Hi all,
1. IAA LECTURE Wednesday 26 November, 7.30 p.m. Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB: : "Observing Asteroid Occultations from a Remote Observatory" by Michael O'Connell,
ABSTRACT
Occultations are essentially mini-eclipses where a planetary body (such as the Moon, planet or asteroid), blocks the light of a star or other stellar target from reaching the Earth. The dip in the light curve due to this shadow effect can be analysed to tell us something about the planetary body or the stellar target itself. Michael's talk aims to present some of the basics of observing occultations and the results derived therefrom. Michael will also explain how he is using his equipment in a remote observatory in Spain to pursue these observations.
Bio:
Michael is an amateur astronomer residing in Co. Kildare. Michael is a former chairperson of the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies (IFAS) and Midlands Astronomy Club (MAC).
Aside from observing occultation events, Michael is also an active solar observer, member of the BAA, and operates 3 meteor cameras from his home as part of the Global Meteor Network (GMN).
Michael has previously presented to the IAA on the topics of 'The Antikythera Mechanism' and 'Amateur Observations of Meteors'.
2. PROPOSED IAA Christmas / Seasonal Social Event:
We want to gauge interest in having an event BEFORE Xmas,. Details to be decided. It would involve a film/DVD plus a meal
Possible dates in December are Wed 17th, Sat 20th, or Sun 21st.
Please let me know by return if you would be interested, and which date(s) would suit you.
3. Benburb Priory, Tuesday 9 December, 8 p.m.
Free admission. Join us for a fascinating illustrated talk by Mark Bailey, Emeritus Director, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium titled:
"Giant Comets and Their Impacts Through Time: The Remarkable Comet Encke"
Discover how massive "giant" comets may have shaped the night sky, inspired ancient beliefs, and influenced early human history.
All welcome
Don't miss this thought-provoking journey through astronomy, history, and myth.
#BenburbPriory #Benburb #Comets
4. GEMINIDS meteor shower observing event
The Geminids peak next Sat. & Sun. 13/14 December. To observe these, we have planned an event at the foot of Sketrick Castle, adjacent to the Outdoor Activities Centre. All are welcome, no booking required, details below.
The Moon will not rise until after 03:00 on Sunday morning so, weather permitting, the conditions will be ideal. The meteors are fast (70km/second) and often bright, usually white but occasionally yellow, green, red or blue. In perfect conditions up to 120 per hour can be seen though we might realistically hope to see between 15-30. At least one yellow tabard-clad IAA council member will be there with a laser pointer to point out the constellations and planets and provide more information on the shower.
Daft Eddy's pub and restaurant have kindly agreed to let us use their car park which is adjacent. Eating and drinking there is not part of the organised evening but if anyone would like to eat there then do book as it's very busy at this time of year. If any members would like to buy drinks (including non-alcoholic ones for preserving your best eyesight and the ability to drive home!) that would be a nice way to thank them for the car park use. Toilets are available too. Daft Eddy's restaurant is open until 21:00 and the pub until around midnight.
Parking: Daft Eddy's at Sketrick Island (veer right then left after crossing the causeway) the park is always open: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aHCZCb1VWz9fvoLi6.
The overflow car park if required is the public park at Whiterock, 400m away at https://maps.app.goo.gl/zGQuNBaH6TMkgjXN8, note that the toilets there will be closed. Bring a torch for the short walk on the unlit road if using this.
Observing: At the foot of Sketrick Castle at the end of the causeway immediately adjacent to Daft Eddy's https://maps.app.goo.gl/5JRTQLZ52rRuNPuA7.
Time: 20:00-midnight, though it is fine to arrive or depart at any time including before or after the given times. The shower is likely to improve gradually as time goes on until the moon rises at about 03:00.
What to bring
Extremely warm clothes/gloves/hat as it will be pretty Baltic! Snacks/hot drinks. You can warm up at the Daft Eddy's bar with a drink if needed! Despite it being a dead end with few and slow cars, the observing space is next to a road so brightly coloured or reflective things are strongly recommended. Optionally, a camping or deck chair is recommended for comfortable observing, while a reclining sun lounger with hot water bottle filled from a flask is the deluxe option for gazing skyward! Optionally bring binoculars to look at Jupiter/Andromeda Galaxy/Orion nebula and lots more.
