Monday 8 February 2016

Sat 13th Feb - An Astronomical Day Out at Dunsink Observatory - Updated!

Situated on the North side of Dublin, Dunsink Observatory has a wonderful history of astronomical exploration going back centuries. These days it is run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, and they have teamed up with amateur astronomers from the IAA, IAS and IFAS to bring you a day of astronomy talks, tours and entertainment, all for free!

Dunsink Observatory is located here,,,,

This major event is being arranged jointly by the IAA and other Irish amateur astronomy groups at Dunsink Observatory, Castleknock, Dublin. 

OUTLINE PROGRAMME:

13.00 Gates/Doors open: Solar observing if clear.

14.00 Welcome & opening remarks

14.15  Talk: John Flannery (IAS/IFAS) HISTORY of Irish Astronomy culminating in  DUNSINK OBSERVATORY:

15.00 - 15.45: Talk: Emmet Mordaunt, (MAC): "Galileo: Hero or Heretic"

16.00 - 16.20 Tea / coffee
 
16.20 - 16.45: Tours of Observatory - Two groups, one does main building, other does South Dome + Refractor, then groups swap.
 
16.45 - 17.40 - Talk: Paul Evans (IAA): "Observing Highlights of 2016 and how to photograph them"
 
17.40 - 18.30 - Break for food. Options
* Bring your own. You can reheat food in the large microwave or the oven. More tea and coffee and soft drinks will be available.
* There are other local eating options, including the Travelodge just on the Dunsink side of the main roundabout, or the Halfway House at Ashtown on the main N3, on the Dublin side of the M50. 
* It may be possible to arrange for some finger buffet food to be supplied on site, for a small charge. Final notice on this shortly.
 
 
18.30 - 19.20: Observing or Talk: Samuel Bleyen (IAS) Solar observation: a history from Galileo to Solar Orbiter, including a brief overview of the 3 main visible amateur observation options, namely white light, H-alpha and Calcium-K.
 
19.20 - 20.20 - Observing or Quiz: Hosted by Quizmaster Seanie Morris
 
20.20 - 21.00: Talk no 5 (Speaker TBC), or Observing.
 
21.00 - Close of formal programme + socialising or observing Jupiter etc.
 
Ktec Telescopes:
I'm delighted that Stephen Kershaw of Ktec Telescopes will also be exhibiting some of his amazing selection of telescopes and equipment at this event. http://www.ktectelescopes.ie/
 
Observing is possible from 18.30. Moon is waxing crescent, phase 34%; best viewed from 18.30 to 20.00. Jupiter rises at 19.52; best observed after 21.00. Since there is a limit to the numbers that can observe with the South refractor, visitors are encouraged to take turns in the dome, and to support the speakers when not observing!
 
IAS/IFAS PHOTO EXHIBITION: Why not combine this event with a visit to the superb, and free, AstroPhoto Exhibition at Botanic Gardens nearby that morning, particularly if you are traveling some distance?
 
ALL WELCOME - TOTALLY FREE EVENT!
 
To give an idea of numbers for catering, please email me asap to let me know if you will be attending: Terry Moseley: terrymosel@aol.com

 

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