December 2004 - astronomy@lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

[Astronomy Ireland] Gerry Ryan Show 2FM (Solstice & Star of Bethlehem), AIRS
by Astronomy Ireland 20 Dec '04

20 Dec '04

----------------------------------------------------- ASTRONOMY IRELAND MAILING LIST - www.astronomy.ie (Ireland's National Astronomy Club, Magazine and Shop) ----------------3,000 members paid-up---------------- The Winter Solstice takes place on Tuesday (December 21) at 12:42pm and I have been invited on to the Gerry Ryan Show on 2FM radio to talk about it, and the Star of Bethlehem Mystery. Each winter solstice a few members gather at the James Joyce Sundial on Sandymount strand in Dublin each year in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Sun rising over the aligned stones at 8:22am. I've been there a couple of times myself. Newgrange had 24,000 applications this year from visitors to the Bru na Boinne centre to see the winter solstice sunrise from inside the chamber at Newgrange (Co. Meath). Armagh Observatory/Planetarium has modern day stones aligned with the Solstices also, in the AstroPark. If you know of any other solstice alignments in Ireland let me know, these are just off the top of my head. I think Gerry Ryan also wants to know about the Star of Bethlehem, and what it might have been if it were an astronomical phenomenon. I have strong views on this and cling to the belief that Christ was born on Tuesday evening 15 September 7 B.C. He certainly was not born on December 25 and certainly not in the year 1 A.D. And that is NOT heresy! The Church agrees. Tune in and find out why. The GR Show is on from 9am-12pm and I will probably be on between 10am and 11am. If you miss the show you should be able to hear it later that day at http://www.rte.ie/rams/radio/latest/tue/rte-thegerryryanshow.smil (any of you hacker's out there know how to download the entire show from that link?) Goodness knows what else we might talk about? The JUNKSCOPE ("525x magnification"!) advertised as a "Reader Offer" in the Irish Times? The new naked eye comet (see page 45-46 of our January issue) on view for the next couple of months? The Huygens probe being released on Christmas Day to land on Saturn? The food shortage on I.S.S. that may result in the crew abandoning it!? The Shuttle returning to flight next year? 2005 being Hamilton Year (our New Year lecture in Dunsink is SOLD OUT!) Next year's eclipse? Who knows with Gerry! A.I.R.S. - every Tues at 8pm And speaking of radio shows, the ASTRONOMY IRELAND RADIO SHOW goes out on Anna Livia radio every Tuesday at 8pm and is repeated Thursdays at 11am. Tune in to 103.2FM in the Leinster area or go to http://www.astronomy.ie/radioshow.html if you live anywhere else. Last week's show is already online. We'll be covering the Star of Bethlehem on AIRS in detail too tomorrow night. You can compare our own Ben Emmett's interview technique to the great Gerry Ryan and let us know what you think at radio(a)astronomy.ie or if you have any questions about the Christmas Star or anything else in the universe email them right now. - David Moore, Chairman, Astronomy Ireland PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SHOP THIS CHRISTMAS - ASK ABOUT OUR CHRISTMAS TELESCOPE DISCOUNTS (up to 40%!) Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm Dec. 20-24 inclusive www.astronomy.ie/map.html

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[Astronomy Ireland] Comet Hunt & Geminid Watches Nationwide
by Astronomy Ireland 13 Dec '04

