November 2007 - astronomy@lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

[Astronomy Ireland] Christmas Lecture "ET Phone Home", Beat Sub Increase!
by AI Chairman 29 Nov '07

29 Nov '07

CHRISTMAS LECTURE "The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence" by Tim O'Brien from Jodrell Bank Monday December 10 at 8pm in Trinity College Dublin The World famous Jodrell Bank, this year celebrating its 50th anniversary, is joining forces with Astronomy Ireland to present a very special Christmas Lecture this year on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence so advance booking is advised, see below. We are flying over Dr. Tim O'Brien of the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory to discuss how life developed on Earth and if there could be forms of life on Mars and other planets or moons in our Solar System. Jodrell Bank observatory is the UK's national radio astronomy observatory and is run by the University of Manchester's School of Physics and Astronomy. The world famous radio telescope at Jodrell Bank was the only scientific instrument in the world able to track the carrier rocket of the very first Sputnik when it was launched into space in October 1957. For a long time the giant dish was the biggest steerable radio telescope in the world and is still the 3rd largest. Dr. O'Brien is a Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics and Head of Outreach at Jodrell Bank Observatory. Now that more than 250 planets have been discovered outside our own Solar System in the last 12 years the potential for discovering life and, indeed, intelligent life would appear to increase with time. Dr. O'Brien will also update us on the role of Jodrell Bank in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and how YOU could be the person who discovers extraterrestrial intelligent life. The 2007 Christmas Lecture takes place in Trinity College Dublin in the Physics Building (see map on our website) at 8pm on Monday December 10. A DVD will be made for everyone in Ireland who cannot get along in person. BOOKING ESSENTIAL: We strong advise that you book your seat in advance as our Christmas and New Year Public lectures are very special and can some times get lots of publicity. For instance the New Year Public Lecture in January was packed out and 50-100 people had to be turned away! Already two top rating RTE Radio 1 shows have said they want to interview our speaker about the event. Admission is just 5euro for adults so bring as many friends and family as you can. There is a concession rate of 3euro for paid-up AI members, under 18s, students, unwaged and OAP. Book now at www.astronomy.ie or call Astronomy Ireland on (01) 847 0777 ALL WELCOME DVD available: If you are unable to make it to the lecture it will be available on DVD for only 5euro each (plus P&P). You can order these now online at www.astronomy.ie and click 'Lecture DVDs' in the menu on the left-hand-side. 2. BEAT THE SUB INCREASE! If you are not already a member of Astronomy Ireland and receiving our full colour monthly magazine you can support us and join here: www.astronomy.ie/sub On December 1st, after 5 years the annual 40euro AI subscription rate will increase to 48euro, roughly in line with inflation. At just 4euro a month we think the magazine and work the society does to promote interest in astronomy is exceptional value for money. Don't just read these emails, please support us and sign up now. If you sign up before December 1st you will get the 40euro rate so get clicking and support astronomy in Ireland - we need your support more now than ever! Click here www.astronomy.ie/sub or post 40euro to Astronomy Ireland, P.O.Box 2888, Dublin 5. Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Christmas Telescope Advice: Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat

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[Astronomy Ireland] Armagh Daytrip, Astro-Expo, AI on RADIO
by AI Chairman 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

Armagh Daytrip Nov 24: Just a reminder that our coach trip to the Armagh Planetarium to see the new incredible DigiStar projector (one of the best in the world) takes place tomorrow Saturday Nov. 24. There are still a few places left on the coach, which leaves from outside our Shop at 10am (our Shop will be specially opened at 9am in case you want to do any Christmas shopping or see the vast array of telescopes on display?). Please bring all your family and friends and book now on (01) 847 0777 or www.astronomy.ie/armagh2007.html Astro-Expo 2007 Nov 25: Our annual exhibition for everyone in Ireland takes place this Sunday Nov. 25 (noon to 6pm). As well as the 3 lectures on The Sun, Photographing the Planets, and Light Pollution, you can get a star show in the portable planetarium, see the huge array of telescopes on sale, visit the shops from Armagh Planetarium, Natures Treasures and Astronomy Ireland, and also see the award winning "SUN in 3-D" display from Armagh Observatory as well as lots of other exhibits and "how to" stands in the huge hall at Artane Family Recreation Centre (near our office/shop - park you car at our Shop and walk around the corner to Astro-Expo). Maps and full details are at www.astronomy.ie/astroexpo2007.html We are hoping that everyone in Ireland will travel to Dublin once a year for our annual exhibition, planetarium shows, and lectures, so please make your travel plans today and bring all your family and friends. Astronomy on the Radio: Did you hear us on national radio during the past week promoting astronomy and Astro-Expo? We did 2 hours on Newstalk on Wed, 1 hour on Dave Fanning show on RTE RADIO 1 on Thursday, and a brief live appearance on stage at Vicar Street for the Ray Darcy show on TODAY FM this morning (Friday). We also supplied a question for last week's Late Late Show for the big car competition. We have also done countless local radio interviews. This is a phenomenal amount of exposure even by Astronomy Ireland standards and we hope to put recordings of most of them on www.astronomy.ie/audio and www.astronomy.ie/video Looking forward to seeing you all in Armagh and Dublin over the weekend. David Moore, Chairman, Astronomy Ireland. www.astronomy.ie Tel (01) 847 0777

