January 2009 - astronomy@lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

[Astronomy Ireland] Nationwide Venus Watches - Best View For 3 Years
by AI Secretary 29 Jan '09

29 Jan '09

Nationwide Venus Watches - Best View For 3 Years Tomorrow evening, just after sunset on January 30th, the spectacularly bright planet Venus will hang just below the thin crescent Moon. The last time this happened the switchboards at Astronomy Ireland were jammed with people who couldn't believe what they were seeing! Local Branches of Astronomy Ireland will set up telescopes all over the country to let YOU take a closer look at this magnificent sight. When you look through our telescopes you will notice that Venus looks like a "Half Moon". This is because Venus is located to the side of the Sun, and is being lit up at an angle. In fact, Venus is currently 85 million kilometres away from Earth - and it's getting closer! "The sight of Venus blazing just below the Moon will be an absolutely incredible sight," said David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland, "and this will be the best view we will get for 3 years!" The Astronomy Ireland Nationwide Venus Watches will begin at 6:30pm in many locations: Carlow Clare Cork Dublin Limerick Louth Mayo We strongly urge that you go to your nearest Venus Watch at this time to witness this amazing and enthralling celestial event. For more details visit our website www.astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

1 0

[Astronomy Ireland] Astronomy Ireland Evening Classes
by AI Secretary 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

1. ISS and Venus Herald Astronomy Ireland Evening Classes Have you ever wanted to learn how the universe began? How the planets formed? Is there life out there in the Universe? Spectacular Venus, the second brightest object in the night sky, and the International Space Station manned by 3 astronauts herald the start of our Spring Evening Classes this month. In celebration of 2009, the United Nations International Year of Astronomy, we are launching our 8 week course on January 28th. These classes are aimed at the general public and will delve into the exciting world of astronomy and tell you everything you ever wished to know, without the need for maths skills. Learn about the history of astronomy and the people who pioneered it, the mysterious world of dark energy and dark matter, how the planets formed, how exactly a telescope works, and much, much more. The course fee also includes a one year membership to Astronomy Ireland a subscription to Astronomy & Space, our magazine. Our full colour monthly magazine will keep you up to date on all the latest astronomical news, articles, pictures and even contains a sky diary which will tell you what is visible in the Irish sky each month. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Universe but were afraid to ask! We will hold Venus Watches around the country on January 30th so log on to our website for more details www.astronomy.ie >From January 21st through to February 14th ISS will blaze across Irish Skies and will be a spectacular sight. Astronomy Ireland plot exactly when and where ISS will be visible during this period and predictions can be sent straight to your mobile anywhere in Ireland by simply sending the word SPACE to 57003 or ring our newsline at 1550 111 442 or 09001 88 19 50 if you are in N.Ireland or the U.K. Letterkenny Dublin Sligo Athlone Galway Limerick Waterford Tralee Cork Dundalk Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

1 0

[Astronomy Ireland] Astronomy Ireland Evening Classes
by AI Secretary 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

1. ISS and Venus Herald Astronomy Ireland Evening Classes Have you ever wanted to learn how the universe began? How the planets formed? Is there life out there in the Universe? Spectacular Venus, the second brightest object in the night sky, and the International Space Station manned by 3 astronauts herald the start of our Spring Evening Classes this month. In celebration of 2009, the United Nations International Year of Astronomy, we are launching our 8 week course on January 28th. These classes are aimed at the general public and will delve into the exciting world of astronomy and tell you everything you ever wished to know, without the need for maths skills. Learn about the history of astronomy and the people who pioneered it, the mysterious world of dark energy and dark matter, how the planets formed, how exactly a telescope works, and much, much more. The course fee also includes a one year membership to Astronomy Ireland a subscription to Astronomy & Space, our magazine. Our full colour monthly magazine will keep you up to date on all the latest astronomical news, articles, pictures and even contains a sky diary which will tell you what is visible in the Irish sky each month. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Universe but were afraid to ask! We will hold Venus Watches around the country on January 30th so log on to our website for more details www.astronomy.ie >From January 21st through to February 14th ISS will blaze across Irish Skies and will be a spectacular sight. Astronomy Ireland plot exactly when and where ISS will be visible during this period and predictions can be sent straight to your mobile anywhere in Ireland by simply sending the word SPACE to 57003 or ring our newsline at 1550 111 442 or 09001 88 19 50 if you are in N.Ireland or the U.K. Letterkenny Dublin Sligo Athlone Galway Limerick Waterford Tralee Cork Dundalk Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

