Sunday 26 January 2014

IAA/QUB Lecture UPDATE, S'nova brite, Galway Astrofest, No Black Holes? New Blog

Hi all,

1. IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION/QUB ARC: Public Lecture, 5th Feb,
7.00pm: "The Gaia space mission and the origins of the Milky Way".
NB: Note START TIME IS 7 p.m., and it will be in the LARMOR Lecture
Theatre (not our usual Bell lecture theatre). The Larmor is at the
other end (SW end) of the Physics Building, with a separate entrance.
NB: You must pre-register for this talk - see below.
The Gaia mission aims to create a precise 3D map of the Milky Way.
The billion stars that Gaia will map is still only one per cent of the
Milky Way's total number of stars. It is Europe's successor to the
Hipparcos satellite which mapped around 100,000 stars. Hipparcos was
the very first mission for measuring astrometry - the positions,
distances, motions, brightness and colours of stars. It is hoped Gaia
will find also reveal new asteroids, dead stars, and test current
theories about our cosmos. Its map will also become a reference frame
to guide the investigations of future telescopes. See
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2543190/Did-Milky-Way-form-INSIDE-OUT-Stars-live-fast-die-young-reveal-galaxy-evolved-spinning-disc.html
Prof Gerry Gilmore FRS is Professor of Experimental Philosophy at
the Institute of Astronomy in the University of Cambridge. He leads
the effort to understand the structure and origin of our Galaxy and
his team has provided us our current understanding of how the masses
of stars are distributed at birth. Professor Gilmore is lead
investigator on the Gaia-ESO Project.
Thanks to the Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB, for help in
hosting these lectures.
The lecture is free and open to all (but register first). Venue:
the Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Queen's University,
Belfast, at 7.00 p.m. GPS co-ordinates for the entrance to the Larmor
Lecture Theatre: N 54deg 35' 0.6"; W 5deg 56' 7.7"

2. Supernova in M82 ('Cigar Galaxy') = SN2014J
The supernova which recently exploded in the nearby Cigar Galaxy (M82)
in Ursa Major is still brightening; some reports put it as bright as
mag 10.5, though not all agree. That puts it within range of a small
telescope, or good high power binoculars.
M82, which is an elongated irregular galaxy, lies close to the
bigger and brighter oval-shaped M81. You can find them easily by
following the diagonal line across the 'blade' of the Plough, or the
'bowl' of the Big Dipper, i.e. from Gamma through Alpha, and extending
it for its own distance beyond Alpha. The precise co-ordinates of the
supernova are: RA: 09 55 42.14; Dec: +69 40 26.0
This supernova had a V magnitude of 11.6 at discovery, but it
should peak over the coming days before dimming over the next few
months.
SN 2014J is a Type Ia-HV supernova. HV = high-velocity, meaning
that the explosive matter has been blasted out from the progenitor
star at huge speed. Measurements on Jan. 22 indicated speeds of over
12,400 miles per second (20,000 km/sec). SN 2014J is highly reddened,
indicating that there is a lot of dust in the host galaxy through
which its light has to shine before reaching us. Without this
reddening, it would appear even brighter.
Astronomers think it was discovered about a week before maximum
brightness. That would indicate a peak on or around Jan. 29.
If you don't have a telescope but want to see a live image check out
the Virtual Telescope Project 2.0 featuring Italian astrophysicist
Gianluca Masi on astrowebtv.org . Starting on Jan. 25 you can join the
online observing session.
IAA Council member and Editor of STARDUST Dr Andy McCrea got some
nice images, which are on the IAA website www.irishastro.org.
You can find out more about Type Ia supernovae and how they help
astronomers study dark energy at:
http://hubblesite.org/hubble_discoveries/dark_energy/de-type_ia_supernovae.php
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/22/m82-supernova_n_4644356.html?1390404436&utm_hp_ref=uk-tech
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2544585/Do-want-SUPERNOVA-Exploding-star-nearby-galaxy-visible-binoculars-two-weeks.html
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/maps-faculty/maps-news-publication/maps1405
http://remanzacco.blogspot.co.uk/