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[Astronomy Ireland] Astro-Expo 2007 on RTE so travel to Dublin this Sunday
by AI Secretary 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

On Sunday November 25th we hope that every one of you will travel to Dublin from all over Ireland for our annual gathering of all astronomy fans in Ireland to attend our 17th annual Exhibition of astronomy and space. When you have read the list of talks and exhibits we're sure you will travel no matter how far away you live. So important is this 'national' event that the Dave Fanning show on RTE RADIO 1 will devote a whole show (Thurs Nov 22 from 7pm-8pm) to 'space' to promote Astro-Expo 2007 so make sure you travel to Dublin no matter where you live in Ireland. Convinced it's worth travelling to yet?... This year we have three major lectures to entice you as well as a vast array of exhibits in the huge hall in a new venue close to our Shop. Astro-Expo Lectures: Three superb lectures are running at Astro-Expo: 1pm - "The Sun" by Dr. Miruna Popsecu from Armagh Observatory 3pm - "Photographing the Planets" by Carl O'Beirnes (invited to show his work on BBC's Sky At Night with Sir Patrick Moore). You've seen his work in our magazine now find out how he does it. 4:30pm - "Light Pollution" by Albert White who will show what you can do about the biggest problem facing our hobby Admission: 5euro per talk (3euro to concessions: members, kids, students, unwaged, OAPs). (Note: admission to the Exhibition is FREE) Convinced it's worth travelling to yet?... Exhibition Features: - Admission to the Exhibition is FREE!!!! - Portable Planetarium!!! Star Shows every half hour (small charge by operator) - Award winning 3-D exhibition on the Sun from Armagh Observatory - Biggest Telescope Shop exhibition in Ireland (Christmas is coming remember!) - Armagh Planetarium Shop will be there, incredible array of products - Observatories exhibiting their work - Major Display of astrophotography by David Grennan (Raheny Observatory) - Astronomy courses - Meteorites on sale (Nature's Treasurers Shop) - Shop stands - A.I. advice stand - And lots lots more stands besides. Convinced it's worth travelling to yet?... There will be special offers from our own Shop that will apply only on the day so don't miss Astro-Expo 2007! You should go away with every question you ever had about astronomy answered, your head full of ideas and knowledge from the talks, a few bargains from all the shops, and an urge to come back next year! So tune in to RTE RADIO 1 on Thursday and make travel plans for: Astro-Expo 2007 on Sunday November 25th from 12noon to 6pm in the Artane Recreation Centre (next to the Astronomy Ireland Shop) Last year Astro-Expo was opened by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and there are pictures of that, and maps to the new venue on our website at: www.astronomy.ie/astroexpo2007.html or call (01) 847 0777 Bring the entire family and all your friends to the FREE Exhibition and sit in of some or all of the lectures and/or a star show in the planetarium, as well as saying hello to famous faces from the society who will answer every one of your questions and a few you never even thought to ask. By now you must be convinced it's worth travelling to so we look forward to seeing you all there at Astro-Expo 2007

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[Astronomy Ireland] Astronomy Ireland on the telly, and radio, Events, Telescopes.
by AI Chairman 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