1 0

[Astronomy Ireland] Speakers Wanted, ISS, Treasurer, Lightwave Festival
by AI Secretary 20 Jan '09

20 Jan '09

1. Evening Classes Nationwide - More Speakers Wanted As it is the International Year of Astronomy our Beginner's Evening Classes are proving more popular than ever, with record numbers having booked to date. We currently have 11 venues around the country and want more. We are looking for backup speakers for existing venues, and new speakers and venues around the country. If you or someone you know is interested in giving the classes we have prepared please reply to this email or call us at (01) 847 0777. Remember these classes are not just aimed at hardened astronomy fans, they are aimed at the general public too. To book these classes now please click here www.astronomy.ie/class as early as possible. 2. International Space Station >From January 21st through to February 3rd the ISS will blaze across Irish Skies and will be a spectacular sight to the naked eye. Astronomy Ireland will predict exactly when and where the ISS will be visible during this period and predictions can be sent straight to your mobile phone anywhere in Ireland or the U.K. by simply texting the word SPACE to 57003. Texts cost 1 euro each and a max of one will be sent a day, and only during the period when the ISS is flying over Ireland. This is a subscription service and you can unsubscribe at any time. We also have a phoneline where our predictions are available at 1550 111 442 each afternoon (calls cost 95c/min) or 09001 88 19 50 if you are in Northern Ireland or the U.K. (calls cost 60p/min). 3. Treasurer or Assistant Needed As our society grows we need more volunteers to support our endeavours. We are currently looking for a volunteer treasurer to deal with lodgements, financial accounts and documentation. If you or someone you know would be interested in this role please contact us at sec(a)astronomy.ie or call (01)847 0777. 4. Science Gallery Festival The Science Gallery will be running an exciting new event 'LIGHTWAVE', a festival and exhibition celebrating innovation with light which will run from 23 January to 20 February. Highlights include a Galileo Telescope Making Workshop throughout the duration of the festival, and a Show and Sell event on January 26th where anyone with a new product or demonstration relating to light can bring it along and showcase it. Membership to the Science Gallery is free and this entitles you to invitations to VIP preview events, free WiFi in the gallery and discounts on our cafe and events. The full programme and membership details may be found at www.sciencegallery.com Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

1 0

[Astronomy Ireland] Lecture Report, Irish Speakers, Galway Festival, Evening Classes, Astronomy Exhibits, Venus Watch, What to See
by AI Secretary 16 Jan '09