3. GALWAY ASTROFEST, 1 February: UPDATE: Special Guest speakers: Tim
Puckett, and Guy Hurst, editor of "The Astronomer"
Full updated details of our Astronomy Festival is now available at
http://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/index.php/31-general/general/110-astronomy-festival-2014
We have almost €2500 worth of equipment in our 10th anniversary raffle
this year! All details on our website at www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
Galway Astronomy Festival, where members of the public are invited
to a special event dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of the
Universe being held at the Westwood House Hotel.
"City of Stars" is the theme for the Galway Astronomy Festival with
an emphasis on how our exploration of the Cosmos has Inspired
communities and cultures in our city that would not otherwise do so;
to think about the Universe.
The Galway Astronomy Festival is a celebration and exhibition of
astronomy. A spectacle of stars, planets and space with presentations
from top names in the world of astronomy, activities, trade stands,
advice, Observing, Big Telescopes and guidance. Something for all ages
interests and experiences. The best thing about the Galway Astronomy
Festival, along with the incredible atmosphere, is the diverse age
range of people that attend annually; all brought together by one
common passion - their love of astronomy.
Galway Astronomy Festival 2014: Igniting Passions, Inspiring Minds,
Transforming Futures see our wonderful promo movie at
https://vimeo.com/83172183
There will 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/

4. NO BLACK HOLES? Prof Stephen Hawking has stirred the cosmological
pot once again, claiming "there are no Black Holes, only 'Grey' ones".
See
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2545552/Stephen-Hawking-admits-no-black-holes-GREY-holes.html.
But of course, as we know, there are Fifty Shades of Grey! At least!
'Grey' can be anything from 99% black to 99% white. (TM)

5. NEW IRISH SCIENCE BLOG: Note this new science blog by Dr Kevin
Nolan. Kevin is well known in astronomical circles in Ireland as the
Ireland representative of The Planetary Society, and author of the
book "Mars: A Cosmic Stepping Stone". He lectures widely on related
topics - he has given several well-received lectures to the IAA - and
is a tireless exponent of planetary exploration.
His new blog is centred on topical, open, sociological and emerging
issues in space exploration among other science topics; as well as
providing The Planetary Society in Ireland events and news.
He emailed me: "To start the blog off, I've posted a blog providing
details on the upcoming anniversary of MER-B Opportunity (that's Mars
Exploration Rover B, 'Opportunity': TM) on Saturday 25th January.
Apart from the blog, the "Documents" section of my blog provides a 20
page PDF document free for download with details on Mars Exploration,
the MER rovers, Opportunity's milestones and achievements, images with
source and credits and links to important Mars web sites, hash tags
and so on. My new blog is called "Planetarie" and can be found
at:http://planetarie.wordpress.com." Kevin Nolan.

6. Advance Notice: Thursday 27 March at 7.30pm Lecture: "Blowing up a
storm! Ireland's record of great winds and the Irish characters who
showed the world how to measure them." Dr Kieran R. Hickey, Dept of
Geography, National University of Ireland, Galway
The island of Ireland has a very long history of great storms because
of its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean. The first great storms were
recorded in the monastic annals as far back as the middle of the first
millennium AD and numerous have been recorded since. This talk will
examine this long record of great winds including mid-latitude storms
(e.g. 1839 'Night of The Big Wind'), and the tail-ends of hurricanes.
It will also assess the contribution to the study of wind by two of
the most important characters in the development of wind measurements
who came from Ireland, most notably Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort
(1774-1857) from Navan, and Rev. Dr John Thomas Romney Robinson
(1793-1882) from Dublin, who became one of the greatest Directors of
Armagh Observatory.
Venue: Room OG-029, School of Geography, Archaeology and
Palaeoecology, Queen's University Belfast, Elmwood Avenue, Belfast,
BT7 1NN.
Tickets: free, please email to indicate attendance E rgsni@hotmail.co.uk

7. 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.

