Sunday 29 December 2013

IAA NY Party film, Lectures, ISS fixed, Solstice at Newgrange, Other events


Hi all,
1. IAA's New Year Party 4 January: The film for the IAA New Year Party on 4 January is now confirmed as "Wall-E". It's 98mins long, and suitable for all. 
   The posting of the booking forms for this event has been delayed by factors outside our control. To book for this event, use the (attached) form which is available on the website. It is probably now too late for payment sent by post to be received in time, so to make sure that your booking is received promptly, please contact our Treasurer: Mrs Josephine Magill, Tel (+44) (0) 2890 849653; E: jo_magill@yahoo.co.uk to make sure that your payment is received in time.
   EVENT DETAILS: It's the usual popular and successful format: We meet at 5.30 for 6.00 for a meal at McBride's restaurant, The Square, Comber, Co Down for a buffet meal, then we go to the nearby Tudor Private Cinema for a private showing of the SF film "Wall-E", along with seasonal refreshments.  Cost: £15 for adults, £7.00 for children.  For those who can't go to the meal, the cost for the film and the refreshments at the Tudor cinema is £7 for adults and £3.50 for children; that kicks off at 7.30 p.m.
   Places must be pre-booked, as we need to know how many will be coming. 
  
2. PERIHELION: 4 January is also the day when the Earth will be closest to the Sun for the year. It occurs at 11h 58m, when the distance will be 0.9833347 AU. At that distance, its light takes only 8m 10.7s to reach us. (It takes almost 17 seconds longer at aphelion, in July!) 
3. IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION: Public Lecture, Jan 8: "How to Blow Up A Star - Understanding Supernovae", by Dr Stuart Sim, of the Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB.
   Supernovae are just about the biggest explosions in the universe, and certainly the biggest that we are ever likely to see. Not only that, but they create all the elements above iron in the periodic table, many of which, such as nickel, zinc, selenium, and iodine, are essential for human life. They are also the key element in the 'distance ladder' used in large scale astrophysics and cosmology, as they are used to measure the distance to distant galaxies and galaxy clusters.
   And it's from studying distant supernovae that scientists now believe that the expansion of the universe is speeding up, leading to the theory of 'dark energy'. In other words, it's hard to think of any other single phenomena that's more important in modern astrophysics and cosmology.
   So this lecture will be a fascinating account of one of the cutting edge areas of modern astronomy.
     The lecture is free and open to all, including free refreshments. Venue: the Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University, Belfast, at 7.30 p.m. 
   Thanks to the Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB, for help in hosting these lectures.
4.  
VENUS: Visible in Evening Sky: Venus will soon have passed the aspect where its easiest to see from Ireland for this elongation.  It's now a bit higher in the evening twilight sky, but is gradually getting closer to the Sun. So it's a trade-off between altitude and its decreasing solar elongation. Look low down in the bright SW evening twilight for a bright twinkling 'star'.
5. Newgrange Winter Solstice success: Clear skies gave good views on Dec 21 & 22. Some nice photos here by Bru na Boinne Manager, Clare Tuffy:  http://www.boynevalleytours.com/newgrange-winter-solstice.htm
6. ISS Evening Passes. The International Space Station continues its series of evening passes over Ireland for a few more days. There's quite a good one just after 5 p.m. on Xmas Day, if you want an excuse to go outside and clear your head! Details on www.heavens-above.com
  
8. STARGAZING LIVE returns on 7 - 9 January 2014, at Cultra. The IAA has once again been asked to be principal partner with the BBC for this prestigious event. The main local event will be at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra. Mark your diaries now. The IAA has now formally presented its programme for the events to the BBC, and we have agreed arrangements with them.
  If anyone would like to volunteer to help out at this event, and can bring a telescope etc, please let me know by return, unless you have already done so.


9. TYRONE ASTRONOMY EVENT, Stewartstown, 10 January"Journey through Space" will be held in St Patrick's Church, Ballyclog, 125 Coagh Road, Stewartstown, Co Tyrone. Dr Patrick Harkness is an IAA member who lecturers in Space Systems at the Univ. of Glasgow. The central theme of his talk is "Gravity" and it will be accessible rocket science. We are trying to stimulate interest in science and technology in the local community. Details and booking at: <ballyclog.space@gmail.com>


10. GALWAY ASTROFEST: Full details of our Astronomy Festival is now available at http://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/index.php/31-general/general/110-astronomy-festival-2014
   There will also be a special stand, Apogee Imaging Instruments coming over from California who will be represented by Tim Puckett, an amateur astronomer and astrophotographer with over 30 years experience. Experienced in the field of amateur CCD (digital) astro-imaging, Puckett has operated numerous CCD cameras since 1989. He has built several robotic telescopes and is currently operating an automated supernova search patrol and comet astrometry program which uses 60-cm and 35-cm telescopes.
  Puckett's photos of comets and deep-sky objects have been published in books and magazines in several countries, including Great Britain, Japan, Italy, Germany, Australia and South Africa. His work has also been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, BBC, The Discovery and Learning Channels and Good Morning America. Puckett has been the Astronomy Sales Engineer for Apogee Instruments since May 2006. http://www.cometwatch.com/
  We hope to change things around and maybe line him up for either a talk or workshop
11. Advance Notice: Trip to Newgrange: Mar 29, 2014: 09.30 – 17.00: I will be leading an astronomy /archaeoastronomy trip to Newgrange, as part of the Stranmillis Adult Learning programme. A day long coach trip, with full commentary. Demand for this is already high, so book now if you are interested. There is a maximum number allowed on the trip, due to space restrictions within the Newgrange Mound. Booking is through Stranmillis College.
12. Advance Notice: Major Astronomy Conference in Galway;  Speed and Sensitivity, Expanding Astronomical Horizons with ELTs. NUI, Galway, 13-16 May 2014 Led by Prof Andy Shearer: this will be a fascinating look at the future of astronomy as offered by Extremely Large Telescopes, and ever increasingly sensitive detectors. See www.astro.nuigalway.ie/speeadandsensitivity or www.htra.ie/speedandsensitivity
13. Advance Notice: STFC Roadshow at QUB, 19 - 25 May. The roadshow, entitled "Seeing the Universe in all its light" features stunning science images and interactive exhibits,   Check the `Seeing the Universe in All its Light' webpage at:www.stfc.ac.uk/2740 
14. INTERESTING WEBLINKS: 
15. TWITTER: Follow the IAA on Twitter:  @IaaAstro

 
16. NEW LINK! JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is easy: 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 youYou can also make a donation via Paypal if you wish: just click on the 'Donate' button.  See also www.irishastro.org
  
Finally, may I AGAIN wish you all a very Merry Xmas, Happy Holiday, Super Solstice Season, Fabulous Festival, Cool Yule, Wonderful Winterval, or whichever particular Seasonal Greeting you prefer.
Clear skies,
Terry Moseley


Friday 20 December 2013

Solstice, Ursids, Lectures, NY Party, Venus, ISS, S-L, Tyrone ast, Galway SP etc

Hi all,

1. Solstice: The Winter Solstice, marking the Sun's most southerly
point in its annual journey along the ecliptic (apparently!) will be
on Dec 21, at 17.11. That's the shortest day / longest night, and
marks the beginning of astronomical winter, as temperatures usually
lag somewhat behind the Sun's altitude in the sky. But even though
January, February, and even sometimes March, temperatures may be the
lowest of the year, at least the days are getting longer.

2. NIEA SOLSTICE EVENT: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency will
hold this year's traditional Winter Solstice Event on Fri 20 December,
from 1.00 - 2.00 p.m., at Waterman house, 5b - 33 Hill St, Belfast,
BT1 2LA.
A talk entitled "Marking Time Through The Millennia" will be given by
Lynne Williams and Boyd Rankin of Irish Arms. This illustrated talk
will look at how astronomical events such as solstices and equinoxes
were a vital part of the agricultural year. Were stone circles and
alignments built as calendars as well as ritual places?
Admission Free, including Seasonal refreshments.