16 Jan '09

1. New Year Public Lecture Report Firstly, apologies for the email we sent out earlier this week regarding the New Year Lecture DVD, a change of title at the last minute meant the email was sent out with a first line that was out of context. The correct first line should have been ' Our New Year Lecture turned out to be one of our most successful lectures ever, with nearly 300 people filling the largest lecture hall in Trinity College to listen to Professor John Zarnecki, probably the most famous space scientist in the world.' Our New Year Lecture was a huge success and a report and pictures from the night can now be found at our website www.astronomy.ie/newyearlec09rep.html A DVD of this lecture can be purchased at www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.html 2. Irish Speakers Wanted for TG4 Astronomy Ireland have been asked to send a representative to appear on the children's television show "Cúla 4" on TG4 on Monday, January 19th. The show is aimed at 8-12 year olds. They will run a competition all next week for the viewers with an astronomy emphasis and Astronomy Ireland have sponsored a great prize of a high quality Celestron beginner's telescope for the lucky winner. The astronomy themed show is a joint venture between Astronomy Ireland and TG4 to support the Irish language and children's education. We need YOUR help to promote a science culture to Ireland's youth! As this piece will be on an Irish-language TV show, we are looking for a fluent Irish speaker based in Co Galway (particularly around Galway City) to go on the air and represent the largest astronomy club in the world! So, if you are a fluent Irish speaker and have an interest in astronomy and are familiar with Astronomy Ireland's work, please reply to this soon, or call us on (01) 847 0777. We will pass your details on to TG4. If you are not based in Galway but would like to appear on the show, TG4 have allocated a small travel allowance to get you there and back on the day. 3. Galway Astronomy Festival The Galway Astronomy Festival 2009 takes place in the Westwood House Hotel, Galway on the weekend of January 30-31. Last year Astronomy Ireland set up a stand at the Festival and this year we hope to do the same. Details about the event can be found here www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/gaf2009.html 4. Beginners Evening Classes Our popular Beginner's Evening Classes will commence on January 28th nationwide. A list of venues around the country can be found at www.astronomy.ie/class. The classes run nationwide over 8 weeks and cover a huge range of topics from the history of astronomy, telescopes, cosmology and much more. They are perfect for people of all ages and no maths skills are required. Your booking can include membership to our society and our magazine Astronomy & Space, and existing members can avail of a discounted rate. Book your place at www.astronomy.ie/class or call our office at (01) 847 0777. 5. Astronomy Exhibits The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar will run two special events this month as part of the temporary exhibition, Planet Earth: Our Place in Space, which was officially opened by our Chairman David Moore last year. Jan 18th 2pm-5pm - 'Rocks from Space - Hold them in your hands!' This event will give adults and children (over 7) the opportunity of a lifetime, to hold meteorites and see them through a microscope with the Museum's Geologist, Matthew Parkes. January 30 2pm-5pm - Astronomy Ireland Venus - Moon Watch Astronomy Ireland are holding watches all around the country with high powered telescopes to see Venus blazing next to the Moon. All are welcome and more information can be found at our website. 6. Venus still the "Christmas Star" (and video) The planet Venus came to prominence over the Christmas period and now it dominates the evening sky, blazing in the south from sunset until about 9pm. We have 2 viewing events planned before it vanishes from view in March. The first is on January 30th when it will be spectacularly close to the Moon. The second is on February 27 when Venus again is very close to the Moon. If you have a telescope and you want to set it up in your area to celebrate this, the International Year of Astronomy, then please reply to this email. Details of both Venus Watches (and more) are on our events page: www.astronomy.ie/events If you want to order the video "The Christmas Star" which explains the fascinating astronomical detective story behind the Star of Bethlehem Mystery please click here www.astronomy.ie/christmasstar.html Note this is the only place in the world that you can now order this video! 7. What to see: Saturn's rings are nearly edge-on at present. The planet is the bright star rising in the East after 10pm this month. A telescope will show its rings as a thin line. You will not see them this close to edge-on for 30 years so view every clear night this month and email us if you see them (observe(a)astronomy.ie) See A.I. Chairman David Moore's images of an almost ring-less Saturn taken with one of our Celestron telescopes are here: www.astronomy.ie/saturn.html. Keep checking it for any new images. The International Space Station will be visible blazing across the sky every evening from January 21st to February 4th inclusive. If you text SPACE to 57003 now you will get the exact time to see it sent to your mobile every afternoon that it is visible. Each text costs 1euro and proceeds help us promote astronomy so please tell all your friends as ISS is extremely spectacular to the naked eye when it flies over and there are 3 astronauts on board. Background details for ISS are here www.astronomy.ie/iss Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

1 0

[Astronomy Ireland] New Year Public Lecture on DVD
by AI Secretary 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

DVD of 'Touchdown on Titan' Now Available Or so guests were told at the start of our new year lecture. However, this did not stop almost 300 people filling the largest lecture hall in Trinity College to listen to Professor John Zarnecki, probably the most famous space scientist in the world. "Space travel is utter bilge!" was Professor Zarnecki's opening slide but he quickly explained to us it was the opinion of the Astronomy Royal Richard Wooley in 1956, who was embarrassed to see Sputnik launched the following year. The crowd laughed, and not for the last time as Professor Zarnecki took us through a personal journey of his career, from the highs of the Hubble Space Telescope to the disappointing lows of Beagle 2. But none of these could compare to the Cassini-Huygens mission which resulted in the furthest ever moon landing in human history. The audience were held spellbound by the breathtaking 3D images and videos of Huygens' descent through Titan's thick atmosphere into the vast frozen icebound landscape and seas of liquid methane. Up until the landing, nothing was known about Titan other than its freezing temperature of -190 degrees Celsius and its significant methane content. However, the world that was uncovered by Huygens was an "Earth in deep freeze", a freezing moon etched with channels and a 70km thick crust of ice with a hidden ocean beneath. Professor Zarnecki summed up Titan as "Earth-like and alien at the same time". The lecture finished with the future missions Professor Zarnecki will be involved with, including the European mission Exo-Mars which eventually aims to put a lander on the surface of Mars, and the possibilities for various missions aiming towards the eventual settlement of man on Mars. He admitted himself it sounds "a little like science fiction" but added that it is "no more fanciful than talking about Cassini 25 years ago". No doubt everyone is excited about Professor Zarnecki's future missions and the discoveries he will make about our solar system. This amazing lecture is now available for everyone to buy at a cost of just 7 euro plus p&p. You can also listen to Professor Zarnecki's interview on RTE's Gerry Ryan Show, where he discussed his lecture for Astronomy Ireland and his work at www.astronomy.ie/audio ORDER HERE Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Tel (01) 847 0777