8. Advance Notice: COSMOS 2014. This will be held from 4-6 April, but
this year it will be in Athlone, not Annaharvey, Tullamore! So don't
be booking any accommodation in Tullamore, as I nearly did! More
details when available.

9. 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


10. 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

11. INTERESTING WEBLINKS:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/wise/newsfeatures.cfm?release=2014-023
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/24/nasa-neowise-asteroids_n_4657246.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/24/nasa-neowise-asteroids_n_4657246.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140124093710.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140124161249.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2544981/Mapping-red-planet-Incredible-photos-chart-ten-years-exploration-Mars.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2545265/Did-life-Mars-exist-SAME-time-formed-Earth-Opportunity-reveals-oldest-evidence-water-red-planet.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2545396/Are-planets-MORE-suitable-life-Earth.html
Well, of course there are! It would be amazing if the Earth was THE
MOST suitable planet for life in the universe - or even in our own
galaxy!
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/22jan_ceres/
http://www.space.com/24401-dream-chaser-space-plane-2016-launch.html?cmpid=556379
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140122153910.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
http://www.space.com/24395-mars-rover-opportunity-anniversary-10-years.html?cmpid=556379
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140122153910.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140122133831.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140122134236.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_technology+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Technology+News%29
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140122132535.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24930-squeeze-light-to-teleport-quantum-energy.html
(don't worry - nobody else understands how this works either!)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140122134022.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2543973/Ceres-gushing-WATER-Liquid-spouting-planets-surface-reveal-life-began-Earth.html
http://www.space.com/24366-dwarf-planet-ceres-water-ice-volcanoes.html?cmpid=556378
http://www.simpack.com/fileadmin/simpack/doc/usermeeting04/um04_maxplanck_hilch.pdf
http://spaceref.com/comets/rosettas-target-comet-67pchuryumov-gerasimenko.html
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24908-up-and-at-em-rosetta-craft-gaining-on-target-comet.html
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/dec/04/rosetta-space-probe-comet-landing
(What puzzles me is how the probe is going to orbit, always facing it)
an object with a mass of only 3 x 10>9 tonnes, and a surface gravity
of only 1/1000 m/s2)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2543509/Now-THATS-school-science-project-The-university-students-planning-send-lander-Moon.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2544130/The-worlds-accurate-clock-revealed-wont-lose-second-five-BILLION-years.html
http://www.space.com/24361-spaceship-art-exhibit-nyc-museum.html?cmpid=556378
http://www.space.com/24355-mars-rover-2020-science-instruments.html?cmpid=556378
http://www.space.com/24353-dark-matter-mystery-solved-10-years.html?cmpid=556378
(and how will it interact with the Higgs Boson / Higgs Field?)
http://www.space.com/24371-nasa-relay-satellite-launch-preview.html?cmpid=556378
https://www.facebook.com/spacecom?cmpid=556378
http://www.space.com/24364-mock-mars-mission-farewell.html?cmpid=556378
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/22/iss-space-station-fresh-fruit_n_4645002.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24907-water-found-in-stardust-suggests-life-is-universal.html#.Ut-lUo3FKiY
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/22/water-found-in-stardust_n_4642937.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech


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



13. 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.

Finally, in tribute to the late great John Dobson, a quote from him
which is typical of the man, and very appropriate: "If you figure
something out for yourself, it doesn't make no never-mind who figured
it out first, it's yours."

