Monday, 1 October 2018

Public lecture, Asteroid double, Observing nights, Europlanet, New Eso show, ISS, WSW, SWI, Moon night, AOP events, Mayo DSF,

Hi all,
 
1. IAA Public Lecture: "The Dawn of Multi-messenger Astronomy". 3rd October By Prof Luke Drury, Emeritus Professor, Dublin Institute for advanced Studies. Until very recently, all we have ever been able to find out about the universe has been via the electromagnetic spectrum. Originally this was just by visible light, and although the range has since been extended to gamma rays at one end of the spectrum to radio waves at the other, it was all still E-M radiation. With the recent detection of Gravitational Waves, a whole new window on the universe is available. And with the recent 'simultaneous' detection of GW's and E-M radiation from the same event, we now have Multi-messenger astronomy. This is one of the most significant developments in our study of the Cosmos, and hol;ds great promise for future research.
   Prof Drury's expertise in this area promises to give us a fascinating and highly significant lecture.
Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics building, QUB, 7.30 p.m.
   All welcome. Free admission, including light refreshments.
 
2. Successful double landing on asteroid! http://www.hayabusa2.jaxa.jp/en/topics/20180922e/
 
3. IAA Observing Nights, Delamont Country Park, 5 or 6 Oct. The next sessions are planned for the weekend of 5 or 6 October. The procedure is that if the first evening is clear, we go ahead. If it's cloudy, we try again on the following night. If both those nights are cloudy, we postpone until the following w/e, 12-13 October.
    Check the IAA website, www.irishastro.org, on each of those days to see if the observing will be going ahead or not.
 
4. Europlanet Society launched: The Europlanet Society, a new membership organisation to promote the advancement of planetary science in Europe, has been launched at the European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC) 2018 in Berlin. The Society is open to individual and institutional members and builds on the heritage of 15 years of Europlanet projects funded by the European Commission. See: Europlanet Society website: http://www.europlanet-society.org/
 
5. The Sun, Our Living Star: New ESO Planetarium Show
ESO is proud to announce a brand new addition to its collection of free high-quality planetarium materials produced by world-renowned astrophotographers, artists, technicians, and musicians. The Sun, Our Living Star tells the story of our nearest star — our planet's powerhouse, the source of energy that drives Earth's winds and weather, and the ball of light that allows the very existence of life. The Sun, Our Living Star is currently being shown in the planetarium of the ESO Supernova, since 7 September, and is also available to download for free from the ESO website.
   Read more at http://www.eso.org/public/announcements/ann18064/
 
6. ISS. The ISS continues its series of evening passes until 10 October. Details for your own location, and lots more info on space and astronomy, on www.heavens-above.com
 
7. World space Week 4- 10 October. Various activities throughout Ireland. http://www.worldspaceweek.org 
 
8. Space Week Ireland
Space Week 2018 will take place from the 4th to the 10th of October, with events occurring all around the country. Space Week is an excellent opportunity for people to reflect on the inspirational topic of Space. To find an event in you area, or for information on how to register your own, visit http://www.spaceweek.ie/
DCU Space Careers Roadshow
On October 4th, Dublin City University will host a Space Career Roadshow in conjunction with Science Foundation Ireland, ESERO Ireland and CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory. These roadshows provide students with an excellent opportunity to engage with space industry professionals, and third level institutions, so that they can get a taste of the exciting opportunities that a STEM career in Space has to offer. The keynote speaker will be Matt Taylor of ESA. Further information here: http://www.spaceweek.ie/events/space-careers-roadshow-the-importance-of-space/
    CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory Open Night
On October 5th, CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory will host an open night. CIT BCO's Education Officer Frances McCarthy will give a talk "40 Years of Mars" from 7pm – 8pm.
Cork Astronomy Club volunteers will lead stargazing in the courtyard from 8pm if weather permits. Details here: http://www.spaceweek.ie/events/open-night-at-cit-blackrock-castle-observatory/
    CIT Space Careers Roadshow
On October 10th, Cork Institute of Technology will host a Space Career Roadshow in conjunction with Science Foundation Ireland, ESERO Ireland and CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory. These roadshows provide students with an excellent opportunity to engage with space industry professionals, and third level institutions, so that they can get a taste of the exciting opportunities that a STEM career in Space has to offer. Speakers include former NASA Astronaut Dan Tani, and Prof Elizabeth Tasker of JAXA. Details here: http://www.spaceweek.ie/events/space-careers-roadshow-the-importance-of-space/
    CIT - A Pint and A Chat With Astronaut Dan Tani
On Tuesday October 9th. Grab yourself a drink, pull up a chair, and settle in for a cozy chat with former NASA astronaut Dan Tani. This event will take place at a secret location in Cork, and tickets will be issued via competition. Details on how to win one here: http://www.spaceweek.ie/events/a-pint-and-a-chat-with-astronaut-dan-tani/
    Space Week Competition
Every school that registers an event for Space Week will be entered into a draw to win one of three Ktec telescopes signed by NASA Astronaut Dan Tani! Submissions end October 10th. Full details here: http://www.spaceweek.ie/events/win-a-telescope-for-your-school/
 
