-designed hard drive launches to the moon on SpaceX rocket
International Space Station too clean, say scientists
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES.
Review: Smart stargazing with a Dwarf III telescope and a phone
UK-built camera systems on NASA mission to study the Sun – UKRI
FINAL WORD:
"The treasures hidden in the heavens are so rich that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment." - Johannes Kepler
29. 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 http://www.irishastro.org/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