Clear skies,
Terry Moseley

Friday 17 January 2014

S-L, IAA Lecture, John Dobson, Chris Hadfield, Galway SP, Many more events, Web


 
1.  STARGAZING LIVE: This was an amazing success, with 4,100 people attending! And some people had to be turned away, as all the car parks, including the emergency overflow ones, were full. We were lucky with mainly clear skies, although some drifting cloud occasionally interrupted viewing of Jupiter and to a lesser extent, the Moon. The starshows which Andy, Brian & Paul ran in Armagh Planetarium's portable stardome, the iPad star walks, and all our other activities, were also very popular. I was so busy that I never got a chance to visit any of the other activities, but I believe that the activities run by the Observatory, Planetarium & QUB were also successful. As well as being live on Radio Ulster several times, & TV once, I must have shown Jupiter & the Moon to about 400 people through my telescope alone. Paul & William & others were also interviewed, and the queues for the big telescopes were unbelievable!
  A very big thankyou to all the IAA volunteers for a lot of hard work, which really paid off.
     
2. IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION: Public Lecture, Jan 22, 7.30: "N.I. Space: Developing the Space Sector and opportunities in the Province", This will be given by the one and only, the indefatigable, Robert Hill, Director of the NI Space Office. Robert has also just been appointed by InvestNI, the Regional Business Development Agency for Northern Ireland, as the Space Sector Industry Champion to the province. Robert's role will be to assist InvestNI in advancing sectoral knowledge and development of opportunities for NI companies to become involved in upstream and downstream space sector activities.
   Robert was also almost solely responsible for getting astronomy and space topics included in the official NI schools curriculum!
   It's not widely known, but NI already has significant activity in the space exploration and technology sector, and Robert is very active in helping to develop and promote that. You'll be amazed at what''s already going on, and what's being planned.
  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.
 
3. Death of John Dobson:
John Dobson, inventor of the type of telescope which bears his name, has died peacefully in California, at the ripe old age of 98. He probably did more for observational amateur astronomy than any other person since Galileo. Many of us will remember meeting him at a Whirlpool Star Party in Birr in 2002. See http://www.qsl.net/ei5fk/dobson.html.   His obituary from the 'Sky & Telescope' website gives more detail about his life and career:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/John-Dobson-1915ndash2014-240456881.html
 He is irreplaceable: thanks, John, for your unique and invaluable gift to astronomy.
 
4. Commander Chris Hadfield visits Armagh and Belfast:
   Congratulations and thanks to Dr Tom Mason for securing a flying visit by Commander Chris Hadfield, astronaut extraordinaire, to Armagh Planetarium last Sunday. Admission was by ticket only, and needless to say, the event was booked out almost as son as it was announced! He was on a very tight schedule, so after a brief introduction, he just invited questions from the capacity audience. Preference was given to the younger ones present, so I was amazed to be allowed a question about the effects of long-term weightlessness on the first astronauts to land on Mars. I was then totally embarrassed to be called up on the platform beside him, where he used my body to demonstrate the effects of zero-G! A photo can be seen at http://t.co/9JuYOV0ykN (https://twitter.com/colmo_ni/status/422771443747667968)
  Then on Tuesday he did a 2-hour booksigning session at Eason's in Belfast. This totally overwhelmed the bookshop! I have never seen as long a queue in my life - they had 500 books in the store, and they were soon sold out, but people kept coming anyway. At the end, to so no-one was going to miss out altogether, they just skipped the photo options, and the last 200 or so just filed past for a quick signing. What totally amazed me was that when I got to him, he remembered me and my name from my question in Armagh! What a man!  If you haven't read his book, you really should do so.
  And Hannah & Hal Kempston got the first edition of Stardust Junior signed and also gave him a copy of the current edition of Stardust, which he passed to his wife to put it into her bag to read on the flight!
   Kate Russo also gave him a copy of her eclipse book, in return for a signature on his.
 