9. Junior Cycle Conference for Teachers; BCO, 6 October - Teaching Earth and Space in the Junior Cycle
Practical workshops, inspirational speakers on space and panel discussions supporting the Earth and Space Strand. Join us from 9:15am - 5pm on Saturday 6th October 2018 at Birr Castle and Science Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly. Book through Eventbrite. Further details and booking here: https://www.bco.ie/events/jc-conference/

10.  International Observe the Moon Night: 20 October 2018: http://observethemoonnight.org/  
 
11. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium events
   TODDLER TAKEOVER TUESDAY, at the Planetarium, October 23. There will be plenty to do for little ones - stories, songs and arts and crafts (all with a Space theme of course!)  Next session: 23 October, Time: 1.15pm - 1.45pm, Price: £2 per child. Booking required.

   Halloween Half-Term

Mon 29 Oct - Fri 2 Nov 2018. Dome Theatre Show Programme: Open 10am-5pm
More show information and to book online: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com/shows
 Weather permitting we will be launching rockets and will have a super space-themed craft activity for the children. Spend your half-term with us!

   Murder Mystery at Armagh Observatory, Tuesday 30 October. Scandal, jealousy, anger and revenge are thick in the air and murder is just around the corner on Tuesday 30 October at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.

* If you fancy yourself as a bit of a sleuth and think you can solve our out of this world mystery, then join us and put your powers of deduction to the test.
* Session Times: 7pm & 9pm. Price: £25 per person. Duration: Approx 2.5hrs

* Light refreshments will be served 30mins before the event begins

* A Dome show and short tour of the Planetarium and Observatory are included

* Adult Only Event

* While we make every effort to accommodate wheelchair users and others with mobility issues, by virtue of the nature of the building, the Observatory is accessed by steep narrow stairs

 
12: Mayo Dark Sky Festival, 2-4 November  
* The latest speaker to be added to our programme is ÉANNA NÍ LAMHNA, renowned botanist and broadcaster, who will give a talk on Nocturnal Animals
* Childrens Workshop added to the line-up - The GREAT EGG-DROP CHALLENGE! (Children will work in teams to design and build a device that can keep a raw egg intact when dropped from a height)
* KTEC TELESCOPES will have a selection of telescopes and accessories on display at the festival and will be on hand to answer your questions
* Tickets go on sale online 30th AUGUST (we will send you the link on or before that date)
* Thanks to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), we will be running a FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE between the festival venues over the weekend of the festival
* CHILDREN UNDER 16 will be admitted FREE to all events
With lots more speakers and events to come, please do keep a close eye on our website for regular updates - www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie <http://www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie>
13.  ESA-GTTP Teacher Training Workshop 2018 
The ESA/GTTP Teacher Training workshop 2018 will take place from 20 to 23 November at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. This series of ESA teacher workshops is run in association with the Galileo Teacher Training Programme (GTTP) and returns for its ninth edition. Applications are due by 09:00 CEST on Monday 1 October 2018.
Find more information here
 
14. NEW: Advance Notice The Galway Astronomy Festival takes place on Saturday January 26th  2019.
The festival will take place in our new venue, The Harbour Hotel, New Docks Road,Galway.
 We were very happy with last year's festival and hopefully this coming year's festival will be equally successful.
15. Centenary of IAU in 2019:  IAU100: Uniting our World to Explore the Universe
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the IAU will organize a year-long celebration to expand awareness of a century of astronomical discoveries as well as to support and improve the use of astronomy as a tool for education, development, and diplomacy under the central theme "Uniting our World to Explore the Universe". The celebrations will stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science and will reach out to the global astronomical community, national science organizations and societies, policy-makers, students and families, and the general public.
   For any inquiries, please contact Jorge Rivero González, the IAU100 Coordinator at: rivero[at]strw.leidenuniv.nl
16. Starmus V — Star-studded Lineup for 2019  
Created by Garik Israelian, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), the Starmus Festival is a combination of science, art and music that has featured presentations from astronauts, cosmonauts, Nobel Prize winners and other prominent figures from science, culture, the arts and music. Now celebrating its fifth year, and timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings, Starmus V will take place in Bern, Switzerland, from 24 to 29 June 2019. The IAU is a partner organisation of Starmus and among the confirmed speakers will be IAU Secretary General, Piero Benvenuti, and IAU President-elect, Ewine van Dishoeck.  IAU announcement: https://www.iau.org/news/announcements/detail/ann18007/ 
 