Lots of events coming up in the lead up to our 2007 CHRISTMAS LECTURE - a real humdinger this year with a speaker from the famous Jodrell Bank. We're also on RTE news, LATE LATE SHOW, Dave Fanning and more... 1. Recent TV We have added a new section to our main menu on our website "Video Archive". Click on www.astronomy.ie and check it out. You'll see our appearance on RTE television news on Tuesday Nov. 13 talking about Comet Holmes, Uranus and all the Watches we ran around Ireland. There's another recent TV interview there also. Enjoy! 2. Newstalk Nov. 21 - for 2 hours On Wednesday Nov. 21 our Chairman David Moore will be the guest on Newstalk (106-108 FM) "Late Night Live with Declan Carty" for 2 hours from 10pm until midnight. You can also listen in on the net at www.newstalk.ie 3. Dave Fanning Show RTE Radio 1 - one hour special Astro-Expo will be promoted for 1 hour on RTE Radio 1 by Dave Fanning on Thursday Nov. 22 from 7pm-8pm. As well as talking about our 17th annual national exhibition (www.astronomy.ie/astroexpo2007.html) Dave Fanning will play 'space' music and clips from space-related movies. You can email your favourite music and film suggestions to sec(a)astronomy.ie. We'll have several people from Astronomy Ireland on the show led by our Chairman David Moore who has spoken on RTE with Dave Fanning several times in the past. This should be an amazing show, reaching a huge audience so be sure to tune in. We also hope to put a recording on our website (click on www.astronomy.ie and check "Audio Archive" in the menu). This is also going to mean that Astro-Expo 2007 on Sunday November 25th (noon-6pm in Artane, Dublin 5) should be the biggest ever attended exhibition in its 17 year history so do plan to come along (If any members would like to set up a display or stand about any aspect of their work then please email tom(a)astronomy.ie ) Astro-Expo is our annual gathering for members from all around Ireland so do plan to travel to Dublin on Nov. 25 to meet us all. There will be three Lectures, lots of exhibits, and even a portable Planetarium running star shows all day. The exhibition is free and the Lectures only cost a few euro each. See www.astronomy.ie/astroexpo2007.html for details and circle Nov. 25 on your calendar/diary now! More details of the Dave Fanning show on RTE's website www.rte.ie/radio1/davefanning where you can also listen live on the night (Nov. 22) 4. Late Late Show Tonight's Late Late Show (repeated Monday night just after midnight) have asked Astronomy Ireland to supply one of the questions for tonight's competition to win a car! Tune in to hear the society mentioned on the highest rating TV show in the country. www.rte.ie/latelate 5. Armagh Planetarium Coach Trip Armagh Planetarium has re-opened recently after a 5 million pound sterling investment in new technology. A superb new state-of-the-art DigiStar projector has been installed and the entire facility has been overhauled and brought up to day. Every year huge numbers of you used come on our coach trip to Armagh but it has been closed for several years. Now, we are restarting this annual pilgrimage so join us on Saturday Nov. 24 for a very special day as we will get special shows and even a tour of the nearby professional observatory - which is normally closed to the public. So gather all your friends and family and join us on a coach daytrip you will never forget. Book online at www.astronomy.ie/armagh2007.html or call us at the number below. 6. Christmas Lecture - Dec. 10 "The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence" is a fascinating topic that Dr. Tim O'Brien will travel from the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory in England to tell us about on December 10th. This talk will be held in Dublin but made available on DVD for everyone in Ireland. Our New Year lecture back in January was sold out year so we are advising you to book your places online now for our Christmas Lecture at www.astronomy.ie/lecture200712.html (where you can also order the DVD in advance). Don't miss this lecture, as our Christmas Lecture is always a special event and we have a great subject and a brilliant speaker this year to boot. 7. Christmas Telescopes Last year saw huge demand for our telescopes. This year we have telescopes, books, accessories, and gadgets (like the Celestron SkyScout www.astronomy.ie/Skyscout.html) so call our friendly Shop staff for all the help and advice you need. And tell any family and friends who might be thinking of buying you gifts this Christmas too so we can serve your interest way in to the future. Online ordering for most telescopes is now available at www.astronomy.ie/shop Please support us this Christmas - competitive prices and unrivalled support guaranteed. Astronomy Ireland the world's most popular astronomy club - join us today! www.astronomy.ie Also, Telescopes & Advice: Tel (01) 847 0777 Monday-Saturday

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[Astronomy Ireland] Comet & Uranus Watches, Athlone Lecture
by AI Chairman 13 Nov '07