3. Solstice Lecture, Slane, Co Meath, 20 December. The 2013 Solstice
at Slane Lecture will take place on Friday 20th December at 8pm in the
Conyngham Arms Hotel to celebrate the close links between Slane and
the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site. This is the night before the
morning of the Winter Solstice sunrise alignment at Newgrange.
The lecture will be given by Prof. Tom Ray, professor of astronomy
and astrophysics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies and is
entitled 'From the Solstice to Pulsars: Using the Sky to Measure
Time'.
There will be a €5 charge to cover costs. Registration in advance
by replying to this email would help us to organise the numbers. The
Solstice at Slane Lecture is one of a series of events in Slane over
the Solstice weekend celebrating the Winter Solstice. For further
information please visit Solstice at Slane Festival on Facebook.

4. Ursid Meteors: This shower is usually poorly observed as it occurs
on 22/23 December, at the height of the shopping Mammon-fest which is
also known as Christmas. But rates of 20-30 per hour are sometimes
seen, although there is some interference from moonlight this year.
But as an antidote to all the usual excesses, why not pop out for a
look, if the sky is clear? The radiant is near Kocab, or Beta UMi, the
second brightest star in Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. A line from Eta
UMa (the last star in the handle of the Plough), to Polaris, will take
you fairly close to it.

5. IAA's New Year Party 4 January; Yes, the astro-social event of the
year is almost upon us again. It's the usual popular and successful
format: We meet at 5.30 for 6.00 for a meal at McBride's restaurant,
The Square, Comber, Co Down for a buffet meal, then we go to the
nearby Tudor Private Cinema for a private showing of one of the latest
SF films, along with seasonal refreshments. The choice of film is
still a matter of hot debate (we rejected 'Gravity', as it's best in
3-D which we couldn't manage, and also lots of people have already
seen it, not to mention the fact that most of the science in it is
crap! Apart from that, it's very enjoyable!). As soon as we decide,
I'll let you know, and it will be on the IAA website
www.irishastro.org.
Cost: £15 for adults, £7.00 for children. For those who can't go to
the meal, the cost for the film and the refreshments at the Tudor
cinema is £7 for adults and £3.50 for children; that kicks off at 7.30
p.m.

6. PERIHELION: 4 January is also the day when the Earth will be
closest to the Sun for the year. It occurs at 11h 58m, when the
distance will be 0.9833347 AU. At that distance, its light takes only
8m 10.7s to reach us. (It takes almost 17 seconds longer at aphelion,
in July!)

7. IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION: Public Lecture: "How to Blow Up A
Star - Understanding Supernovae", by Dr Stuart Sim, of the
Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB.
Supernovae are just about the biggest explosions in the universe,
and certainly the biggest that we are ever likely to see. Not only
that, but they create all the elements above iron in the periodic
table, many of which, such as nickel, zinc, selenium, and iodine, are
essential for human life. They are also the key element in the
'distance ladder' used in large scale astrophysics and cosmology, as
they are used to measure the distance to distant galaxies and galaxy
clusters.
And it's from studying distant supernovae that scientists now
believe that the expansion of the universe is speeding up, leading to
the theory of 'dark energy'. In other words, it's hard to think of any
other single phenomena that's more important in modern astrophysics
and cosmology.
So this lecture will be a fascinating account of one of the cutting
edge areas of modern astronomy.
The lecture is free and open to all, including free refreshments.
Venue: the Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University,
Belfast, at 7.30 p.m.
Thanks to the Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB, for help in
hosting these lectures.

8. VENUS: Visible in Evening Sky: Venus is now at about its easiest
to see from Ireland for this elongation. It's slowly getting higher
in the evening twilight sky, but is gradually getting closer to the
Sun. So it's a trade-off between altitude and its decreasing solar
elongation. Look low down in the bright SW evening twilight for a
bright twinkling 'star'.

9. ISS Evening Passes. The International Space Station is continuing
its series of evening passes over Ireland: Details on
www.heavens-above.com

10. MYSTERY OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR, Armagh Planetarium: Monday –
Friday at 2pm, Saturday at 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm
Evening shows every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3-19 December
at 7:30pm. For more information on show times please visit the website
at www.armaghplanet.com. Tel - 028 3752 3689

11. STARGAZING LIVE returns on 7 - 9 January 2014, at Cultra. The IAA
has once again been asked to be principal partner with the BBC for
this prestigious event. The main local event will be at the Ulster
Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra. Mark your diaries now. The IAA
has now formally presented its programme for the events to the BBC,
and we are finalising arrangements with them.

12. TYRONE ASTRONOMY EVENT, Stewartstown, 10 January. "Journey through
Space" will be held in St Patrick's Church, Ballyclog, 125 Coagh Road,
Stewartstown, Co Tyrone. Dr Patrick Harkness is an IAA member who
lecturers in Space Systems at the Univ. of Glasgow. The central theme
of his talk is "Gravity" and it will be accessible rocket science. We
are trying to stimulate interest in science and technology in the
local community. Details and booking at: <ballyclog.space@gmail.com>

13. GALWAY ASTROFEST: Full details of our Astronomy Festival is now
available at http://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/index.php/31-general/general/110-astronomy-festival-2014
There will also be a special stand, Apogee Imaging Instruments
coming over from California who will be represented by Tim Puckett, an
amateur astronomer and astrophotographer with over 30 years
experience. Experienced in the field of amateur CCD (digital)
astro-imaging, Puckett has operated numerous CCD cameras since 1989.
He has built several robotic telescopes and is currently operating an
automated supernova search patrol and comet astrometry program which
uses 60-cm and 35-cm telescopes.
Puckett's photos of comets and deep-sky objects have been published
in books and magazines in several countries, including Great Britain,
Japan, Italy, Germany, Australia and South Africa. His work has also
been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, BBC, The Discovery and
Learning Channels and Good Morning America. Puckett has been the
Astronomy Sales Engineer for Apogee Instruments since May 2006.
http://www.cometwatch.com/
We hope to change things around and maybe line him up for either a
talk or workshop

14. Advance Notice: Trip to Newgrange: Mar 29, 2014: 09.30 – 17.00: I
will be leading an astronomy /archaeoastronomy trip to Newgrange, as
part of the Stranmillis Adult Learning programme. A day long coach
trip, with full commentary. Demand for this is already high, so book
now if you are interested. There is a maximum number allowed on the
trip, due to space restrictions within the Newgrange Mound. Booking is
through Stranmillis College.