1 0

[Astronomy Ireland] New Year Lecture Moved to Larger Venue
by AI Secretary 08 Jan '09

08 Jan '09

For One Night Only: One of the Greatest living Space Scientists One of the greatest minds in Space Science, Professor John Zarnecki will present Astronomy Ireland's unmissable New Year Public Lecture this Monday, January 12th. Due to the overwhelming demand for tickets we have moved the lecture from the Physics Building in Trinity College to the Hamilton Building. There are now extra tickets available but due to the anticipated rush following Professor Zarnecki's appearance on the Gerry Ryan Show this coming Monday we expect them to sell out fast. Book Now to ensure your place. There is a free Hubble DVD for everyone who books this lecture or orders the lecture DVD. The award winning professor will discuss one of his most famous multi-million dollar missions Cassini Huygens that accomplished the furthest moon landing in the history of mankind, at a staggering distance of 1.5 billion km from Earth. The Cassini-Huygens mission to study Saturn and its moon Titan cost an amazing 2 billion dollars and Professor Zarnecki was a chief scientist on this mission. The Cassini orbiter has studied Saturn and its moons in enormous detail over the past 4 years and has changed how we view the ringed planet. It has sent back some of the most stunning images of the Saturnian system and has even revealed kinks and waves in Saturn's rings. Professor Zarnecki will discuss the incredible discoveries Cassini has made over the years, including the fact that Titan has an Earth-like surface and an organic atmosphere. In fact Titan has been described as an "Earth in deep freeze". Cassini is still uncovering the mysteries of this giant gas planet and its moons, prompting the mission to be extended to 2010. All the discoveries from this mission can be found on NASA's website at www.saturn.jpl.nasa.gov Professor Zarnecki has worked on some of the most exciting missions in the history of space discovery and has been involved in numerous multi-million dollar expeditions including the Hubble Space Telescope, which revolutionised how we saw the Universe, and the Giotto mission which flew to Halley's comet. He is currently team leader of the Exo-Mars mission, Europe's first space mission to Mars. Consequently, he has received awards from both NASA and ESA for the work he has done. He has also frequently appeared on BBC's 'The Sky at Night' and has also featured on The Discovery Channel. Professor Zarnecki will speak exclusively on RTE's Gerry Ryan Show on Monday, January 12th between 10-11am about this Astronomy Ireland lecture. Tune into 2fm ( www.rte.ie/2fm ) or if you miss the interview live, log on to our website at www.astronomy.ie/audio to listen to the recording. This will be a fascinating lecture given by one of the most accomplished space scientists in the world so bring all your family and friends along. Tickets are in high demand so to ensure your place book now at www.astronomy.ie or through our office at (01)847 0777. BOOK NOW Don't worry if you can't make it on the night, Astronomy Ireland will record this lecture and produce a DVD available to purchase. ORDER NOW BOOK NOW ORDER DVD Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

1 0

[Astronomy Ireland] Gerry Ryan Show, BTYSE, Classes, BBC4, Lots to see and report
by AI Secretary 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