13 Nov '07

1. Just a reminder that our Uranus Watches take place in Dublin's Phoenix Park (Papal Cross car park) tonight Nov. 13 and at venues across Ireland from Cork to Donegal (all at 8pm). However, the comet of the century, Comet Holmes, has hijacked the event. When we told you on Oct. 24 that it had exploded into view, brightening by a factor of 1 million times overnight, we didn't expect it would last very long, but 3 weeks later it is still 2nd magnitude (as bright as the North Star and the stars of the Plough!). So, we are going to look at the Comet first and Uranus second! After all, Uranus will likely be visible for another few billion years but this is a once in a lifetime chance to see a bright naked eye comet up close. Full details of all the Comet & Uranus Watches around the country are at www.astronomy.ie/uranuswatch2007.html They all take place at 8pm promptly and regardless of weather so bring all your friends along. Each event is free but please make a small donation or buy a copy of our magazine to support the society. There is an article about Comet Holmes in the December issue of our magazine "Astronomy & Space" which you can order online for immediate delivery by post at www.astronomy.ie/sub 2. In association with Athlone Institute of Technology, Astronomy Ireland's David McCann is giving a Public Lecture on "The Big Bang" in Athlone I.T. at 8pm on Wednesday November 14th. Admission is free and it's in the Earl of Rosse Theatre, appropriately enough. More details on www.astronomy.ie/athlone_nov07.php This, our November 12 lecture in Dublin (a superb lecture by the way, now available on DVD at www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.html for 5euro + postage), and the Comet+Uranus Watches are all part of NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK. See www.scienceweek.ie for details of 400 events. 3. For other events coming up in November (and comet charts and more) see www.astronomy.ie e.g. Armagh Daytrip Nov. 24, Astro-Expo Nov. 25, Christmas Lecture Dec. 10.... Astronomy Ireland the world's most popular astronomy club - join us today! www.astronomy.ie Also, Telescopes & Advice: Tel (01) 847 0777 Monday-Saturday

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[Astronomy Ireland] Christmas Telescopes Alert
by AI Chairman 07 Nov '07

07 Nov '07

You may see telescopes on sale in shops or offered by the big discount stores in the next few weeks - please re-consider before you buy. Firstly, you should be able to buy the equivalent (or better) telescope from Astronomy Ireland, and at the same (or lower!) cost. Did you know this!? For example one telescope is being offered at 599euro, but you can get an equivalent (and more modern) model from us for 550euro! For the same 599euro you can get a more powerful model with all the same features that will show you more! Please call us for advice. Also, is the optical quality guaranteed? This is the most important factor when buying a telescope? You can be sure those from Astronomy Ireland are of superb optical quality (even those we sell at lower prices than you see offered elsewhere) Is there back up support after you buy? Astronomy Ireland has full time staff available 6 days a week to help you choose the right telescope, and then for the rest of your life you can call them for advice on using it. In the unlikely event of a problem you only have to deal with Ireland rather than ship parts in from abroad. Our experts do all the servicing for you. And remember, proceeds from our Shop help us to promote astronomy in Ireland as well as to help you in the future. Please pass this message on to friends and family who may be considering buying you or a loved one a telescope as a gift this Christmas and get them to call Astronomy Ireland first. PRICE GUARANTEE We now run one of the biggest telescope shops in Europe and our PRICE GUARANTEE is that you will be able to get a telescope as the same price as buying from anywhere else in Europe once taxes and shipping are allowed for i.e. you won't spend any more money buying Irish, and they you have us here to help you use it. A lot of the telescopes have been put on our website and you can even order online as of today! More models are being added in the coming weeks. Look at the webpage and listen to the interview with Pat Kenny on RTE Radio 1 you will see there which includes advice about Christmas telescopes. Go to www.astronomy.ie and click on the SHOP in the menu at the left, or call (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat up to 5:30pm. Note: FREE DELIVERY EVERYWHERE IN IRELAND. So, remember the motto of the Astronomy Ireland Shop: Buy Irish . Save Money . Better Support P.S. Come to our Uranus Watches across Ireland next week and see some real telescopes in operation: www.astronomy.ie/uranuswatch2007.html P.P.S. Have you seen Comet Holmes? Isn't it amazing!? See here: www.astronomy.ie/holmes.php Is it the comet of the century? It's visible with the naked eye and you owe it to yourself to track it down. Email observe(a)astronomy.ie if you see it. P.P.P.S. Come to our lecture on Nov 12 or order the DVD about asteroids, including the one that may collide with Earth in 2036! Book a ticket or order the DVD at: www.astronomy.ie/lecture200711.html More details there too. Merry Christmas! Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie (01) 847 0777

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[Astronomy Ireland] Five lectures Nationwide and Astro-Expo
by AI Director 01 Nov '07