15. INTERESTING WEBLINKS:
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/19/first-moon-outside-our-solar-system-found_n_4471346.html
http://www.space.com/23985-alien-planet-nearby-brown-dwarfs.html?cmpid=556072
http://www.space.com/24005-halleys-comet-linked-to-ancient-famine.html?cmpid=556072
http://www.space.com/24000-spacecraft-loved-lost-memoriam-2013.html?cmpid=556072
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2523047/Could-life-Europa-Hubble-spots-100-mile-high-jets-water-shooting-surface-Jupiters-icy-moon.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/18/science-tech-2013-crazy-facts_n_4465895.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/18/remastered-lunar-rover-footage_n_4464204.html
IAA members got a preview of this at Leo's excellent lecture last
week
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/17/eso--space-zoom-video_n_4459226.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/11/12/suns-magnetic-field-flip-reverse-polarity_n_4258567.html
http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/17/suns-solar-activity-weakest-100-years_n_4457548.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/17/mars-curiosity-panorama-image_n_4458059.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://blogs.airspacemag.com/moon/2013/12/a-new-site-to-explore-on-the-moon/
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/16/china-lands-on-the-moon_n_4452023.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/14/china-lands-probe-moon_n_4445606.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/18/nuclear-explosion-over-europe-in-chinas-jade-rabbit-display_n_4464364.html?1387366373&utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&utm_hp_ref=uk-tech
Oops! Sack the PR agency!
https://www.ras.org.uk/images/stories/press/fomalhaut_b.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2525244/Could-crows-hold-secret-understanding-ALIENS.html
Well, Stone the.... OK, maybe not.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2525420/Megafloods-carved-canyons-Earth-Mars-Gorges-Idaho-unlock-secrets-red-planets-watery-past.html
http://www.livescience.com/41983-megafloods-carved-mars-earth-canyons.html?cmpid=556153
http://www.space.com/23588-4-billion-year-old-mars-fly-over-shows-water-and-blue-skies-video.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2522565/From-anti-gravity-fist-fights-dressing-woman-Chris-Hadfield-reveals-bizarre-life-astronaut-living-International-Space-Station.html
(not 'anti-gravity' - it's 'zero gravity')
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2523012/Good-news-Planet-Earth-gets-extra-850-million-years-oceans-boil-away-scientists-expand-Goldilocks-zone.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2517426/Infographic-reveals-2-000-planets-habitable.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2523667/Iran-claims-fired-second-monkey-outer-space-safely-returned-Earth.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2524582/Climate-change-causing-Earths-poles-DRIFT-claim-scientists.html
http://www.space.com/23972-interstellar-film-teaser-trailer-nasa-video.html?cmpid=556071
(I hope the science is better than that in 'Gravity'!)
http://www.space.com/23963-spacex-leases-historic-nasa-launch-pad.html?cmpid=556071
http://www.space.com/23962-mock-mars-mission-science.html?cmpid=556071
http://www.nature.com/srep/2013/131212/srep03411/full/srep03411.html
(Image of Toutatis)
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/13/universe-collapse-phase-transition_n_4437807.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
Or maybe it will turn into a gigantic banana....
http://www.space.com/23950-mars-north-pole-amazing-video.html?cmpid=556070
http://www.space.com/23949-saturn-rings-age-cassini-spacecraft.html?cmpid=556070
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/11/international-space-station-emergency_n_4428485.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.space.com/23956-orbiting-nasa-astronaut-talks-station-malfunction-with-space-com-video.html?cmpid=556070
(NASA has now approved a long spacewalk to try to fix the problem)
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/11/nasa-morpheus-lander-vide_n_4424059.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22163745 (Is NASA
looking in the wrong place for life?)
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/11/dinosaur-asteroid-mars-life_n_4425183.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25201572 (Did asteroid
impact send life from Earth to Mars?)
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22029470.800?cmpid=NLC%7CNSNS%7C2013-1205-GLOBAL&utm_medium=NLC&utm_source=NSNS&
(Launch is due today)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2522482/Is-universe-hologram-Physicists-believe-live-projection.html
Modern theories of the cosmos seem to be edging ever closer to a
modern version of the Ptolemaic System - adding more and more
deferents and epicycles - with a touch of alchemy thrown into the mix.
What next?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2521764/Mars-One-announces-contract-Lockheed-Martin-Surrey-Satellite-design-space-mission.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2522012/Has-Saturn-given-birth-new-moon.html
http://www.livescience.com/41873-russian-meteor-asteroid-history.html?cmpid=556087
(Interesting account)
http://www.space.com/23919-prototype-morpheus-lander-soars-in-first-free-flight-video.html?cmpid=556069
http://www.space.com/23913-earth-moon-starship-view-nasa-video.html?cmpid=556069
http://www.space.com/23401-mock-mars-mission-arctic-volunteers.html
http://www.space.com/23911-mock-mars-mission-space-reporter.html?cmpid=556069
http://www.space.com/23916-comet-ison-dead-sun-flyby.html?cmpid=556069 and
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/11/comet-ison-explanation-video_n_4423780.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech
http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/juno/juno-earth-flyby-20131210.html#.UqgkHWRdWMR
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/11/moon-orbiting-earth-video_n_4423659.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2521450/Scientists-cook-chips-anti-gravity-cosmonauts-dont-miss-snack-space.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2521901/Forget-Big-Bang--Rainbow-Gravity-theory-suggests-universe-NO-beginning-stretches-infinitely.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2521764/Mars-One-announces-contract-Lockheed-Martin-Surrey-Satellite-design-space-mission.html
https://applicants.mars-one.com/
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/11/mars-one-death-mission-delayed_n_4424300.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/09/inmarsat-global-xpress-satellite-launch_n_4411231.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/10/mars-comet-siding-spring_n_4417570.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2518665/Does-China-want-turn-moon-DEATH-STAR.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2521073/UK-backs-push-female-astronaut-moon.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2521162/Pentagon-designing-satellite-spy-40-Earth-once.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2521437/Deep-space-probe-Rosetta-brought-hibernation.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/10506047/Thank-heavens-for-our-new-age-of-darkness.html
Quote "Northumberland, which has just been declared the darkest place
in Europe". No it hasn't! But it's welcome news. Time for a similar
site here!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/10506032/Science-minister-David-Willetts-Britain-can-help-build-a-moon-base-and-send-a-manned-mission-to-Mars.html
Quote: Mr Willetts said that any British-led effort could be based in
Stevenage: "In the old days it was Cape Canaveral, in the future it
will be Stevenage at the heart of the global space effort." Well, you
may as well set your sights high! But I somehow think that the Chinese
in particular are going to do their own thing, without consulting
Stevenage!

16. Advance Notice: STFC Roadshow at QUB, 19 - 25 May. The roadshow,
entitled "Seeing the Universe in all its light" features stunning
science images and interactive exhibits, including:

A replica model of English astronomer Thomas Harriot's first telescope
A 1:4 scale model of ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT)
A 1:12 scale model of an Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA) antenna
A 1:20 scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
A 1:10 scale model of Herschel Space Observatory
'Hands-on' exhibits including 'seeing the invisible', 'adaptive
optics' and 'micro autonomous robots'
An interactive control desk, providing details on the full spectra of
wavelengths used by astronomers
Historical science papers from the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) &
the Thomas Harriot trust
An 8 metre interactive wall featuring an 'astronomical wow facts'
screen, interactive touchscreen and a large 3D screen.
Interactive apps, websites and resources
Non-slip floormats of telescopes from around the world

The Science & Technology Facilities Council's latest touring
exhibition is encouraging everyone to see the Universe in all its
light – showcasing the Big Telescopes family in all their glory and
focusing on both the UK's scientific expertise and the economic
benefits that astronomy can deliver.
The roadshow features stunning science images alongside a range of
interactive exhibits. Visitors will be able to experience a replica of
English astronomer Thomas Harriot's first telescope, as well as a
range of historical scientific papers from the Royal Astronomy Society
and the Thomas Harriot Trust.
There will be young scientists on hand from UK university astronomy
departments to enthuse about the work they do and answer questions on
any aspect of astronomy. They'll be able to guide visitors around
scale models of the Big Telescopes – ESO's Very Large Telescope, the
Atacama Large Millimetre Array, the Herschel Space Observatory and the
forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope.
Hands-on exhibits aim to explain the importance of building
telescopes across the whole range of wavelengths, so that we really
can see the Universe in all its light. An interactive control desk
provides details on the full spectra of wavelengths used by
astronomers, and visitors will be able to learn more about seeing the
invisible, micro autonomous robots and the adaptive optics that are
essential for telescopes but are also proving invaluable in more
down-to-earth applications such as cancer screening.
Check the `Seeing the Universe in All its Light' webpage
at:www.stfc.ac.uk/2740


17. TWITTER: Follow the IAA on Twitter: @IaaAstro



18. NEW LINK! JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is easy: 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.