13 Dec '04

[STOP PRESS: due to a server upgrade that I wasn't aware of, this message (sent at the weekend) is only being released at noon Monday, so my apologies for the short notice. It is also possible that you missed the previous email (sent Friday) which was about the Dunsink Petition (see below) which a lot of you have not yet responded to! - David Moore] A new comet will be visible to the naked eye over Christmas/New Year AND the best meteor shower of the year peaks on Monday night December 13. Astronomy Ireland is setting up TELESCOPES around Ireland for a COMET HUNT & GEMINID WATCH on Monday December 13 at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to go along to the events in counties: CARLOW - Killerig Golf Club CORK - Ballyphehane Community Centre DONEGAL - Letterkenny DUBLIN - Papal Cross car park, Phoenix Park ROSCOMMON - Horseman Viewing Point, near Boyle WATERFORD - TBC That's the list so far! For a full list and directions, see: http://www.astronomy.ie/Meteor%20Shower%20and%20Comet%20Watch.html ALL TAKE PLACE AT 8PM SHARP NOTE The Comet is Comet Machholz (C/2004 Q2) found in August by Don Machholz (USA). It is to the lower right of Orion in the constellation of Eridanus. As it heads north it will brighten to 4th magnitude. last week it was already 5th magnitude making it faintly visible to the naked eye from dark skies. I saw it in binoculars last week even from light polluted city skies. James Adamson in Co. Mayo and Martin McKenna in Co. Derry reported seeing it before that (report your sightings to observe(a)astronomy.ie as always). Comet Machholz rises around 7pm and is low in the South by 11pm when at its best. A full article and a star map showing its path is in the January issue which is out on news-stands in the next few days (or order a copy now at www.astronomy.ie/sub ). Members already got a map and details in the November issue (now sold out) on page 29. The Geminid Meteor Shower puts on a brilliant display every year in cold December skies. It is known for particularly bright meteors (fireballs) and I've seen good displays even when the Moon has been in the sky. This year though there is no Moonlight to interfere so it should be truly spectacular. Even if you don't get along to one of the Watches just look up, any time of the night and you should see up to 100 Geminids per hour. They can be seen anywhere in the sky but their paths all point back to Gemini, hence the name. Count them and send your report to observe(a)astronomy.ie with your start & end times, and your and address. There will be lesser numbers of Geminids for several nights before and after Monday so do watch then also. At the COMET HUNT & GEMINID WATCHES nationwide we'll also take a look at the planet Saturn (in Gemini co-incidentally) so do get along to your nearest event. 2. MISCELLANEOUS DUNSINK PETITION: A lot of you have NOT signed the petition to continue astronomy at our National Observatory (see last email). Just email your name to dunsink(a)astronomy.ie and you will be added to the petition being sent to the Minister for Science & Education. (See petition at http://www.astronomy.ie/dunsink.txt ) Remember to forward this to everyone you know who may support it. NEW YEAR LECTURE: Most of the tickets for our New Year Public Lecture at DUNSINK OBSERVATORY have now been sold. Book yours now by emailing lecture(a)astronomy.ie http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture0501.html CHRISTMAS TELESCOPES: two or three of our models at the discounted price for Christmas have already sold out. Call (01) 847 0777 or drop in to our Shop soon to get up to 40% off (see www.astronomy.ie also). We're open until 6pm Christmas Eve. Please support OUR shop this Christmas, we guarantee the quality of everything we sell. A.I. RADIO SHOW: Tuesdays at 8pm on 103.2FM (repeated Thursdays at 11am). Most shows are NOW online for EVERYONE IN IRELAND at www.astronomy.ie (click Radio Show). Last week's show will go online Monday morning (sorry for delay). MAGAZINE HELP: We are seeking help with the posting of our magazine on Tuesday (Dec. 14). If you can do some voluntary work please reply or call 01-847 0777. Merry Christmas! David Moore, Chairman, Astronomy Ireland.

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[Astronomy Ireland] Dunsink Petition
by Astronomy Ireland 10 Dec '04