Daft Eddy's Bar & Restaurant, 1 Sketrick Island, Killinchy, Newtownards, BT23 6QH 54.488009 -5.647926
5. Observing the Heavens from the "Peripherary": Astronomy in Ireland 1640-1830
A PhD scholarship is available for a collaborative project between the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium and Queen's University Belfast.
Overview:
The project aims to explore the history of Irish astronomical activity, 1640-1830, and reveal a community of star-gazers on the island before the so-called 'Golden Age of Irish astronomy'. Working with the historical observatory at Armagh, this research will offer new insight into Ireland's vibrant intellectual culture in an era of 'scientific revolution' and 'Enlightenment'.
The project asks:
- Who was doing astronomy in this period and what forms did it take?
- Where did astronomical activity happen prior to the establishment of the three major Irish observatories (Armagh, Dunsink and Birr Castle)?
- How did early Irish astronomical activity shape regional and global cultures and itineraries of knowledge?
Both archival and material culture research methods will be used. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium's 32,000 historical records and collection of artefacts dating from 1499 onwards will provide the starting point. There are also relevant holdings at Dublin's Dunsink Observatory, the Royal Irish Academy, Birr Castle, The Royal Society, the Armagh Robinson Library, and newspaper collections at the Cultural Heritage Services Library in Armagh and Trinity College Dublin. The project will also utilise scientific instrument biography to explore the history of the Irish trade. Extant instruments held at the Irish observatories and UK collections such as the Science Museum Group and the National Maritime Museum will form a key part of the evidence base.
As a collaborative project, the student will benefit from the specialised resources, training and support offered by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. There will be opportunities for this research to contribute to a UNESCO World Heritage site bid (on the part of the three Irish observatories) and also to generate public-facing outcomes, such as exhibitions. The student will, therefore, be able to develop both academic and heritage-sector professional skills and experience.
For further information and applications please visit the QUB website at:
Closing Date for applications 13 January 2026
(This is very interesting – and you don't need a degree in physics or maths to do it! TM)
6. LIGHT POLLUTION SURVEY
We are reaching out as part of a research initiative called the Blu-RAY project, developed by researchers from TU Dublin, University College Cork, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland. The project explores perspectives on light, lighting, and their impact on humans, animals, and the environment, with a particular focus on blue light.
To ensure broad and inclusive participation, we are seeking the support of relevant organisations and institutions to help circulate a short online survey among their members and networks. The survey is anonymous and designed according to TU Dublin ethic research principles, it takes about 15 minutes to complete, and is open to all adults, regardless of their background or expertise.
We would be very grateful if your organisation would consider sharing the survey link with your members, either via email, or newsletter, or social media. Your support would greatly enhance the reach and value of the project's findings.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Blu-RAY
If you require any further information about the project or the survey, I would be happy to provide more details.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. We greatly appreciate your help in supporting environmental research and public engagement on this important topic.
Warm regards, Anna Crowley, Post Graduate Researcher, TU Dublin
Email: C20343001@mytudublin.ie
7. SATURN fading but still visible, JUPITER well placed:
The second biggest planet in our system is still observable after its opposition on Sep 21.
Both the Sun and the Earth were both on the South side of the ring plane, but the Earth is now passing through the ring-plane again, so the rings are now exactly edge on to Earth. Given their extreme thinness, they should be invisible from earth except in very large telescopes, but the rings present to us at a very narrow angle of just over 1 degree, and they will close even further as Saturn retrogrades, due to Earth's orbital motion.
Now is a good time to look for the fainter inner satellites, as the rings are much less bright than when fully open. The current magnitudes (outwards from Mimas) are: Mimas 13.0, Enceladus 11,8, Tethys 10.3, Dione 10.5, Rhea 9.8, Titan 8.4. `
Saturn has now faded slightly to mag 1.0, diameter 18.3"
JUPITER IS VISIBLE IN THE EVENING SKY, rising high enough for observing in the NE about 9 p.m. high up in Gemini, and very bright at mag -2.3. Look for the Great Red Spot in the planet's S. Hemisphere, and the 4 Galilean satellites, visible even in binoculars
8. IAA SUBSCRIPTIONS WERE DUE on 1 September. FINAL WARNING!!!
After many many years of keeping the subs constant at £20 we have reluctantly had to raise the amount to £25, to cover rising costs. Student membership is only £10. Details on the IAA website
Please amend your payment details accordingly. If you have already paid at the old rate, please add an extra £5 via Paypal or whatever is convenient.