Clear skies,
Terry Moseley

Monday 9 December 2013

Major Lecture News! Galway talk, Solstice @ NIEA (+ brief recap on other items)

Hi all,

1. IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION: Famous TV Space Expert to lecture
in Belfast on Wednesday 11 December.

Leo Enright: "Making History: a guide to the next four days, as China
lands on the Moon".

China has announced major plans for a lunar base and further
exploration of the Moon. Right now, their advanced Lunar Rover is on
its way there, due to land on Saturday.

The Irish Astronomical Association is delighted to announced that
renowned space expert, writer and broadcaster, Leo Enright, will give
a special public lecture in Queen's University on Wednesday 11
December.

Leo is well known as an expert on all matters relating to space, with
extensive contacts will all the big national space agencies, and is
equally well-known for his inimitable lecturing style.

Leo Enright will take us step by step through the historic landing of
China's moon rover (Yutu, or Jade Rabbit) - the first soft-landing on
the Moon in almost 40 years. He will reveal the likely landing site
and take us minute-by-minute through the landing sequence, which is to
culminate in a touchdown at 15:35 on Saturday next, December 14th.

This lecture will be the most comprehensive briefing yet offered to a
public audience anywhere. The lecture is in the Bell Lecture Theatre,
Physics Building, Queen's University, Belfast. ADMISSION IS FREE, but
this talk is sure to be very popular, so come early. Everyone is
welcome!

Date and time: Wed 11 December, 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, QUB
Admission: Free, including light refreshments afterwards

Leo Enright has been writing, lecturing and broadcasting about space
exploration for almost 5 decades. He is a regular contributor to RTE,
BBC, UTV, and all the major and local radio stations throughout the
island of Ireland, and further afield. He is a member of the Royal
Irish Academy.
(This lecture replaces the one on the IAA programme, as Dr Maund has
had to cancel at the last minute.)
Thanks to the Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB, for help in hosting
these lectures.

2.
VENUS: Visible in Evening Sky: Venus is now at about its easiest to
see from Ireland for this elongation. It's slowly getting higher in
the evening twilight sky, but is gradually getting closer to the Sun.
So it's a trade-off between altitude and its decreasing solar
elongation. Look low down in the bright SW evening twilight for a
bright twinkling 'star'.

3. GEOMAGNETIC STORM: A solar wind stream hit Earth's magnetic field
on Dec. 7th, sparking an unexpected geomagnetic storm and Northern
Lights over numerous US states. NOAA forecasters estimate a 35%
chance of additional storms on Dec. 8th and 9th. Auroras alerts are
available from http://spaceweathertext.com (text) and
http://spaceweatherphone.com (voice).

4. ECLIPSE BOOK LAUNCH: IAA Member Dr Kate Russo has just had her
second eclipse book published! See:
http://www.beingintheshadow.com/the-book-total-addiction/totality-2012/

5. Book Launch: Armagh Public Library, 7.30pm, 11 December: "A Mystic
Dream of 4"
The Armagh Observatory and Armagh Public Library are co-hosting
the launch of a new book "A Mystic Dream of 4" by Professor Iggy
McGovern, in the Armagh Public Library, 43 Abbey Street, Armagh.
For further information, please contact the Armagh Public Library by E-mail
at admin@armaghpubliclibrary.co.uk or by telephone at 028-3752-3142.

6. ISS Evening Passes. The International Space Station will commence a
new series of evening passes over Ireland on Dec 11: Details on
www.heavens-above.com

7. GEMINIDS: The Geminids, the year's richest annual meteor shower,
will peak on Dec 13-14, but starts to become active about 8-9 Dec.
Oddly, the orbit of the meteors was found to coincide with that of
asteroid 3200 Phaethon, rather than a comet as in the case of other
meteor showers. Now the mystery unfolds a bit more: "Asteroid comet"
3200 Phaethon has sprouted a tail, confirming that the mysterious
object is indeed the source of the annual Geminid meteor shower. See:
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/27nov_rockcomet/
and: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I80ZXrXucI. More details on the
shower next time.


8. MYSTERY OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR, Armagh Planetarium: Monday – Friday
at 2pm, Saturday at 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm
Evening shows every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3-19 December
at 7:30pm. For more information on show times please visit the website
at www.armaghplanet.com. Tel - 028 3752 3689

9. Special Christmas Talk on Comets hosted by the Galway Astronomy
Club and NUIG Astronomy Society, 17 th of December. Dr Jacqueline
Keane will give a special Christmas talk entitled "2013: The Year of
the Long-haired Stars". The talk will take place in IT 250, IT
Building, NUI Galway at 7.30pm.
In ancient times, "long-haired stars" inspired terror because of
their sudden appearance, potentially great brightness, and large
tails. Comets, long considered harbingers of doom, have been blamed
for some of history's darkest times. About once a decade, a truly
spectacular comet is visible even through the bright city lights. In
2013, it was predicted that we would see two "great" comets of the
century, L4-PANSTARRS and ISON. Though these two comets did not
disappoint scientists, they were not as bright as first predicted and
were not visible to the general public. But what makes a comet "great"
anyway? Come along and find out. This public talk will discuss what
comets are and how comets help us understand the formation of the
Solar System. A summary of the exciting world-wide Comet ISON
observing campaign will be presented, with a special focus on the
University of Hawaii campaign using numerous 10-meter telescopes at
14000 feet on the summit of Mauna Kea. The prospects of viewing comets
in 2014 will also be discussed.
Jacqueline Keane is an assistant astronomer at the University of
Hawaii Institute for Astronomy. After studying for a B.Sc. in Physics
and a Masters in Astronomy at the NUIG, Jacqueline earned a PhD in
Astrophysics at Groningen University (the Netherlands) working with
Infrared Space Observatory observations of interstellar ice features
and their formation via grain-surface reactions. After her PhD,
Jacqueline moved to California to work at the NASA Ames Research
Center where her work concentrated on understanding the composition of
cold material in star-forming molecular clouds using the Spitzer
space-based telescope. Jacqueline currently specialises in
ground-based observations of comets and how they can be used to
understand the conditions in the early Solar System.

10. NIEA SOLSTICE EVENT: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency will
hold this year's traditional Winter Solstice Event on Fri 20 December,
from 1.00 - 2.00 p.m., at Waterman house, 5b - 33 Hill St, Belfast,
BT1 2LA.
A talk entitled "Marking Time Through The Millennia" will be given by
Lynne Williams and Boyd Rankin of Irish Arms. This illustrated talk
will look at how astronomical events such as solstices and equinoxes
were a vital part of the agricultural year. Were stone circles and
alignments built as calendars as well as ritual places?
Admission Free, including Seasonal refreshments.

11. STARGAZING LIVE returns on 7 - 9 January 2014, at Cultra. The IAA
has once again been asked to be principal partner with the BBC for
this prestigious event. The main local event will be at the Ulster
Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra. Mark your diaries now. The IAA
has now formally presented its programme for the events to the BBC,
and we are finalising arrangements with them.

12. TYRONE ASTRONOMY EVENT, Stewartstown, 10 January. "Journey through
Space" will be held in St Patrick's Church, Ballyclog, 125 Coagh Road,
Stewartstown, Co Tyrone. Dr Patrick Harkness is an IAA member who
lecturers in Space Systems at the Univ. of Glasgow. The central theme
of his talk is "Gravity" and it will be accessible rocket science. We
are trying to stimulate interest in science and technology in the
local community. Details and booking at: <ballyclog.space@gmail.com>


13. Advance Notice: Trip to Newgrange: Mar 29, 2014: 09.30 – 17.00: I
will be leading an astronomy /archaeoastronomy trip to Newgrange, as
part of the Stranmillis Adult Learning programme. A day long coach
trip, with full commentary. Demand for this is already high, so book
now if you are interested. There is a maximum number allowed on the
trip, due to space restrictions within the Newgrange Mound. Booking is
through Stranmillis College.