1. 2 Billion Dollar Man Comes to Dublin The man responsible for the furthest ever Moon landing, Professor John Zarnecki, will give Astronomy Ireland's exclusive New Year Public Lecture in Dublin on January 12th. One of the world's most renowned space scientists, Professor Zarnecki will discuss one of his most famous missions, the Cassini-Huygens mission to study Saturn and its moon Titan, at a cost of 2 billion dollars and for which he was a chief scientist. John has been involved in numerous multi-million dollar space missions that have helped change the face of space science. Having travelled a staggering distance of 1.5 billion km from Earth, the Cassini orbiter has studied Saturn and its moons in enormous detail over the past 4 years. It has sent back some of the most stunning images of the Saturnian system and has even revealed kinks and waves in Saturn's rings, amongst other amazing discoveries. Tickets are selling out fast for what promises to be an amazing lecture, so book your tickets now to avoid disappointment. BOOK NOW Astronomy Ireland will record this lecture and produce a DVD for those who cannot attend and this can be purchased at www.astronomy.ie or by calling our office at (01) 847 0777. There has been huge media interest in John's visit to Dublin and he will be a guest on RTE 1's top-rated Gerry Ryan Show on Monday, January 12th between 10-11am. He will discuss his upcoming lecture for Astronomy Ireland as well as the amazing space missions he has been involved with. Tune in live to 2FM (www.rte.ie/2FM/index.html) or if you miss the interview, listen to it in our audio archives at www.astronomy.ie/audio 2. BT Young Scientist Exhibition Astronomy Ireland will feature at this year's BTYSE exhibition which is open to the public from January 8th - 10th (9:30am-5:30pm) in the RDS, Dublin. This year the exhibition is astronomy based and is a perfect day out for all the family. This exhibition showcases the talent and ingenuity of kids today and encourages the younger generations to get involved in science and technology. There will be a wonderful array of exhibits on display so if you are planning to go, visit the Astronomy Ireland stand (no. 19) and show your support. 3. Beginners Evening Classes Our Beginner's Evening Classes are the perfect New Year's solution for those who want to exercise their brains. The classes run nationwide over 8 weeks and cover a huge range of topics from the history of astronomy, telescopes, cosmology and much more. Your booking can include membership to our society and our magazine Astronomy & Space, and existing members can avail of a discounted rate. Book your place at www.astronomy.ie/class or call our office at (01) 847 0777. 4. BBC 4 Astronomy Night Jan 7th BBC 4 will be screening a series of astronomy programmes tomorrow night, January 7th from 8pm. There will be a one hour Sky at Night programme on at 8pm, a documentary on the Hubble Space Telescope at 9pm, Blast at 10pm on the formation of the universe, and finally at 11:30pm 'Star Men' uncovering the world of the 40,000 amateur astronomers in England. 5. Fireball, Moon in Pleiades, Comet & Saturn FIREBALL: Last Friday Jan. 2 at around 5:30pm a fireball brighter than the Full Moon was seen all across Ireland. Fireballs this bright can drop meteorites. If anyone saw it please fill out the online report form at www.astronomy.ie/fireball.html. A full report will appear in our magazine in due course. MOON EVENTS: Speaking of our magazine, you will see from the Sky Diary pages that the Moon passes in front of the Pleiades star cluster Jan 7 (see page 22 for a description of this breath-taking event); Moon is near Saturn Jan. 14; and the Moon is very close to Venus Jan. 30 (Watches Nationwide will be announced here) NAKED EYE COMET LULIN: There's also a new comet coming which should be visible to the naked eye in late January/February. Full details are in the February issue which you should have in the post by end of next week. SATURN RINGLESS TIL 2038: One amazing sight is 'Saturn with no rings', well almost. Right now the rings are as close to 'edge on' as we will see them for 30 years! A photo is on the front cover of the February magazine, but here is a quick view snapped from Dublin by A.I. Chairman David Moore on December 28 at 8:27am (here) and another view showing 6 moons at 7:31am here (these photos and details of which moon is which will be in the magazine). MERCURY: Is now visible in evening skies, we saw it tonight from our Shop in Artane. Details in our January magazine page 23. PLEASE EMAIL US: If you see anything at all please email observe(a)astronomy.ie so your sighting will be recorded for posterity in our so please subscribe now. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

1 0

[Astronomy Ireland] IYA 2009 - Vote Now
by AI Secretary 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

1. IYA 2009 - Help us choose our IYA 2009 Display Here at Astronomy Ireland we have huge plans for our members for the International Year of Astronomy and we want you to get involved NOW. We are currently selecting the best and brightest pictures of the Universe for our IYA Display 'Earth to the Universe', and this amazing display of 2 metre high photographs will appear in Shopping Centres and Libraries around the country. We want you to help us pick the best pictures and also suggest venues where you want to see this display near you. Log on to our website www.astronomy.ie and simply click on the link to IYA and select the pictures you find most impressive. Send us in your top 20 photos by stating the row and number selection of each photo you choose (for example, row 2 picture 4) and the top 20 photos voted for will be selected for print for this fabulous display. Please do not attach any photos to your emails. The closing date for your vote is January 7th at 12 noon. VOTE NOW Chairman David Moore will be speaking on National Radio tomorrow, Saturday January 3rd at 9:45am, and will discuss our plans for this amazing year. Tune in to Newstalk 106fm (or www.newstalk.ie) to listen live, or if you miss the show check our archive Here. For our first event of IYA 2009 we're flying in the 2 billion dollar man, Professor John Zarnecki, on January 12th, so book your tickets or order your DVD now. BOOK HERE Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular Astronomy Club AND Ireland's Only Astronomy Magazine www.astronomy.ie Call Our Telescope Shop Tel (01) 847 0777 Mon-Sat ( subscribe / unsubscribe here )

1 0