10 Dec '04

In a previous email to the Astronomy Ireland emailing list we alerted you to developments at Dunsink Observatory, our state-funded national observatory. Dunsink is (ultimately) a part of the Department of Education and Science. The Board that governs Dunsink have decided to move the astronomers from the Observatory in to offices in Dublin city centre. They say they have "public outreach" plans for the Observatory but full details of these plans have not been made public, whereas the decision to move the astronomers has been made and must be done by the end of next month. Once this is done astronomical research will cease to be done at Dunsink after 220 years. As you see below, prominent members of the professional research astronomical community in Ireland (all of whom have given lectures to Astronomy Ireland in the past) have put together a petition to the Minister for Education and Science for which they are asking your support. Just reply to dunsink(a)astronomy.ie and your support will be sent to Prof Brian McBreen directly who will then forward the petition to the Minister. Next year has been declared Hamilton Year by the government on the occasion of the bicentenary of the birth of one of Dunsink's greatest Directors Sir William Rowan Hamilton (1805-1865) widely regarded as Ireland's greatest mathematician. He was Director of Dunsink from 1827 to 1865 and the mathematics he developed are still used by NASA to control their spacecraft, though he is more famous for his quaternion equation scratched on Broombridge over Dublin's Royal Canal. Hamilton had a fascinating life and to start the celebrations for Hamilton Year Astronomy Ireland's NEW YEAR PUBLIC LECTURE about the life of Hamilton is to be held in Dunsink Observatory on Jan. 10 by kind permission of its Director Prof Evert Meurs. Tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Email lecture(a)astronomy.ie to get tickets. More details at http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture0501.html Here is the petition. Remember to reply to dunsink(a)astronomy.ie to support it. Dunsink sub-committee, Astronomy Ireland. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- Original Message ----- From: Prof Brian McBreen (UCD) To: Community(a)ucd.ie Subject: Dunsink Dear Colleagues, Please find enclosed (as attachment) a copy of a letter to the Minister for Education and Science concerning serious developments regarding the future of Dunsink Observatory. We ask all of you to send an email back (with your name and affiliation or address) to dunsink(a)astronomy.ie indicating your willingness to sign this letter. We consider important that a large number of people signs for support. Feel free to forward this mail to other colleagues that might be interested to sign. Please note that already four people from different Universities signed by way of endorsement. Please let us have your reply as soon as possible, e.g. by return mail. Prof Brian McBreen, U.C.D. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Ms Mary Hanafin TD Minister for Education and Science Department of Education Marlborough Street Dublin 1 Dear Minister, We would like to express our disappointment and alarm at the recent decision made by the Board of the School of Cosmic Physics of the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies to discontinue research at Dunsink Observatory, and remove its staff to Dublin city. Whilst we recognise that any such decision - to essentially close the Observatory - is fundamentally one to be made by the Institute, such a move has very serious implications for astronomy in Ireland, from both a research and outreach/educational point of view. We outline these below. The Observatory in Dunsink is the oldest scientific institution in Ireland and is still, after more than 200 years, in full working order. From a historical viewpoint alone, the Observatory is an outstanding example of Ireland's technological heritage, containing as it does many instruments of significant importance in the technological development of astronomy. The Observatory fulfils the role of National Observatory, having for example provided the time service for Dublin up to 1939 (which is even mentioned in Joyce's Ulysses). Dunsink's long tradition of interaction with the public (Open Nights, group visits, provision of lighting-up times for legal purposes etc) makes it the natural reference point for the general public on astronomical issues, as is attested by the numerous daily enquiries. In the past, the Observatory has made significant contributions to various important astronomical issues, ranging from Asteroids to Cosmology. Recently, it has been involved with the construction of the Optical Monitoring Camera currently flying on ESA's INTEGRAL satellite, and is also involved with a unique (ground-based) monitoring telescope: both of these put Dunsink at the forefront of astronomical development in Ireland, and open the door to studies of, for example, "gamma-ray bursters" arguably the most enigmatic, and certainly the most luminous, objects in the Universe. This continues a tradition of work in this field in Dunsink (by previous researchers) that stretches back to the mid-1970s. Additionally, the Observatory plans to coordinate a prestigious (250-300 delegate) meeting in Dublin next year under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union. Dunsink has been synonymous with Irish astronomy for the last 200 years, and we believe that aborting its research now sends the wrong message to the Irish public and the international community about the current state of Irish astronomy. There has never been a time when astronomy in Ireland has been more vibrant, and contributing more to Irish society - witness, for example, the proliferation of astronomy related degrees in almost every Irish university over the last few years. Indeed, Dunsink itself is contributing significantly to the astronomy degree currently being offered by Dublin City University. Next year we celebrate the bicentenary of arguably one of Ireland's greatest scientists, Sir William Rowan Hamilton, who was director of the Observatory from 1827 to 1865. Dunsink would be the natural focus for this celebration and terminating its current successful functioning at this juncture would be particularly unfortunate. Since its foundation in 1940, the (publicly funded) Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies has always provided vital support to Irish astronomy, especially in those times when such support was otherwise non-existent. We ask you as Minister to call upon the Institute to consider very carefully the implications of this decision to close Dunsink, for the future of Irish astronomy. Closure in the short term leaves the Observatory very much at direct physical risk, as recent developments in Dunsink Lane have clearly demonstrated. In the longer term, Irish astronomy would be well served by expansion of both the outreach and research functions of the Observatory, modelled for example on the great success of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. In any case, we strongly believe that, until definite plans have been made and implemented, any premature withdrawal of manpower from the Observatory could well prove disastrous. The Irish astronomical community, both professional and amateur, appeals to you to use your offices to secure the future of the unique and hugely popular institution that is Dunsink Observatory. Sincerely Yours This letter has been signed electronically by the following: Name Affiliation/Address Dr Paul Callanan University College Cork Prof Brian Mc Breen University College Dublin Prof Anthony Murphy NUI Maynooth Prof Mike Redfern NUI Galway