5. GALWAY ASTROFEST, 1 February: Full details of our Astronomy Festival is now available at http://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/index.php/31-general/general/110-astronomy-festival-2014
UPDATE: We have almost €2500 worth of equipment in our 10th anniversary raffle this year! All details on our website at www.galwayastronomyclub.ie
  Galway Astronomy Festival, where members of the public are invited to a special event dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of the Universe being held at the Westwood House Hotel.
   "City of Stars" is the theme for the Galway Astronomy Festival with an emphasis on how our exploration of the Cosmos has Inspired communities and cultures in our city that would not otherwise do so; to think about the Universe.
   The Galway Astronomy Festival is a celebration and exhibition of astronomy. A spectacle of stars, planets and space with presentations from top names in the world of astronomy, activities, trade stands, advice, Observing, Big Telescopes and guidance. Something for all ages interests and experiences. The best thing about the Galway Astronomy Festival, along with the incredible atmosphere, is the diverse age range of people that attend annually; all brought together by one common passion - their love of astronomy.
   Galway Astronomy Festival 2014: Igniting Passions, Inspiring Minds, Transforming Futures see our wonderful promo movie at https://vimeo.com/83172183
   There will 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/
 
6. Advance Notice: Thursday 27 March at 7.30pm Lecture: "Blowing up a storm! Ireland's record of great winds and the Irish characters who showed the world how to measure them." Dr Kieran R. Hickey, Dept of Geography, National University of Ireland, Galway
The island of Ireland has a very long history of great storms because of its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean. The first great storms were recorded in the monastic annals as far back as the middle of the first millennium AD and numerous have been recorded since. This talk will examine this long record of great winds including mid-latitude storms (e.g. 1839 'Night of The Big Wind'), and the tail-ends of hurricanes. It will also assess the contribution to the study of wind by two of the most important characters in the development of wind measurements who came from Ireland, most notably Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857) from Navan, and Rev. Dr John Thomas Romney Robinson (1793-1882) from Dublin, who became one of the greatest Directors of Armagh Observatory.
Venue: Room OG-029, School of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology, Queen's University Belfast, Elmwood Avenue, Belfast, BT7 1NN.
Tickets: free, please email to indicate attendance E rgsni@hotmail.co.uk
   
7. 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.
 
8. Advance Notice: COSMOS 2014.  This will be held from 4-6 April, but this year it will be in Athlone, not Annaharvey, Tullamore! So don't be booking any accommodation in Tullamore, as I nearly did! More details when available.
 
9. 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
10. 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
 