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
   Why some supernovae produce so much manganese and nickel https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180927091005.htm
   Oumuamua's 'home star' is shortlisted http://earthsky.org/space/oumuamua-host-star-4-plausible-candidates?utm_source=EarthSky+News&utm_campaign=5d4361598b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_02_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c643945d79-5d4361598b-394571661 But there's a major flaw in this report: those stars may not have been where it originated, maybe just the last stellar system it passed through! Thus if some other civilisation tracks it through their SS sometime in the future, they would track its path back to the Sun. But of course that's not where it originated!
   Other sun-like stars have much higher differential rotation rates (faster at their equators than at high latitudes), compared to our Sun https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180920160910.htm
   Matter falling into SMBH at 30% of the speed of light https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180920115537.htm
   Brown dwarfs can be bigger than we thought, without becoming stars https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180917101301.htm
 
EARTH and MOON
   Earth's phosphate came from deep space https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180928131441.htm
 
EXOPLANETS
 
SETI
 
SOLAR SYSTEM
   Hyabusa lands robots on Ryugu
   Complete catalogue of planetary maps:: "International Catalogue of Planetary Maps", available at http://planetarymapping.wordpress.com
   Four young asteroid families identified https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180924144025.htm
 
SPACE
Origami architecture for habitation on Moon and Mars https://mail.aol.com/webmail-std/en-gb/DisplayMessage?ws_popup=true&ws_suite=true
   Plasma thruster to remove space debris https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180927105727.htm
   Software picks best sites for Mars landers https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180927105612.htm
 
18. IAA subscriptions for the coming year were due on 1 September. A reminder was included with the latest issue of Stardust, which all members should have received.
 
19. 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 www.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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Wednesday, 19 September 2018

Meeting tonight, comet, Photos wanted, ISS, Dunsink open night, 2001 showing, coming events,

Hi all,
 
1.  TONIGHT - Sep 19: Opening meeting of the IAA's new Lecture Season:  Dr Frank Prendergast, DIT: "From Neolithic to Iron Age: three case studies in irish Archaeoastronomy". Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics building, QUB, 7.30 p.m. Dr Prendergast is one of the leading experts in this field, and is the prime organiser of the Pathways to the Cosmos Conference in Dublin Castle. His talk will cover 3 important examples:
   The Iron Age post enclosure at Lismullin, Co. Meath, discovered by top-soil stripping associated with the recent development of the M3 motorway, was an extraordinary ceremonial and ritual complex. It is now ranked as one of the most important Irish archaeological discoveries in recent years. The timber structure was the embodiment of structural perfection and symmetry and had an important astronomical alignment, indicative of its importance to the community that built it around 455 BC. 
   The Neolithic passage tomb at Slieve Gullion, Co. Armagh is now known to be aligned on the setting sun at the winter solstice and is annually celebrated as a cultural heritage event of growing importance. The survey methodology used to make this discovery will be described, as will the broader cultural context and symbolism of the phenomenon. 
   The third case study will present the author's findings relating to Ireland's largest stone circle located at Grange in Co. Limerick. This Neolithic monument was built  around 2,900 BC and embodies all the hallmarks of a ceremonial complex. But was it used as a calendrical device as is popularly believed? The speaker will confront those questions head on!                 
  Dr Frank Prendergast is a geodetic surveyor and archaeologist and now Emeritus at the Dublin Institute of Technology where he researches Irish prehistoric monuments and their landscapes from a cultural astronomy perspective. His current interests and publications are on the meaning of the dark sky in the prehistoric past and on the conservation of archaeological landscapes from light pollution. More information on his publications can be found at https://arrow.dit.ie/authors.html. His most recent publication is 'Solar Alignment and the Irish Passage Tomb Tradition' Archaeology Ireland Heritage Guide No. 82.  Bray & available at https://bit.ly/2MkvdtL:
   All welcome. Free admission, including light refreshments.
Our own 'Ulsternaut', Derek Heatly asks me to give the following info regarding this meeting -
"I'm selling lots of books, plus meteorites (those £5 each,3 for £10), also a great article where Virgin is right now-''https//www.newyorker.com/maga...20/virgin-galactics-rocket-man''  
 
2. Comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner. This comet is now easily visible in binoculars.
 
3. IAS requests submission for new Photo Exhibition: The IAS / IFAS say that they have not received any Photos from colleagues in the North for this exhibition. See the IFAS notice which gives the address skyimagebotanic@gmail.com and the other details. Closing date 28th September.
 