If you do not renew your subscription now, your membership will end and you won't get the next STARDUST
9. INTERSTELLAR COMET, 3I/ATLAS
Beware of the forthcoming hype about the comet's closest passage to Earth, on December 21, Since it's so far away, the change in distance from Earth is minimal over a period of days. For example, the distance on 21 December will be 168,144,000 miles. But 5 days earlier, on Dec 16, the distance will be 168,423,000 miles. That's a difference of only 0.166%
See also section on this comet under 'weblinks' at the end.
It gets worse! Doppler Code? Experts Claim 3I/Atlas Is Sending a Signal Back Toward Earth
10. 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.
11. ISS
The ISS starts a new series of evening passes on 11 December. Details for your location are available on www.heavens-above.com
12: HEADS UP – Advance notice. IFAS Convention, Saturday 12 September 2026.
"From Ancient Stones to Distant Stars". Birr Castle, Co Offaly. This event, being organised by Ronan Newman, chair of IFAS, is the first event of its kind. It will be an all-day event, with a possible optional dinner in the evening, and possibly observing if clear. Top speakers are being invited, and there will also be major contribution from IFAS clubs. Details still being arranged, but mark the date in your diaries.
13: Recurrent Nova T Corona Borealis – Latest predictions- 25 June 2026?:
By extrapolating the empirical fact that the previous T CrB eruption dates were separated by an integer multiple of the orbital period 228 days, the next eruptions should appear at 27 March 2025, 10 November 2025, 25 June 2026 or 8 Feb 2027. No physical hypothesis is made behind this extrapolation. I urge observers to be cautious about it, since an external perturbation could happen, and to continue to monitor the light-curve of the star. (By Jean Schneider, Paris Observatory)
Obviously it didn't explode on 27 March, so the next date is 10 November.
(It's well over a year and a half now since the first predictions of an 'imminent' outburst! But, it could explode any time, 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!)
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 visible in the WNW sky each evening until about 7 p.m., and again in the NE in the mornings from about 5 p.m. until dawn..
It's at Declination: 25° 55′ 12.613″; R.A.: 15h 59m 30.1622s)
14. NEW EASY TEASER:
When does 3 come before 1?
CLUE: It relates to stars.
Another clue: Age is only a number…..
15. DIFFICULT TEASER Answered!:
What record or distinction is held by the constellation Draco? (NB, there was an earlier 'oral/live' teaser about Draco, regarding the number of 'corners' in its boundary, so it's not that this time)
CLUE: It's an unenviable distinction.
Well done to Lindsay Green again – one of the several times previous winners.
The answer is that it's the largest N. Hemisphere constellation with no Messier Objects. Which is quite surprising, as it's the 8th largest of all the constellations in the sky. Well done again Lindsay!
16. THE 100th TEASER – Extra Difficult!. (I'm not absolutely certain, because I didn't start keeping records immediately, but AFAIK this is the 100th teaser. So, I've got an absolute demon to really test you! But it will be worth it, as I will donate a significant prize to the winner, provided that s/he gets the answer within a certain number of clues.
QUESTION: What's the connection between a 19thC opera, an Irish writer, an Irish composer, an Irish singer, and a group of solar system bodies?
Remember, send answers to me only at my aol address: terrymosel@aol.com.