11. INTERESTING WEBLINKS:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2540715/European-Space-Agency-releases-astonishing-video-showing-Rosetta-probe-touch-down.html
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22129524.800?cmpid=NLC%7CNSNS%7C2014-0116-GLOBAL&utm_medium=NLC&utm_source=NSNS&
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2540578/Amateur-astronomer-discovers-new-galaxy-10-billion-light-years-away-star-gazing-BACK-GARDEN.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2540487/Our-sun-twin-Rare-star-home-three-super-hot-planets-discovered-2-500-light-years-away.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2539857/How-3D-printing-help-colonise-moon-Contour-Crafting-technique-build-lunar-bases-astronauts-just-24-hours.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2539557/Ex-hairdresser-shortlisted-colonise-Mars-PhD-student-one-1-000-hopefuls-aiming-one-way-trip-2025.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2539934/Fishing-space-Japan-test-magnetic-net-clean-space-junk-circling-Earth.html (unfortunately many satellites are made mainly of non-ferrous materials, but it's a start. TM)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2540140/NASA-reveals-plans-biggest-rocket-ferry-astronauts-Space-Station-beyond.html
http://www.space.com/24269-how-to-search-for-alien-civilizations.html?cmpid=556375
http://www.space.com/24276-dyson-spheres-how-advanced-alien-civilizations-would-conquer-the-galaxy-infographic.html?cmpid=556375 There's a huge assumption here: Quote: "Ancient extraterrestrial civilizations, millions of years older than humanity, would need enormous amounts of energy. By creating a swarm of satellites in a spherical shell, they could harness much of the power of their star"
   How do we know they would need so much energy? What for? What would they do with it? For a start, it would mean that they were even less energy-efficient than we are! A star like the sun produces 3.90 x 10 to power 26 Joules every second. That is trillions of times more energy than we currently use. Even if our current population quadruples (which would be ridiculous), we could never need even a billionth of that amount of energy.
http://www.space.com/14486-photos-mars-express-red-planet-orbiter.html Amazing photos!
http://www.space.com/24277-mars-express-10-years-video.html?cmpid=556375
http://www.space.com/24285-mars-moon-phobos-captured-asteroid.html?cmpid=556375
http://www.space.com/24289-metal-asteroid-psyche-mission-images.html
http://www.space.com/24288-strange-metal-asteroid-psyche-nasa-mission.html?cmpid=556375
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/15/space-launch-system-pictures_n_4600808.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-space
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/15/challenger-imgur_n_4600532.html
http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/14/5307582/james-webb-space-telescope-NASA
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/14/nasa-james-webb-telescope-big-pictures_n_4596017.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-space
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/14/mars-mission-plans-announced-by-worlds-space-agencies_n_4593855.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/14jan_pluto/  and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUB7dRgClSQ
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2538750/Scientists-discover-group-hypervelocity-stars-travelling-fast-escape-Milky-Ways-gravitational-clutches.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2539164/A-cosmic-feast-Milky-Ways-mysterious-black-hole-set-gobble-giant-gas-cloud.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2539215/Scientists-plan-recreate-DYING-STAR-Earth-learn-red-giants.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2539353/Earth-2-0-sight-Scientist-claims-Gemini-camera-help-alien-life-10-years.html
http://www.space.com/24169-mock-mars-mission-photos-utah-desert.html
http://www.space.com/24175-mock-mars-mission-complete-coverage.html?cmpid=556374
http://www.space.com/24249-commercial-space-travel-blasts-off-2014.html?cmpid=556374 A very useful survey
http://www.space.com/24243-cosmos-tv-series-neil-degrasse-tyson.html?cmpid=556374 Great News!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2538608/The-sun-youve-never-seen-Stunning-images-reveal-tumultuous-inner-outer-workings-star.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2538549/Could-super-Earths-climate-like-Giant-worlds-huge-amounts-water-hidden-beneath-surface.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2537245/Gemini-reveals-image-Super-powerful-camera-captures-planet-star-370-TRILLION-MILES-away.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/13/ant-colony-space-station_n_4587660.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2535802/Life-Mars-sort-Scientists-recreate-red-planet-Utah-desert-help-develop-housing-astronauts.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2535131/Perfect-orbit-SpaceX-launches-second-commercial-satellite.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2535573/Hubble-uses-space-time-distortion-distant-galaxy-cluster-peer-deeper-distant-universe.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2537776/Virgin-Galactics-test-flight-designed-space-tourism-reaches-time-high-altitude-71-000-FEET.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/10/aliens-warning-video_n_4573986.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/09/nasa-asteroid-threat-earth_n_4566658.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2537245/Gemini-reveals-image-Super-powerful-camera-captures-planet-star-370-TRILLION-MILES-away.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2536952/Hand-God-spotted-space-X-ray-telescope-hunting-black-holes.html?ico=home^editors_choice_six_of_the_best
http://www.space.com/24225-hand-of-god-photo-nasa-telescope.html?cmpid=556082. If that's the Hand of God, he's got a very bad case of arthritis, or he's in urgent need of a celestial orthopaedic surgeon. And I sincerely hope the rest of him is in better shape than that.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2537388/Fly-Moon-China-circulates-new-pictures-lunar-surface-taken-Jade-Rabbit-rover.html
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/10jan_firewater/, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TysrIYJOlpk
http://www.space.com/24226-star-murdered-suspect-medium-sized-black-hole-video.html?cmpid=556082
I hate all this dumbed down anthropomorphism of astronomy and space items. First we had the "Eye Of God" (just a planetary nebula), then the "Hand of God", and now we have a star being 'murdered' by a Black Hole, which 'munched on it'. The first two are too ridiculous to warrant further comment. But does the author of this piece really think that we can only appreciate what's happening if it's referred to as 'murder', and that the Black Hole is a 'suspect' (although he seems to have already decided it is guilty, and that the murder method was the BH 'munching' the star? Perhaps a slap in the face by the 'Hand of God' would do him good....
http://www.space.com/24227-mars-rover-curiosity-photos-from-space.html?cmpid=556082
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2536386/A-giant-step-space-measurement-Scale-universe-measured-ONE-cent-accuracy.html
http://oneminuteastronomer.com/9405/hubble-frontier-field/
 