14. INTERESTING WEBLINKS:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2519418/The-planet-shouldnt-exist-Bizarre-world-orbiting-star-staggering-distance-leaves-astronomers-baffled.html.
A possible explanation that occurs to me - two young/proto stars
passed so close to each other when their protoplanetary discs were
still forming that the discs interacted, causing a large accumulation
of matter in the outer part of the more massive disc. When the other
less massive star moved on out of range, the large clump left behind
formed this planet.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2519361/Nasa-begins-search-Ison-fragments-close-encounter-sun.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2520562/Delight-Northumberland-International-Dark-Sky-Park-Europes-biggest.html
(it's time we had at least one of these here, both North and South!)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2520656/Did-life-begin-underground-Microbes-MILES-surface-similar-lived-3-5-billion-years-ago.html?ico=sciencetech^headlines

15. Advance Notice: STFC Roadshow at QUB, 19 - 25 May. The roadshow,
entitled "Seeing the Universe in all its light" features stunning
science images and interactive exhibits. More details later, but mark
your diaries now.
Check the `Seeing the Universe in All its Light' webpage
at:www.stfc.ac.uk/2740

16. TWITTER: Follow the IAA on Twitter: @IaaAstro



17. NEW LINK! JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is easy: 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.

Clear skies,
Terry Moseley

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Fwd: Lectures, ISON, IAA Astro & other events, book launches, Gemininds, Newgrange...

Hi all,

1. IAA LECTURE, 11 December. Supernovae And The HST: By Dr Justyn Mound, QUB.
Supernovae are just about the biggest explosions in the universe,
and certainly the biggest that we are ever likely to see. Not only
that, but they create all the elements above iron in the periodic
table, many of which, such as nickel, zinc, selenium, and iodine, are
essential for human life. They are also the key element in the
'distance ladder' used in large scale astrophysics and cosmology, as
they are used to measure the distance to distant galaxies and galaxy
clusters.
And it's from studying distant supernovae that scientists now
believe that the expansion of the universe is speeding up, leading to
the theory of 'dark energy'. In other words, it's hard to think of any
other single phenomena that's more important in modern astrophysics
and cosmology.
And of course it's the amazing power of the HST which gives us the
data we need on the most distant of these events. So this lecture will
be a fascinating account of one of the cutting edge areas of modern
astronomy.
The lecture is free and open to all, including free refreshments.
Venue: the Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University,
Belfast, at 7.30 p.m.
Thanks to the Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB, for help in
hosting these lectures.

2. COMET ISON - ISNO Comet? Comet ISON may not have had the same orbit
as Comet Kohoutek (1973), but they will probably go down in amateur
astronomy lore as two of the most disappointing comets in our
lifetimes.
Originally billed as 'Comet of the Century' (even in 2013???), and
predicted to be a brilliant naked eye object, reaching magnitude -12,
and 'as bright as the Full Moon', it barely achieved naked eye
visibility, especially as seen from UK/Irish latitudes. Even at
perihelion it was much less bright than predicted, and could not be
seen even with the Sun shielded.
Angela and I could not see it even with 10x50 binoculars on the
morning of the 25th even from an altitude of 2,200 metres in the very
clear dark sky of the Mt Teide caldera on Tenerife, where it was much
higher above the dawn twilight than from Ireland. We saw Mercury and
Saturn shining brilliantly, and even nearby Zubenelgenubi (mag 2.7),
but no comet.
It seemed at first that a small portion may have survived
perihelion, but it now seems totally defunct: see
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/02/comet-ison-is-dead_n_4371817.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
and http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/02/comet-ison-latest_n_4370786.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
If there is anything left, it's currently moving through the region
of the borders of Ophiuchus, Scorpio and Libra, and for the next few
days can be found below and right of Epsilon and Delta Ophiuchi.
www.heavens-above.com gives its position for any time and date.
The latest images are posted at
http://www.isoncampaign.org/potw-oct21. More information on the
Comet ISON Observation Campaign website at
http://www.isoncampaign.org/.
Also see: http://www.space.com/topics/comet-ison/ and
http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1311/28ison/,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2515429/Is-Comet-ISON-really-dead-New-images-possible-surviving-fragment.html,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2513079/Amazing-time-lapse-video-captures-comets-look-like-swimming-tadpoles-racing-sun-ahead-spectacular-meltdown-week.html
http://www.space.com/23780-comet-ison-survival-sun-roasting.html?cmpid=556065
and there's a post-mortem on http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy.html
* At least there's one good aspect: not only was Comet ISON not the
harbinger of doom that the Nibiru Conspiracy Theorists and their ilk
were predicting: it was such a non-event that they have even more egg
on their faces than usual!
Sky at Night on Comet ISON: The 'team' including Alan Fitzsimmons
(QUB) at La Palma, used Isaac Newton and Liverpool Robotic Telescope
to look for and acquire data and images. Before ISON perihelion but
still very good. The extended prog.(30mins) is on BBC4, Thursday 5
Dec. at 7.30. The 'short' repeat is on BBc 2, Sat. 7 Dec. (Thanks to
Peter Paice for the info)
* Let's find Comet ISON observational web campaign! (Japan). A
Mega-Collection of "Your Observations" from the 1st of November 2013
to the 20th of January 2014: the Japan Astronomy council is collecting
Comet ISON observational information from all over the world.
Participation is very simple: just drop a marker pin on the on-screen
map and write your observational comment. If you take a photo of comet
ISON, please upload it onto the website. When your observation
information and photographs are submitted, they will be stored in our
database and used to update the map. We look forward to hearing from
everyone!
For more information, follow the link:
http://ison.astro-campaign.jp/en/index.html or email
info@astro-campaign.jp.

3. ECLIPSE BOOK LAUNCH: IAA Member Dr Kate Russo has just had her
second eclipse book published! She posted this (I have edited it a bit
for space):
"I have put together a souvenir book about the 2012 TSE from my
home region of North Queensland. This time, I used a blend of
fantastic images of the eclipse and the region as well as a bit of
storytelling from locals and visitors from all across the region. I'm
delighted to announce that the book, TOTALITY: The Total Solar
Eclipse of 2012 in Far North Queensland is now out, and ready to
order. The book is available within Australia for $49 (including
postage). The ebook version can be downloaded for a reduced price for
November only $8, after which the price increases to $18.
International pricing, ordering and full book information can be found
on my website link here:
http://www.beingintheshadow.com/the-book-total-addiction/totality-2012/
Check it out, and do feel free to give me any feedback. Feedback
written on my website is especially appreciated.
Thanks to all in this wonderful international community of like
minded folk who contributed and shared their photos, and a special
thank you to Michael Zeiler, and Terry Moseley.
And would you believe, I have book three now in progress:
Transformed by the Shadow, which is the first time eclipse experience,
written for eclipse virgins. This will be next year's release. Kate"
I can add the following totally unbiased comment - "It's a fabulous
book - the pictures, often double page spreads, are amazing, and the
first hand accounts really make the whole eclipse experience come
alive. If you haven't already seen a TSE, you'll certainly want to do
so after reading this!" TM.

4.
VENUS: Now Much Easier to See in Evening Sky: Venus is still near
maximum elongation from the Sun, but it's only now becoming fairly
easy to see from our latitudes, because the ecliptic lies at a very
shallow angle to the W horizon in autumn evenings. It's slowly
getting higher in the evening twilight sky now and it will become
easier to see in spite of the decreasing solar elongation. Look low
down in the bright SW evening twilight for a bright twinkling 'star'.