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[Astronomy Ireland] Channel 4's Star Performer to give Christmas Lecture 2004 tonight!
by Astronomy Ireland 07 Dec '04

07 Dec '04

Astronomy Ireland's CHRISTMAS LECTURE speaker from Channel 4 tonight is one of the most brilliant performers in world. It's going to be a truly excellent night. Dr Allan Chapman is coming from Oxford University where he lectures on the history of astronomy. His chosen topic tonight is "Lord Rosse and the Irish Astronomers of the 19th century" Ireland led the world in astronomy at that time with the biggest telescope in the WORLD attracting every famous astronomer of the time to Birr Castle, Co. Offaly, and there were other great Irishmen too. Dr Chapman regards giving a lecture as an important theatrical performance and not just a method of giving out information. As such he is an acclaimed international speaker and much in demand (he is booked out until 2007!). It should be the highlight of the year! Merry Christmas! ----------- Astronomy Ireland CHRISTMAS LECTURE 2004: ADMISSION 5 EURO with all proceeds going to the society VENUE: DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY Business School Building (opposite the multi-storey car park) DATE: TUESDAY DECEMBER 7 at 8pm ALL WELCOME visit www.astronomy.ie or call 847 0777 if you want more details ----------- A DVD for everyone in Ireland will be announced here at end of the week

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[Astronomy Ireland] Aurora Tonight! Christmas Telescope Sale
by Astronomy Ireland 04 Dec '04