12. TWITTER: Follow the IAA on Twitter:  @IaaAstro

 
13. 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.
 
Finally, in tribute to the late great John Dobson, a quote from him which is typical of the man, and very appropriate:  "If you figure something out for yourself, it doesn't make no never-mind who figured it out first, it's yours."
 
Clear skies,
Terry Moseley

Saturday 4 January 2014

NY Party, Lecture, Big Sunspot, Stargazing Live, Many other events, SAN news


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.
  REMINDER: You must have already booked for this event - sorry, you can't just turn up on the night, since the meal had to be pre-booked!  
   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.
  Then there will be the one and only George Brannan Quiz - with prizes for all!
 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.
     
2. Large SUNSPOT GROUP APPEARING: John Nooney of Mullingar sent me an excellent shot of the Sun showing a new large group, AR 1944, just appearing over the Sun's limb. The whole group is much larger than the planet Jupiter, while the largest individual spot is about 4-5 times the size of the Earth. Well worth watching! And we might even get an aurora.....
 
3. PERIHELION: 4 January is also the day when the Earth is 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!)
 
4. 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.
LATEST NEWS:  Astronomers with the SuperNova Legacy Survey (SNLS) have discovered two of the brightest and most distant supernovae ever recorded, 10 billion light-years away and a hundred times more luminous than normal supernovae. And interestingly, the mechanism that powers most supernovae (the collapse of a giant star to a black hole or neutron star) cannot explain this extreme luminosity. Discovered in 2006 and 2007, they were so unusual that astronomers did not know what they were or how far away they were.  One of them, named SNLS-06D4eu, is now thought to be the most distant and possibly the most luminous member of an emerging class of explosions called superluminous supernovae. Now latest research indicates that the objects may be powered by a magnetar, an extraordinarily highly magnetised neutron star spinning hundreds of times per second. (Adapted from SPA Bulletin)
   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.
 
5. 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.
   Full details are on the IAA website: www.irishastro.org.
  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.
 
6. 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>
 
7. BCO Events:  CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory is inviting the public to come and Wake Up Rosetta with ESERO on January 20 from 14:00-17:00. Entry to Cosmos at the Castle will be FREE all afternoon. Come see the live link up, learn about comet hunting in our planetarium and SAVE THE EARTH in our Comet Chaser game! See www.bco.ie for more details
 
8. GALWAY ASTROFEST, 1 February: Full details of our Astronomy Festival is now available at http://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/index.php/31-general/general/110-astronomy-festival-2014
UPDATE: Galway Astronomy Festival is coming on Feb 1st, where members of the public are invited to a special event dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of the Universe being held at the Westwood House Hotel.
   "City of Stars" is the theme for the Galway Astronomy Festival with an emphasis on how our exploration of the Cosmos has Inspired communities and cultures in our city that would not otherwise do so; to think about the Universe.
   The Galway Astronomy Festival is a celebration and exhibition of astronomy. A spectacle of stars, planets and space with presentations from top names in the world of astronomy, activities, trade stands, advice, Observing, Big Telescopes and guidance. Something for all ages interests and experiences. The best thing about the Galway Astronomy Festival, along with the incredible atmosphere, is the diverse age range of people that attend annually; all brought together by one common passion - their love of astronomy.
   Galway Astronomy Festival 2014: Igniting Passions, Inspiring Minds, Transforming Futures see our wonderful promo movie at https://vimeo.com/83172183
   There will 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/
   
9. 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.
 