5. DIAS PUBLIC LECTURE, 4 December, 6 p.m: Dark Matter: One of the
greatest puzzles of our time will be discussed at a public lecture by
the secretary of the Nobel committee for physics. Amazingly, we still
don't know what 95% of the Universe is made of: scientists think that
about 12% of the matter in the universe is "standard stuff" – made of
protons and electrons, etc – but the rest is a mystery.
This public talk, on "Solving the Puzzle of Dark Matter?" – will be
given by Professor Lars Bergstrom, University of Stockholm, and
secretary of the Nobel committee for physics.
Admission free and all are welcome. Moore Auditorium, O'Brien
Centre for science, University College Dublin. This is the Dublin
Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) School of Cosmic Physics 2013
statutory public lecture. More info: www.dias.ie
See: Image: Hubble space telescope and Chandra composite photograph
with evidence of dark matter, showing two massive galaxies colliding
at astonishing speeds, to form a cluster known as MACS J0025.4-1222:
http://hubblesite.org/gallery/album/exotic/pr2008032a/
*About *Professor Lars Bergström:
http://www.lindau-nobel.org/profile_lars_bergstroem.AxCMS

6. IAA OBSERVING NIGHTS: The next observing nights, at Delamont
Country Park, will be on December 6-7, weather permitting. see the IAA
website for updates: www.irishastro.org

7. Supper with the Stars at Oxford Island 7 December: The IAA will be
partnering the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre (LNDC) at Oxford Island,
near Lurgan, to offer another one of their very successful "Supper
With The Stars" evenings. We'll have the usual formula: telescopes for
observing if clear, and on display if cloudy. And we'll also have
shows in the Stardome, on loan once again from Armagh Planetarium,
thanks to Director Tom Mason. Plus lots of other attractions. Tickets
must be booked in advance direct with LNDC. www.oxfordisland.com, E:
oxford.island@craigavon.gov.uk, Tel: (028) 3832 2205. More details in
next bulletin.

8. IAA at Silent Valley, Mourne Mountains, 8 December: Then we're off
to a new location: the dark and unpolluted skies on the South side of
the Mourne Mountains for an evening of observing (if clear), and talks
and other activities. More details on that in the next bulletin.

9. TYRONE ASTRONOMY EVENT, Stewartstown, 10 January. "Journey through
Space" will be held in St Patrick's Church, Ballyclog, 125 Coagh Road,
Stewartstown, Co Tyrone. Dr Patrick Harkness is an IAA member who
lecturers in Space Systems at the Univ. of Glasgow. The central theme
of his talk is "Gravity" and it will be accessible rocket science. We
are trying to stimulate interest in science and technology in the
local community. Details and booking at: <ballyclog.space@gmail.com>

10. Book Launch: Armagh Public Library, 7.30pm, 11 December: "A Mystic
Dream of 4"
The Armagh Observatory and Armagh Public Library are co-hosting
the launch of a new book "A Mystic Dream of 4" by Professor Iggy
McGovern, in the Armagh Public Library, 43 Abbey Street, Armagh.
Prof Iggy McGovern is a poet and Emeritus Professor of Physics at
Trinity College Dublin. His previous publications include "The King
of Suburbia" (Dedalus Press, 2005), and "Safe House" (Dedalus Press,
2010). He also edited the anthology 2012 "Twenty Irish Poets Respond
to Science in Twelve Lines" (Dedalus Press, 2012).
"A Mystic Dream of 4" is a sonnet sequence based on the life and
times of William Rowan Hamilton (1805-1865), one of the foremost
mathematicians of the nineteenth century and the inventor of
Quaternions, a number system which extends the complex numbers. Today
Hamilton's name is perpetuated in
the 'Hamilton' of Hamiltonian Dynamics and, in quantum mechanics, of
the Schroedinger Equation. Iggy McGovern's sonnet sequence spans the
life and times of this remarkable Irishman, ranging from the aftermath
of events at the end of the eighteenth century through the Great
Famine and beyond. The
sequence consists of 64 sonnets, mainly in the voices of relatives,
colleagues and friends of Hamilton, who tell the story of Hamilton's
life and reflect the mores of the times.
For further information, please contact the Armagh Public Library by E-mail
at admin@armaghpubliclibrary.co.uk or by telephone at 028-3752-3142.


11. ISS Evening Passes. The International Space Station will commence
a new series of evening passes over Ireland on Dec 11: Details on
www.heavens-above.com

12. GEMINIDS: The Geminids, the year's richest annual meteor shower,
will peak on Dec 13-14, but starts to become active about 8-9 Dec.
Oddly, the orbit of the meteors was found to coincide with that of
asteroid 3200 Phaethon, rather than a comet as in the case of other
meteor showers. Now the mystery unfolds a bit more: "Asteroid comet"
3200 Phaethon has sprouted a tail, confirming that the mysterious
object is indeed the source of the annual Geminid meteor shower. See:
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/27nov_rockcomet/
and: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I80ZXrXucI. More details on the
shower next time.

13. December events at BCO, CORK: See www.bco.ie for details,
especially for their 'First Friday' events, and their Junior Space
Camp with a Jolly Christmas twist, where young ones can make a
sparkly snowflake and Santastic snowglobe to take home! December 7 and
21 from 12:00-13:30.
ALSO: A 6 month internship to work with Cork's Space for Science
(Ireland). CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory (http://www.bco.ie/) is a
non-profit visitor centre that is home to a working research
observatory, space science exhibit and workshop programme. The
facility also operates a dynamic outreach agenda. We are looking for
someone with a passion for science and astronomy to work with us on
maintaining and increasing our online presence. You will have
responsibility for the general running of the social media platforms
from creating and uploading content on a regular basis to developing
and managing digital and social media campaigns. More information at
http://www.bco.ie/2013/11/marketinginternship/

14. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Lacerda.
Dr Pedro Lacerda has now been appointed Max Planck Group Leader in
Cometary Science at Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, in
Germany. Pedro, who was at QUB, is well known to IAA members, not just
for his excellent lectures, but for his welcome contributions to our
IAA / BBC Stargazing Live events. Well done Pedro!


15. A Final Reminder: IAA subscription renewals are now overdue, so if
you haven't renewed, you won't get a copy of the next issue of our
superb magazine STARDUST! See item 21 below for an easy way to pay, or
simply contact the Membership secretary Mr Philip Baxter at
iaaphil@googlemail.com, (or the Treasurer Mrs Josephine Magill at
jo_magill@yahoo.co.uk). Remember to tick the 'Gift Aid' box if you are
a UK taxpayer, so we can reclaim the tax from the Inland Revenue! It
costs you nothing, but is a great bonus to the IAA.

16. STARGAZING LIVE returns on 7 - 9 January 2014, at Cultra. The IAA
has once again been asked to be principal partner with the BBC for
this prestigious event. The main local event will be at the Ulster
Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra. Mark your diaries now. The IAA
has now formally presented its programme for the events to the BBC,
and we are finalising arrangements with them.