01 Nov '07

Galway * Cork * Dundalk Astronomy Ireland, as part of its new initiative to organise and promote more events throughout the country, is proud to announce the first in a series of countrywide lectures. This pilot scheme begins with lectures in Galway, Cork, and Dundalk by the renowned author Dr. Stuart Clark. This event is being organised for members throughout the country so please support the society by coming along. It's also a chance to meet amateur astronomers and other interested people in your part of the country. Very soon we hope to announce another lecture tour of the country by another well known speaker. The pilot scheme begins with the following exciting event: "The Day the Sun Attacked the Earth" In September 1859, our planet was battered by a blob of superheated gas, spat out during the most violent solar flare in recorded history. When the superheated gas collided with our atmosphere, the northern lights were seen as far south as the Caribbean! Around the world telegraph systems crashed, machines burst into flames, and electric shocks rendered operators unconscious. Compasses and other sensitive instruments reeled as if struck by a massive magnetic fist. These bizarre effects caused a huge debate among astronomers, many of whom doubted that the Sun could affect the Earth this way across a distance of 150 million km. The 1859 solar flare was the most widely observed astronomical event in history, but until this year it was largely forgotten. Interest in the event has been revived because 2007 is the International Heliophysical Year - with teams of astronomers across the world cooperating in the study of our local star, upon which all life on Earth depends. A new book about the 1859 event has recently been published. The Sun Kings: The Unexpected Tragedy of Richard Carrington and the Tale of How Modern Astronomy Began, was written by Stuart Clark, European Space Agency science writer, former editor of the British magazine Astronomy Now, and one of the UK's best known popular science authors. His book also reveals new details about the sordid scandal that destroyed Richard Carrington's reputation and led him from the highest echelons of science to the lowest reaches of love, villainy and revenge. Dr Clark is doing a promotional lecture tour and book signing for Astronomy Ireland in Cork, Galway and Dundalk at the following venues - November 5 (Monday) 8pm Arts Millennium Building - NUI Galway November 6 (Tuesday) 8pm Jury's Hotel, Western Road, Cork November 7 (Wednesday) 8pm Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk Admission: 5 euro (3 euro to AI members, Under 18's, OAP's) Organiser: Astronomy Ireland Tickets are available at the door or visit www.astronomy.ie or call Astronomy Ireland on (01) 847 0777 ALL WELCOME Book Signing: Copies of Dr. Clark's book will be available at the venues for 25 euro each and the author will be more than happy to sign a copy for you. Public Lecture: "Near Earth Asteroids" Nov. 12, Dublin On Friday 13th, April 2029, the asteroid Apophis will pass within approximately 35,000km of Earth. That's closer to us than the satellites that beam television pictures to our satellite dishes. Depending on exactly how close Apophis passes, there is a chance that it could hit the Earth on its subsequent visit in 2036. Dr. Neil McBride of the Open University will give Astronomy Ireland's November Lecture on the subject of Near Earth Asteroids and the asteroid belt. He will examine what we know about these dark travellers and assess the threat posed to Earth by NEOs (Near Earth Objects) and what we can do to counteract this threat. Title: Near Earth Asteroids Speaker: Dr. Neil McBride Venue: Physics Building, Trinity College, Dublin Date: 12th November, 8.00pm Admission: 5 euro (3 euro to AI members, Under 18's, OAP's) Organiser: Astronomy Ireland ALL WELCOME See www.astronomy.ie/lecture200711.html for map of venue and further details "Mars: A Cosmic Stepping Stone" The South Dublin Astronomical Society is holding its next monthly meeting on Thursday 8th November which features a talk on Mars by the renowned Dr. Kevin Nolan. Admission is free and all are welcome The details are: Title: 'Mars: A Cosmic Stepping Stone'. Speaker: Dr.Kevin Nolan Venue: Gonzaga College, Ranelagh. Date: 8th November, 8:00pm Astro-Expo; change of date Please note that Astro-Expo will now take place on Sunday 25th November (and not 11th November as previously announced) in the Artane & Beaumont Family Recreation Centre, Kilmore Road, Dublin 5. This is a just two minute walk from the AI office and the telescope shop. More details of this and the nationwide Uranus Watches in another email soon but note the date in your diary now for our 17th Annual Exhibition. Check www.astronomy.ie too for further details. Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Telescope Advice Monday to Saturday: Tel (01) 847 0777 (Ask for new catalogue)

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