4. ISS. The ISS will start a new series of evening passes on 23 September. Details for your own location, and lots more info on space and astronomy, on www.heavens-above.com
5. NEW  Win a Telescope Signed by Astronauts
Have you ever wanted a telescope signed by astronauts? In collaboration with the Belgian initiative Sterren Schitteren voor Iedereen (SSVI) and Universe Awareness (UNAWE), we are giving away 10 Bresser Refractor telescopes, each bearing the signature of an astronaut, to support astronomy educational activities with children around the world. These will be used during the 100 Hours of Astronomy 2.0 Global Project on 18-21 January 2019.
Read more about the competition here: https://www.iau-100.org/telescope-competition 
 
6. Dunsink Observatory open night, 21 September. The observatory will be open to the public for Culture Night from 7-11 p.m,.
 
7. Two comets brightening
 
8. Special showing of 2001 A Space Odyessey, with Keir Dullea in Q&A, 27 Sep! The Odysssey cinema, Belfast. The Odyssey are showing a special screening of 2001 on Thurs 27th September with a Q&A session with Keir Dullea afterwards. Tickets are £12 (may include drinks reception). I was told at the Odyssey that Keir Dullea will be there in person (not skype) to answer any questions etc. They also confirmed this on their Facebook page. (From Tony Kempston – thanks)
 
9. Space Generation Congress (SGC): 27-29 September 2018: Bremen, Germany  
More Information: https://spacegeneration.org/sgc2018 

10. International Astronautical Congress. 1 – 5 October 2018.  Bremen, Germany 
More Information: http://www.iafastro.org/events/iac/iac-2018/
 
11. World Space Week 2018: 4-10 October 2018: http://www.worldspaceweek.org 
 
12. Junior Cycle Conference for Teachers; BCO, 6 October - Teaching Earth and Space in the Junior Cycle
Practical workshops, inspirational speakers on space and panel discussions supporting the Earth and Space Strand. Join us from 9:15am - 5pm on Saturday 6th October 2018 at Birr Castle and Science Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly. Book through Eventbrite. Further details and booking here: https://www.bco.ie/events/jc-conference/

13.  International Observe the Moon Night: 20 October 2018: http://observethemoonnight.org/  
 
14: Mayo Dark Sky Festival, 2-4 November – UPDATE
* The latest speaker to be added to our programme is ÉANNA NÍ LAMHNA, renowned botanist and broadcaster, who will give a talk on Nocturnal Animals
* Childrens Workshop added to the line-up - The GREAT EGG-DROP CHALLENGE! (Children will work in teams to design and build a device that can keep a raw egg intact when dropped from a height)
* KTEC TELESCOPES will have a selection of telescopes and accessories on display at the festival and will be on hand to answer your questions
* Tickets go on sale online 30th AUGUST (we will send you the link on or before that date)
* Thanks to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), we will be running a FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE between the festival venues over the weekend of the festival
* CHILDREN UNDER 16 will be admitted FREE to all events
With lots more speakers and events to come, please do keep a close eye on our website for regular updates - www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie <http://www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie>
15. Centenary of IAU in 2019:  IAU100: Uniting our World to Explore the Universe
In 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the IAU will organize a year-long celebration to expand awareness of a century of astronomical discoveries as well as to support and improve the use of astronomy as a tool for education, development, and diplomacy under the central theme "Uniting our World to Explore the Universe". The celebrations will stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science and will reach out to the global astronomical community, national science organizations and societies, policy-makers, students and families, and the general public.
   For any inquiries, please contact Jorge Rivero González, the IAU100 Coordinator at: rivero[at]strw.leidenuniv.nl
16. Starmus V — Star-studded Lineup for 2019  
Created by Garik Israelian, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), the Starmus Festival is a combination of science, art and music that has featured presentations from astronauts, cosmonauts, Nobel Prize winners and other prominent figures from science, culture, the arts and music. Now celebrating its fifth year, and timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings, Starmus V will take place in Bern, Switzerland, from 24 to 29 June 2019. The IAU is a partner organisation of Starmus and among the confirmed speakers will be IAU Secretary General, Piero Benvenuti, and IAU President-elect, Ewine van Dishoeck.  IAU announcement: https://www.iau.org/news/announcements/detail/ann18007/ 
 
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
Unusual new feature seen round neutron star https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180917114309.htm
BUFFALO studies massive early galaxy clusters https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180913113908.htm
 
COSMOLOGY
 
EARTH and MOON
 
SOLAR SYSTEM
Huge ice volcano on Ceres. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180917111537.htm . That's an odd comparison - how big is a movie theatre? I know some that are 10 times as big as others!
Asteroid reveals secrets to VLBA during occultation of radio galaxy. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180913113817.htm
 
SPACE
 
TELESCOPES, INSTRUMENTS, TECHNIQUES
 
18. IAA subscriptions for the coming year were due on 1 September. A reminder was included with the latest issue of Stardust, which all members should have received.
 
19. 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 www.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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