10. Advance Notice: COSMOS 2014.  This will be held from 4-6 April, but this year it will be in Athlone, not Annaharvey, Tullamore! So don't be booking any accommodation in Tullamore, as I nearly did! More details when available.
 
11. 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
 
12. 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
 
13. INTERESTING WEBLINKS:
http://trainlikeanastronaut.org/about
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2529989/The-rover-BOUNCE-Titan-Nasas-collapsible-Super-Ball-Bot-help-explore-Saturns-hazy-moon.html
http://www.space.com/24142-kepler-62f.html?cmpid=556079
http://www.space.com/24139-mock-mars-mission-utah-habitat.html?cmpid=556079
http://www.space.com/24143-private-space-cargo-ship-launching-soon.html?cmpid=556079
http://www.livescience.com/42274-charm-quarks-turn-into-antiparticles.html?cmpid=556097
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2533384/Could-extraterrestrial-weather-forecasts-help-alien-life-Hubble-peers-cloud-shrouding-Super-Earth-warm-Neptune.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2533260/Time-travellers-dont-exist-internet-Researchers-spend-months-scanning-web-voyagers-future-nothing.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2533148/Is-Earth-HEAVIER-think-GPS-satellites-suggest-halo-dark-matter-surrounding-planet.html
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22129503.100-gps-satellites-suggest-earth-is-heavy-with-dark-matter.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2529989/The-rover-BOUNCE-Titan-Nasas-collapsible-Super-Ball-Bot-help-explore-Saturns-hazy-moon.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2532615/Amateur-astronomer-captures-amazing-shots-heart-soul-nebula-BACK-GARDEN-forced-council-changes-street-lighting.html
http://www.space.com/24103-big-iowa-fireball-snapped-by-amateur-astronomer-video.html?cmpid=556077
http://www.space.com/24098-nasa-orion-spacecraft-2014-test-flight.html?cmpid=556077
http://www.space.com/23899-private-mars-colony-robotic-mission-2018.html
http://www.space.com/24112-private-mars-colony-1058-martian-volunteers.html?cmpid=556078
http://www.space.com/24081-space-missions-to-watch-2014.html?cmpid=556078
http://www.livescience.com/42271-up-in-the-sky-its-a-nuclear-explosion.html?cmpid=556096
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24798-higgs-boson-could-reveal-deviant-behaviour-in-2014.html
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24793?cmpid=NLC%7CNSNS%7C2013-1219-GLOBAL&utm_medium=NLC&utm_source=NSNS
http://www.space.com/23786-china-moon-rover-mission-photos-change3-lander.html
http://www.space.com/23244-moon-origin-sample-return-missions.html
http://www.space.com/24055-china-moon-sample-return-mission.html?cmpid=556076
http://www.space.com/24082-most-amazing-exoplanet-discoveries-2013.html?cmpid=556076
http://www.space.com/24029-5-most-watched-space-events-of-2013-video.html?cmpid=556076
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/12/20/moon-new-crater_n_4478431.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech
http://www.space.com/24084-red-and-green-christmas-auroras-light-up-skies-over-sweden-video.html?cmpid=556076
 
14: NEW SKY AT NIGHT PRESENTER: The presenter of the new series, starting in February, will be DR MAGGIE ALDERIN-POCOCK. (thanks to Peter Paice for the alert)
 
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 you. You can also make a donation via Paypal if you wish: just click on the 'Donate' button.  See also www.irishastro.org.
 
Finally, may I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
 
Clear skies,
Terry Moseley