04 Dec '04

ASTRONOMY IRELAND MAILING LIST - www.astronomy.ie (The all-Ireland astronomy Club, Magazine and Shop) --------------------------------------------------- 1. AURORA TONIGHT A flare (explosion) on the Sun on Friday is expected to cause an aurora some time tonight (Saturday). It's not certain if it will be before or after midnight so watch all night long! If you see it please do TWO things: First TEXT 086 081 99 86 when you first see it giving your name and location (town and county). Second, when you are finished watching please email a brief report to observe(a)astronomy.ie and we'll include you in our magazine report of what Ireland saw. See www.sec.noaa.gov/SWN : depending how red the round feature in the Auroral Map is we will get a strong or weak aurora. It only has to be close to Ireland for us to see a display in the north sky remember. 2. CHRISTMAS TELESCOPES Beware of the cheap (and not so cheap!) telescopes on sale this Christmas. You can tell the "JUNKSCOPES" easily, they are the ones that are advertised by how many times they magnify. Follow our rule: if you ever see a telescope advertised on the basis of how many times it magnifies then do not touch it! The real criteria are: optically quality and diameter. Most people in Ireland buy Celestron and they virtually all get them from our Astronomy Shop - that's what we set it up for after all. So many people buy from mail order catalogues, camera shops and the like and call us after Christmas when they can't see anything through them, even if they have spent hundreds on a scope! And of course these outlets cannot advise them. There are a few photos of our telescopes on our website, apologies that it is so out of date but go to www.astronomy.ie and click "telescopes" on the Shop menu at the left. Many beginners get the Firstscope range. These have truly excellent optics and are guaranteed to be the best telescope by our experts (and we built the biggest telescope in Ireland a while back!). With 70% of our members living outside Dublin we deliver nationwide at low cost. SALE! SALE! SALE! All the prices on the website are very old. Please ignore them. The euro has improved. Prices to us have dropped. Etc. We are now offering up to 40% off some of the telescopes! As well as getting a quality telescope, with great after sales service (your national astronomy club!) we are not just a Shop, we are heavily involved in promoting interest in astronomy as well. So please support us. Please do not buy elsewhere if you want to support OUR GOALS to promote interest in astronomy, and if you want to have a Shop in Ireland staffed by experts in the hobby. Call (01) 847 0777 Monday to Saturday up to 5:30pm for any advice you need and get a proper quality telescope this Christmas that won't disappoint. Or visit us if you're coming to Dublin to see the only Telescope Shop in Ireland - we have thousands of accessories, plus books, videos, DVDs, etc in stock. Map is at www.astronomy.ie/map.html and there is a huge car park (or see list of public transport on the map). Merry Christmas! - David Moore, Chairman, Astronomy Ireland - your national astronomy club & magazine. Leinster area: Book your place at our CHRISTMAS LECTURE http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture0412.html --------------------------------------------------------

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[Astronomy Ireland] CHRISTMAS LECTURE
by Astronomy Ireland 03 Dec '04

03 Dec '04

Presenting a major public lecture on our proud Irish heritage in astronomy: "Probably the world's most entertaining astronomical speaker" "Amazing" "Thrilling" These are just some of the comments we have heard about Dr Allan Chapman who will give Astronomy Ireland's 2004: *** C H R I S T M A S L E C T U R E *** "LORD ROSSE and the 19th century Irish Astronomers" =================================================== on Tuesday December 7th at 8pm in Dublin City University All welcome. Admission 5euro (3euro concessions) Dr Allan Chapman presented Channel 4's recent TV series "Gods in the Sky" describing how ancient astronomers viewed the skies. He is a lecturer in Oxford University and a world authority on the history of astronomy. Dr Chapman is a brilliant public speaker. He says he regards giving a lecture as not just disseminating information but making it in to an entertaining theatrical performance. He is one of those rare larger than life characters who can communicate brilliantly. This talk will be suitable for everyone, not just astronomy fans, so do bring as many friends as possible. Many of you will know of Lord Rosse who built the Hubble Space Telescope of the day in 1845 in Birr Castle, Co. Offaly (now beautifully restored). The world's astronomers beat a path to Birr for half a century and Lord Rosse welcomed them all securing Ireland's place in the history books. But there were many other great observatories in Ireland which you may not have heard about: Markree in Sligo where the ONLY asteroid ever found from Irish soil was discovered. The first electrical measurement of starlight was done from Ireland - now the most important tool in astronomy! And there are many other stories. Dr Chapman wrote the highly sought after VICTORIAN AMATEUR ASTRONOMER (which now sells 'used' for over 100euro on the net!) and he has visited the archives at Birr and elsewhere for his research in to this exciting era. He is thus eminently qualified to give a talk on our proud Irish astronomical heritage just as we head in to Hamilton Year 2005 which is to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Ireland's greatest Director of Dunsink Observatory (our New Year Lecture will be about Hamilton's life see website). VENUE The Christmas Lecture is being run in association with the BRITISH COUNCIL and its Director Tony Reilly will address the audience. NOTE: This lecture will take place in a larger theatre than our normal monthly lectures in D.C.U. and also note the day and date are NOT our usual rule of "the second Monday of the month". So, go along to the Business School in D.C.U. (directly opposite the multi storey car park, so very handy, see map on our webpage for the lecture) And go in to the large lecture theatre QG15 Details and map of D.C.U. : http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture0412.html If you live in the Leinster area please come along to our 2004 CHRISTMAS LECTURE, it promises to be a fascinating evening. A DVD will be produced for those of you who cannot get to Dublin (watch for announcement here in a week's time) Please book tickets at above webpage or just click here now: lecture@astronomy.ie?subject=BookTuesdayDecember7tickets-GiveNameAndSayHowMany and then simply pay at the door. Merry Christmas from all as Astronomy Ireland and the Astronomy Shop! www.astronomy.ie