17. INTERESTING WEBLINKS:
http://www.space.com/23707-only-photos-reveal-aurora-true-color.html?cmpid=555137
http://www.space.com/23709-national-space-transportation-policy-unveiled.html?cmpid=555137
http://www.space.com/34-image-day.html?cmpid=555137
http://www.space.com/23708-jupiter-great-red-spot-longevity.html?cmpid=555137
http://spaceflightnow.com/china/change3/131127change3/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2516067/China-launch-moon-rover-mission-scout-locations-lunar-base-day-used-mission-mars.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2516501/China-launches-Jade-Rabbit-probe-space-scout-locations-moon-base-day-used-mission-Mars.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2516538/One-giant-leek-mankind-Nasa-try-growing-vegetables-herbs-moon-humans-day-live-there.html
They should try onions. They go well with cheese.....
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2510677/Could-4-5-billion-year-old-Martian-meteorite-discovered-Sahara-reveal-life-red-planet.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2515478/Could-homes-soon-powered-MOON-Engineers-plan-cover-satellite-solar-panels-beam-energy-Earth.html
(it depends what you mean by 'soon'. Maybe in the next millennium, if
at all....)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2513974/Meet-Gaia-The-European-spacecraft-map-BILLION-stars.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2511219/Billionaire-Dennis-Tito-plans-manned-mission-Mars-launch-early-Christmas-Day-2017.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2511219/Billionaire-Dennis-Tito-plans-manned-mission-Mars-launch-early-Christmas-Day-2017.html?ico=sciencetech^headlines
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2512994/London-New-York-hour-Flight-Hypersonic-preparing-board-50-years-Thunderbirds-came-idea.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2513736/Watch-Earth-space-REAL-TIME-International-Space-Station-fitted-HD-webcams-beam-live-footage.html
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/27nov_genius/
http://www.space.com/23530-killer-asteroid-deflection-saving-humanity.html?cmpid=555136
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2511327/Black-hole-discovered-pumping-jets-heavy-metals-440-MILLION-mph.html?ico=sciencetech^headlines
http://www.space.com/23757-space-tourist-training-per-wimmer.html?cmpid=556065
http://www.space.com/23747-earth-radiation-belts-fast-electrons.html?cmpid=556065
http://www.space.com/23789-china-launch-photos-moon-rover-change3.html?cmpid=556065
http://www.space.com/23788-best-space-photos-of-the-week-dec-1-2013.html?cmpid=556065


18. Advance Notice: Trip to Newgrange: Mar 29, 2014: 09.30 – 17.00: I
will be leading an astronomy /archaeoastronomy trip to Newgrange, as
part of the Stranmillis Adult Learning programme. A day long coach
trip, with full commentary. More details later, but mark the date now
if you are interested. Booking is through Stranmillis College.

19. Advance Notice: STFC Roadshow at QUB, 19 - 25 May. The roadshow,
entitled "Seeing the Universe in all its light" features stunning
science images and interactive exhibits, including:

A replica model of English astronomer Thomas Harriot's first telescope
A 1:4 scale model of ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT)
A 1:12 scale model of an Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA) antenna
A 1:20 scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
A 1:10 scale model of Herschel Space Observatory
'Hands-on' exhibits including 'seeing the invisible', 'adaptive
optics' and 'micro autonomous robots'
An interactive control desk, providing details on the full spectra of
wavelengths used by astronomers
Historical science papers from the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) &
the Thomas Harriot trust
An 8 metre interactive wall featuring an 'astronomical wow facts'
screen, interactive touchscreen and a large 3D screen.
Interactive apps, websites and resources
Non-slip floormats of telescopes from around the world

The Science & Technology Facilities Council's latest touring
exhibition is encouraging everyone to see the Universe in all its
light – showcasing the Big Telescopes family in all their glory and
focusing on both the UK's scientific expertise and the economic
benefits that astronomy can deliver.
The roadshow features stunning science images alongside a range of
interactive exhibits. Visitors will be able to experience a replica of
English astronomer Thomas Harriot's first telescope, as well as a
range of historical scientific papers from the Royal Astronomy Society
and the Thomas Harriot Trust.
There will be young scientists on hand from UK university astronomy
departments to enthuse about the work they do and answer questions on
any aspect of astronomy. They'll be able to guide visitors around
scale models of the Big Telescopes – ESO's Very Large Telescope, the
Atacama Large Millimetre Array, the Herschel Space Observatory and the
forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope.
Hands-on exhibits aim to explain the importance of building
telescopes across the whole range of wavelengths, so that we really
can see the Universe in all its light. An interactive control desk
provides details on the full spectra of wavelengths used by
astronomers, and visitors will be able to learn more about seeing the
invisible, micro autonomous robots and the adaptive optics that are
essential for telescopes but are also proving invaluable in more
down-to-earth applications such as cancer screening.
Check the `Seeing the Universe in All its Light' webpage
at:www.stfc.ac.uk/2740

20. TWITTER: Follow the IAA on Twitter: @IaaAstro


21. NEW LINK! JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is easy: 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.

Clear skies,
Terry Moseley

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Lectures, Meteorites, Galileo, AP Open Night, ISON, Astrocamp, Orrery, Andromeda

Hi all,

1. IAA LECTURE, 30 October. Dr Andy McCrea, IAA. " Aurorae and Astronauts".
Well known amateur astronomer, astro-imager, past IAA President, and
proprietor of North Down Telescopes, Dr Andy McCrea will give the next
lecture, based on his recent highly successful aurora hunting trip to
Iceland, and his similarly successful astronaut-hunting exploits (only
with cameras & an autograph book!). Andy will reveal all about
aurorae, what causes them, where and how to see them and image them.
The lecture is free and open to all, including free refreshments.
It will be held in the Bell Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's
University, Belfast, at 7.30 p.m.
Thanks to the Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB, for help in
hosting these lectures.

2. ULSTER MUSEUM's METEORITE DAY: Sat 2 November, 13.00 - 16.00 Your
chance to learn about rocks from space, and handle several examples.
See the largest meteorite ever known to fall in the UK or Ireland, and
a piece of the recent Russian Fireball Chelyabinsk meteorite. See
http://www.nmni.com/um/What-s-on/Events/Meteorite-Day



3. "The Life of Galileo" -- November 8th to 10th, at 7:30pm. As part
of the lead up to Science Week, Brecht's "The Life of Galileo" will be
staged by the Greenwood Theatre Company in Dunsink Observatory in a
specially adapted version by David Hare. As the observatory is over
200 years old, it seems like the perfect venue in which to set the
play. Most of the performance will be staged in the Meridian Room
where "Dublin Time" was kept but the audience will have the chance to
move into the South Dome (with its large Victorian Grubb Telescope)
and the Solar System Room for a number of scenes. Seating is very
limited for the 3 performances and tickets (15 euro) can be booked
through the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies website www.dias.ie
by following the links to the "The Life of Galileo". See
http://www.dias.ie/index.php?lang=en for details.


4. ARMAGH PLANETARIUM OPEN NIGHT, 12 November: See
http://www.armaghplanet.com/events/see-the-stars-at-our-november-open-night.html

5. RIA LECTURE, CORK, 12 November: The RIA's biennial McCrea lecture
will hosted by UCC on 12 November. Venue: G10 Lecture Theatre,
Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork. Date:
Tuesday 12 November 2013, 6 pm.
Royal Irish Academy and University College Cork Biennial McCrea
Astronomy Lecture for Science Week 2013: Are the Laws of Physics
Changing? by Professor John D Barrow FRS, University of Cambridge
Abstract: Astronomers have investigated whether the laws and constants
of physics are the same today as they were billions of years ago. We
will look at what these high-precision observations have been telling
us and see why many physicists believe that the laws of physics may be
different elsewhere in the Universe.
Biography: John D Barrow is an English cosmologist, theoretical
physicist and mathematician. He is currently Research Professor of
Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge. He was elected
as a Fellow to the Royal Society in 2003 and was awarded the Faraday
Medal and Prize in 2008. He is Director of the Millennium Mathematics
Project. See: http://www.ria.ie/Events/Events-Listing/Biennial-McCrea-Lecture


6. COMET ISON - PHOTO COMPETITION: Now brightening significantly; the
comet is now up to about mag 10, moving from Leo towards Virgo.
There's now a major photo competition for amateurs: see
http://www.space.com/23345-comet-ison-photo-contest-amateur-astronomy.html?cmpid=555125
The latest images are posted at
http://www.isoncampaign.org/potw-oct21 and a recent update on the
comet's status can be found here:
http://www.isoncampaign.org/karl/ison-is-just-fine
More information on the Comet ISON Observation Campaign website at
http://www.isoncampaign.org/.
Also see: http://www.space.com/topics/comet-ison/,
and for a bit of fun:
http://www.examiner.com/article/is-comet-ison-accompanied-by-ufos.
ISON = NIBIRU? Indeed, as I predicted when ISON was first discovered,
there's now the usual nonsense on the Web about it being the new
'Nibiru', since Comet Elenin wasn't! See for example:
http://nibirurise.com/nibiru-is-comet-ison-actually-nibiru/#.UZJTQaIqzg0
Also, and just as weird -
A bright comet in year 2013? -- Comet ISON -- an Astrology, New Age
and Bible Prophecy analysis
This rivals the Nibiru doom-mongers for being nothing but complete and
utter rubbish. Read it at your peril - you will laugh so hard that it
hurts!