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:
James Webb Space Telescope Discovery Reveals the Milky Way Has a Distant Twin That Shouldn't Exist - The Debrief https://thedebrief.org/james-webb-space-telescope-discovery-reveals-the-milky-way-has-a-distant-twin-that-shouldnt-exist/
Record-breaking cosmic explosion challenges astronomers' understanding of gamma-ray bursts https://share.google/9sVIWiC40gGSDeGvd
Webb telescope found a Milky Way lookalike 12 billion light-years away | Mashable
Scientists Find Unexpected Chemicals in the Aftermath of a Supernova Explosion https://share.google/4YdYMbi82Kkzc97sY
Black hole ejects matter at 20% light speed in sun-like magnetic event https://share.google/LrhNa2GpykL31p3wB
Astronomers Stunned: Hidden Star Found Inside "Impossible" Dust Zone https://share.google/oaNTuMZsTCkV3JSQe
Astronomers discover giant string of galaxies that's 'probably the largest spinning object' ever seen | Live Science https://share.google/kgxXHSemD56MxALc8
Astronomers confirm low-luminosity active galactic nucleus in nearby galaxy NGC 3221 https://share.google/YQ8D6nckfCwUJrIqy
Simulations reveal how black holes generate intense light from infalling matter https://share.google/Cuss1a4UIQD1Z9QB5
X-rays from round Black Hole https://search.app/fGzAA
Scientists map exact shape of a supernova for the first time ever – and it's not what they expected: Space photo of the week | Live Science https://share.google/8mDysyVA82QnhDjyo
Astronomers Found a Star That Makes No Sense : ScienceAlert https://share.google/4K1kS4NCytYfSnrjt
M31's many black holes https://x.com/konstructivizm/status/1993746323791859769?t=QxrEWSDB7v5jwXX_0tCwWg&s=09
Two stars spiraling toward catastrophe are putting Einstein's gravity to the test | Live Science https://share.google/A03geJtpP8D4W2JF5
Astronomers unveil 400 sibling star clusters in the Milky Way https://share.google/E5Xp1chHILCUbfQw4
Most normal matter in the universe isn't found in planets, stars or galaxies – an astronomer explains where it's distributed https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/most-normal-matter-universe-isn-133232499.html
COMET I3/ATLAS (I3 stands for 'Interstellar 3', i.e. the 3rd known interstellar object)
Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS May Be A "Primitive Carbonaceous Object", Comparison With NASA's Antarctic Samples Suggests | IFLScience https://share.google/uIik8hXegyeVH0DbeInterstellar comet 3I/ATLAS shines in new images ahead of close pass by Earth | CNN https://share.google/2sWhcZtSty4jqp1to3I/Atlas Jets Pulse in a Ghostly Heartbeat: Glowing Coma, Not Solid Core, Dominates Light in Hubble Image
COSMOLOGYTime might not exist – and we're starting to understand why | BBC Science Focus Magazine https://share.google/TpbpW0077phZR24Eq There's one simple solution to this problem – stop observing quantum effects! If you don't observe, there's no collapse of the wave function. If you don't entangle particles, there's no 'spooky action at a distance'! (I'm only partly joking). Remember – the universe was getting along just fine before we started poking into it at the quantum level. And there was time then. And there will be time in the future long after we're gone. And in the meantime – there's time,…Tiny "Ghost" Particles Could Explain Why the Universe Exists https://share.google/rlQE7jAg3CDmeD2kz
Historic search for 'huge missing piece' of the universe turns up negative — but reveals new secrets of particle physics | Live Science https://share.google/IJ2XPNk2a8EhSw47WAnother blow against the Type 1a Supernovae method for determining the Hubble Constant. 'Hubble tension' is back again as a new cosmic map deepens the puzzle | Space With all due modesty, I've been saying that for well over a decade!
Dark Matter detected? For nearly a century, we have inferred the existence of dark matter because galaxies behave as if they contain far more mass than their visible stars and gas could account for. Now, using data from the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, a team led by Tomonori Totani (University of Tokyo) reports the possible first direct detection of dark matter: they observed a halo-shaped glow of gamma rays near the center of our Milky Way. The energy spectrum and spatial distribution of these gamma rays match remarkably well with predictions for annihilation of hypothetical dark matter particles, specifically, WIMPs (weakly interacting massive particles) with a mass ≈ 500 times that of a proton. Because alternate astrophysical sources cannot easily account for the observed signal, Totani argues this could be the first time humanity has "seen" dark matter directly. However, the result remains tentative: independent confirmation and detection of similar signals in other dark-matter-rich regions https://search.app/s8CED
Black hole entropy hints at a surprising truth about our universe | New Scientist
Euclid mission to reveal patterns in Cosmic evolution https://search.app/Lqqzp
String theory: scientists are trying new ways to verify the idea that could unite all of physics No mention of the 11 dimensions in which string theory is said to operate. In this scenario, I wonder 'What is a dimension'? Are they all something which is real and measureable, or just an abstract convenience like the Square Root of Minus One?