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[Astronomy Ireland] Lecture, Buzz Aldrin, AIRS, newsline
by Astronomy Ireland 01 Dec '04

01 Dec '04

ASTRONOMY IRELAND MAILING LIST - www.astronomy.ie (The all-Ireland astronomy Club, Magazine and Shop) --------------------------------------------------- 1. PUBLIC LECTURE The Irish Skeptics Society (www.irishskeptics.net) will host a public lecture by our regular magazine contributor Kevin Nolan on the subject of "The Scientific Response to Creationism". Everyone is welcome to go along to the Mont Clare Hotel, Clare Street, Dublin 2 at 8pm on Wednesday December 1st. Sorry for the short notice. Kevin is currently completing his PhD in astrophysics and is the Co-ordinator for Ireland for The Planetary Society, founded by the late Carl Sagan. 2euro for ISS members, 5euro for non-members. 2. BUZZ ALDRIN Some photos of our meeting with Buzz Aldrin in Dublin are now online at www.astronomy.ie/dm/AldrinA&Smag.jpg and www.astronomy.ie/dm/AldrinDM.jpg A report of the interview will feature in a coming issue of A&S magazine (www.astronomy.ie/sub) By all accounts his interview with Gay Byrne (sold out!) in the National Concert Hall on November 18 was a thrilling event. 3. A.I.R.S. (Astronomy Ireland Radio Show) Leo Enright gave another brilliant interview last night (Tuesdays at 8pm) in the second of his 3 part interview with AIRS presenter Ben Emmett on Anna Livia radio 103.2FM. If you missed it (shame on you!) you should be able to catch the regular repeat on Thursday at 11am on 103.2FM. If you live outside the Leinster area, or you miss the repeat, we should have it on our website (there are 5 shows online already) highly compressed so you can download the entire 30 minutes show in seconds by broadband (3 minutes by dial up). Visit www.astronomy.ie and click "Radio Show" on the left menu. Tune in EVERY Tuesday at 8pm and mark your diary NOW for next week for Leo's final instalment. 4. 1550-111-442 TELEPHONE NEWSLINE HEADLINES THIS WEEK There is a lot of excitement in morning skies this week! Check your December magazine or call the Newsline!: SATURN CLOSE TO MOON VENUS VERY CLOSE TO MARS ASTRONOMY IRELAND CHRISTMAS LECTURE DECEMBER 7 (TUES) AI RADIO SHOW WITH LEO ENRIGHT AND, NEW COMET COMING THIS WEEK As well as the planet conjunctions, if you live in the Leinster area (order the DVD if not!) then DO NOT miss our Christmas Lecture this year! www.astronomy.ie/lecture0412.html for more details and to book online (please let know if you are coming as we have booked a bigger Theatre in DCU) Please call our 1550-111-442 Newsline every Monday for a new weekly message (U.K. dial 09001-88-1950). - David Moore Astronomy Shop - IRELAND'S BIGGEST TELESCOPE SHOP Avoid "junkscopes" this Christmas and ask about OUR Christmas Offers!!! Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat -----------------------------------------

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