7. The website for the new Space Science Technology qualification
being piloted in Northern Ireland is now live at:
http://rewardinglearning.org.uk/microsites/space_science_technology/index.asp
Support materials are in the pipeline. (Per Robert Hill, who is
driving this welcome initiative.)

8. European Southern Observatory Astronomy Camp (Italy)

The first ESO Astronomy Camp will take place from 26 - 31 December
2013 at the Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley, located in
Saint-Barthelemy, Nus, Italy. The camp will explore the theme of the
visible and the invisible Universe through lectures, hands-on
activities, and nighttime observations with the telescopes and
instruments at the observatory. Social activities, winter sports, and
excursions will contribute to making the camp a memorable experience
for the participants. ESO will be responsible for the scientific
programme for the ESO Astronomy Camp, and will, together with other
partners, provide lecturers and material. The camp will be available
for a maximum of 55 secondary school students aged between 16 and 18
years old. More information at:
http://www.eso.org/public/announcements/ann13044/


9. EAAE Winter School 2013 (Finland)

The Winter School will be organized by the EAAE-WG3 in Enontekiö,
Finland from the 28th to the 30th December 2013. This Winter School is
open to all teachers who work in primary and secondary schools in
European countries. The School will be held next December in Finland
(Lapland). The registration fee is 50 Euros. During the Winter School
teachers will attend general lectures, workshops and daily
observational sessions. Participants should wrap up warm during these
sessions because of the cold weather. Note that although Sun never
rises and daylight of dawn is only seen for a very short period at
this time of the year in Enontekio, observation sessions can only be
held during the Winter School if weather conditions are good.
Instructors at the Winter School will be members of EAAE-WG3, and they
come from different countries in Europe. The theme of this Winter
School is Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights. Professor Rosa Maria
Ros (ros@ma4.upc.edu) is the Chairperson of EAAE-WG3 and should be
contacted for any further inquiries.



10. Armagh Observatory "Human Orrery" Goes Global

From the Director, Professor Mark Bailey (edited from IAU Newsletter):

The Armagh Human Orrery is the first large-scale outdoor exhibit to
show with precision on the ground the positions of the main planets, a
dwarf planet and two comets. It is an innovative education and
learning tool designed to explain the motion of the planets around the
Sun and the changing position of Earth relative to those planets as it
too revolves around the Sun every year.

Launched at the Observatory nearly nine years ago, the model is fun
to use, entertaining and participative. The model has now been
reproduced at a number of locations, notably at the Kings School,
Peterborough, and at Christ the Redeemer Primary School, Belfast, and
most recently at the Eureka High School, Nepaltar, Kathmandu, Nepal.

For full details of the Armagh Human Orrery, see
http://star.arm.ac.uk/orrery/. For a summary review of the Human
Orrery and the background to the model, see:
http://star.arm.ac.uk/~meb/human_orrery_2012oct11_handouts_small.pdf;
and for an example of a novel portable human orrery, see:
http://www.astrosociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/uitc82.pdf. For
further images, follow: http://star.arm.ac.uk/~meb/orrery_2013oct/.



11. The Andromeda Project is Back!

From Rob and the Zooniverse Team: Last year we launched the Andromeda
Project (http://www.andromedaproject.org/) and asked the public to
help us locate star clusters in our nearest neighbouring galaxy:
Andromeda (M31). The project was a phenomenal success and in less than
three weeks volunteers had classified more than a million images.
Today we're releasing a whole new batch of data into the Andromeda
Project and we're calling this Round 2.

The data you will see are amazingly detailed images from the Hubble
Space Telescope, which has peered deep into Andromeda as part of the
PHAT survey. The aim of the Andromeda Project is to the locate all the
star clusters and background galaxies found in PHAT and to build up
the most complete map of any spiral galaxy anywhere. This is amazing
science that can only be done with the help of citizen scientists.


12. STARGAZING LIVE returns on 7 - 9 January 2014, at Cultra. The IAA
has once again been asked to be principal partner with the BBC for
this prestigious event. The main local event will be at the Ulster
Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra. More details later, but mark your
diaries now. (I'm going to a planning meeting with the BBC and the
Cultra people tomorrow, so I'll update after that.)

13. INTERESTING WEBLINKS:
http://www.space.com/23329-lego-space-building-future-book.html?cmpid=555125
http://www.space.com/16339-private-asteroid-telescope-sentinel-mission.html
http://www.space.com/23344-asteroid-threat-earth-united-nations-response.html?cmpid=555125
http://www.space.com/23345-comet-ison-photo-contest-amateur-astronomy.html?cmpid=555125
http://www.space.com/23343-diamond-planets-water-alien-life.html?cmpid=555125
http://www.livescience.com/40753-mount-etna-eruption-from-space.html?cmpid=555219
http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1310/26dreamchaser/
http://www.space.com/23317-saturn-rings-photos-dark-side.html?cmpid=555124
http://www.space.com/23327-mars-rover-opportunity-climbs-martian-hill.html?cmpid=555124
http://www.space.com/23326-saturn-moon-titan-lakes-photos.html?cmpid=555124
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2476471/Revealed-Ghostly-shape-coldest-place-universe-sheds-new-light-death-throes-sun-like-stars.html?ico=sciencetech^headlines
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2475152/Japanese-asteroid-blasting-space-cannon-reveal-origins-universe.html
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/25oct_aviationswx/
http://www.iau.org/public/publications/newsletter/2013_10/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2473693/Galaxy-30bn-light-years-away-confirmed-distant-neighbour.html?ico=sciencetech^headlines
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2473706/The-satellite-help-detect-forest-fires-control-save-money-lives.html?ico=sciencetech^headlines
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/10/24/1000-alien-planets_n_4154360.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2471709/How-atmosphere-Mars-turned-STONE-Clues-red-planet-help-battle-climate-change-Earth.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2463153/Russia-U-S-sign-nuclear-agreement-protect-planet-asteroids.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2473083/Chelyabinsk-meteor-goes-Giant-600kg-chunk-displayed-hauled-Russian-lake.html
http://www.space.com/13681-mars-biggest-mysteries-water-life.html
http://www.space.com/23287-mars-atmosphere-trapped-inside-rocks.html?cmpid=555123
http://www.space.com/23293-astronaut-hair-zero-gravity-video.html?cmpid=555123
http://www.space.com/23291-space-tourism-balloon-flights.html?cmpid=555123
http://www.lifeslittlemysteries.com/could-extraterrestrials-really-invade-earth-and-how-0740/
http://www.livescience.com/33091-slideshow-strange-everyday-things-space.html
http://www.livescience.com/14462-amateur-astronomer-spot-secret-mars-base.html
(Sorry folks - but No!)
http://www.space.com/23209-super-earth-super-venus-nasa.html?cmpid=555122
http://www.space.com/22577-earth-life-from-mars-theory.html (and how
did it get to Mars?)
http://www.space.com/23144-earth-life-autocells-gas-giants.html

14. TWITTER: Follow the IAA on Twitter: @IaaAstro


15. NEW LINK! JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is easy: 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.

Clear skies,
Terry Moseley