EARTH & MOONhttps://phys.org/visualstories/2025-12-historical-geography-year-eclipse-mystery.amp andHistorical geography helps researchers solve 2,700-year old eclipse mystery
Asteroid loaded with amino acids offers new clues about the origin of life on Earth https://share.google/chpBwR3M9ddwni29Y
Dazzling footage of the Northern Lights captured from International Space Station | Watch
Historic May 2024 Gannon Solar Storm Compressed Earth's Plasmasphere - Universe Today https://share.google/mzNUwVfOYlppEl0uB EXOPLANETSThe most reflective object in the known universe https://search.app/fgM7XGiant Planet 18 Times Jupiter's Mass Discovered in Distant Star System https://share.google/8cqUaNtDqzEus6NWxAstronomers find a planet orbiting at a wild angle no one can explain | ScienceDaily https://share.google/oKZgh3E5vUjHhEhjzJWST Spots Signs of Exomoon Birth in Alien Planet's Disk | Scientific American andAstrometry suggests possible exomoon orbiting gas giant HD 206893 B
IMAGES, VIDEOSTo Celebrate 25 Years In Service, The Gemini Observatory Imaged The Butterfly Nebula - Universe Today https://share.google/M6kvqwk3YETczKErl'Heavenly rains': Ethereal structure in the sky rivals famous 'Pillars of Creation' — Space photo of the week | Live Science https://share.google/t5xW2etqn86V2ODlk
What This New Observatory Just Revealed - And Why It Matters | Watch
This Is What NASA Discovered Beneath Titan's Ice | Watch
Star trails over telescope in Chile photo of the day for Nov. 25, 2025 | Space https://share.google/jQi4i9uiHpg2OBOYZ
LIGHT POLLUTION / DARK SKIES2025: A year of epic milestones | DarkSky International
Brits struggle with basic astronomy as four in ten can't name the biggest planet
Those graphics are going to confuse them even more! The Andromeda galaxy is far too big in relation to the Plough, and putting it near it is confusing because it's in the wrong direction as well as far too close ! And it's extremely confusing just what is the Plough and what is Ursa Major! SOLAR SYSTEM NASA's Latest Mars Mission Could Reveal Why the Red Planet Became a Desert https://share.google/zrDOp2w1mUuNgWwB0Lightning on Mars? Electric sparks in dust devils confirmed NASA scrambles James Webb to study suspicious asteroid heading our way - Futura-Sciences https://share.google/YFIqVMD1PhMl4u6la What is it suspected of?Jupiter's Fast Rotation Creates Uneven Water Zones - Universe Today https://share.google/6xKxzgazNqPicCpjT
Finding 40,000 asteroids before they find us https://share.google/YGd1swPGMpjwqHg1x
Evidence of ancient life on Mars could be hidden away in colossal water-carved caves | Space
Perseverance rover spots unusual iron-rich boulder on Mars
SPACE Mars Time Dilation: Why You Age Faster on the Red Planet
Damaged launch pad: How long before Russia can send astronauts to the ISS again? | Space https://share.google/Cs84144BErVauOUVt
NASA is opening free registration to send your name to the Moon and is preparing a mission that will mark a new space milestone—here's how you can do it https://share.google/k3hSwLAylMQS5tpQM
Space debris: Will it take a catastrophe for nations to take the issue seriously? https://share.google/MmRa7ACDlq0vHSfgH
Watch 3 astronauts head home to Earth from the International Space Station tonight | Space
China Launches Emergency Mission to Its Space Station, Putting NASA to Shame https://share.google/Ex8qCwmm1E2VFxXfJ
Russia's Only Manned Space Launch Facility is Severely Damaged | NextBigFuture.com https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2025/11/russias-only-manned-space-launch-facility-is-severely-damaged.html
Former NASA astronaut explains how space debris damaged Chinese | CNN https://share.google/TQavegeRi6REWR6hM
Helping to grow plants in space for NASA missions to the moon and mars https://phys.org/news/2025-11-space-nasa-missions-moon-mars.html
NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket comes together photo of the day for Nov. 21, 2025 | Space https://share.google/f4BVeR7cpyqtBwSST
SUN
SDO shows a very active disc! mdi_sunspots_1024.jpg (1024×1024)
UK probe detects highest level of solar radiation in decades
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES
What This New Observatory Just Revealed - And Why It Matters | Watch
Dwarf Mini: Miniature camera for astrophotography is now even smaller than the Dwarf 3 - NotebookCheck.net News https://share.google/RermhDw9DAs7vbNLm
Thirty Meter Telescope Considers Move to Spain - Sky & Telescope https://share.google/MwIoVtiJlR3f5YaZC or
Thirty Meter Telescope Considers Move to Spain - Sky & Telescope
FINAL WORD:
"The treasures hidden in the heavens are so rich that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment." - Johannes Kepler
18. 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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