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

[Astronomy Ireland] School Lectures, 4FM and RTE, What To See, National Meeting
by AI Secretary 30 Apr '09

30 Apr '09

1. Schools' Education Programme Astronomy Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of its Education Outreach Programme, an exciting initiative which aims to promote astronomy and science in Ireland. The Initiative is aimed towards the general public, especially schools (primary and secondary), social clubs, youth clubs, community meetings and any other group interested in learning more about astronomy. We have recently appointed our first Education Officer, Mr. Kevin Sweeney, who will head the programme. Kevin, who runs his own observatory in Co. Meath, can tailor any talk to suit your group's needs based on the criteria of age group, subject knowledge and level of interest. The programme is aiming to be both fun and educational, while also helping us fulfil our endeavour of building a Science Culture for Ireland. For more information on this exciting programme go to www.astronomy.ie/outreach. If you would like to submit a booking for your group, please contact: Ciara Dowdall Email: sec(a)astronomy.ie Phone: (01) 847 0777 2. David Moore on 4FM and Gerry Ryan Show Astronomy Ireland Chairman, David Moore, will feature on the radio show, 'Weekend Breakfast on 4 with Michael Comyn', this Sunday, May 3 from 9:30 - 10:00am, on the new multi-city radio station 4FM. David will speak about Astronomy Ireland and its upcoming events, what to see in the night sky, and his own involvement in Astronomy in Ireland over the years. To listen to this interview on Sunday morning tune in to 94FM/104FM in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick or click HERE. But don't worry, if you miss the live interview you can listen to it in our Media Archive at www.astronomy.ie/audio. David Moore also gave an interview to The Gerry Ryan Show on Monday April 27. David spoke about yet another possible fireball seen over Ireland last Sunday night, but it turned out to be a different 'UFO'. He also discussed Astronomy Ireland's Public Lecture, 'Shamrock and Space', which takes place on May 11, coinciding with the return of the International Space Station (ISS) to Irish evening skies. To listen to this interview and David's other Gerry Ryan Show Interview on April 6, go to www.astronomy.ie/audio. Professor Tom Ray of DIAS appeared on RTE Six One News last week in a report about how they have explained Hubble's famous photo, 'Pillars of Creation'. This is the cover story of our June magazine, which is out the end of next week. Watch the news clip on RTE HERE ("Irish Scientists..."). 4. More Astronomy Tips There is loads to see in the sky at present, including some very rare events in the coming days and weeks: - Mercury is a rare 'evening star' and spectacularly close to Pleiades ("Seven Sisters" star cluster) this weekend. - Saturn is perfectly placed for evening viewing high in the South. It's moons are putting on spectacular once-in-15-year displays right now. - Moon is close to Saturn this Sunday and Monday nights. - Jupiter is in morning skies. - Venus and Mars are close together, but low in morning skies. See the Sky Diary pages of our magazine for diagrams and lots more details. 5. Spectacularly Successful National Meeting Astronomy Ireland's National Meeting, last Saturday April 25, was a huge success with people travelling from all over the country to hear all the plans for IYA and how A.I. is to raise 1 million euro a year for more astronomy events across Ireland, and generate a Science Culture for Ireland over the coming decade. An immensely enjoyable day was had by all. A full report of this fantastic event will follow, however if you have any feedback about the day, we would be delighted to hear from you, please email ideas(a)astronomy.ie. 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 )

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[Astronomy Ireland] "Million Euro" National Meeting
by AI Secretary 24 Apr '09

24 Apr '09

National Meeting April 25 Inspirational, Awe-inspiring, Epic - Just some of the words used to describe Astronomy Ireland's highly anticipated National Meeting. On Saturday April 25, we are going to change the world of science in Ireland forever. We hope to raise 1 million euro a year to develop astronomy in Ireland. This event is free of charge, you can bring family and friends and non-members are most welcome. If you would like to attend but still have not accepted your invitation, simply RSVP to sec(a)astronomy.ie and a place will be reserved for you. The finalised agenda is set out below, and we urge you to join us in The Science Gallery and help us change landscape of astronomy and science promotion in Ireland. AGENDA - 14:00 'Naming Pluto' - The Irish Premiere of a short film - 14:30 Robert Hill will amaze you with all the IYA plans - 15:30 David Moore talks about Astronomy Ireland and its new plans - 16:00 11,000 Member Presentation and Open Discussion - 16:30 Stereoscopic Tour of the Galaxy - 17:00 Refreshments - Food and beverages provided The Meeting takes place this Saturday April 25 at 2pm, in the Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin. For more detailed information click HERE. Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie Tel (01) 847 0777

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[Astronomy Ireland] Important: A Meeting for Everyone in Ireland
by AI Secretary 23 Apr '09

23 Apr '09

I Invite You To The Most Significant Event In Our 19 Year History - David Moore, Chairman On Saturday, April 25, Astronomy Ireland is going to change your world forever, for, on that day our National Meeting will be held in what is to be a fun filled event to explain how we are changing your society from not just being the biggest astronomy club in the world, but to becoming a new force in Ireland to develop a Science Culture for this country. You won't know this but behind the scenes A.I. has been hiring and training staff to this end, and there are a lot more people needed if we are to truly generate an explosion of interest in science in general in Ireland through astronomy - which is surely the most popular of the sciences to the general public. So, I ask you, isn't this the one event in your life that you should make sure you attend? THE AGENDA: 1. "What is The International Year of Astronomy All About" by one of its international organisers First up will be Robert Hill who will explain what the world's astronomers have planned for International Year of Astronomy. A brilliant public speaker, Robert is one of the key people in the world for this event and you get to hear what the world's astronomers have spent 6 years planning with the United Nations. If his talk does not inspire you, nothing will! 2. Next, as Chairman of A.I. I will outline A.I.'s plans, and how you might help, from rolling up your sleeves and doing some voluntary work, to just sitting at home and emailing our public representatives. Already we have over 100 volunteers from our 2,500 paid-up membership who help run the society, but we have 12,000 people on our "Friends Mailing List" (i.e. this mailing list) and growing and you can help too. 3. So that the day is more than speeches and visionary goals we've also lined up the premiere of the new short film, NAMING PLUTO, featuring an appearance by our own Sir Patrick Moore. 4. An amazing 3-D TOUR of the Galaxy (stereoscopic glasses will be provided) 5. There'll even be a prize presentation to the 11,000th person ever to join Astronomy Ireland. WHAT TO DO NEXT? So, no matter where you live in Ireland, or whatever you have planned for April 25, I am asking you to cancel it now and plan to spend 2pm to 5pm in The Science Gallery. And, to answer the most popular question: yes, you can bring friends/family as non-members are extremely welcome. Details of this FREE event can be found HERE including the IYA Booklet that we spent thousands of euro posting out to all paid up members. If there is one book you should read this year it is this one (3.8MB PDF)! I very much hope to see all of you on Saturday so please start making your travel plans now. - David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland - the world's most popular astronomy society! www.astronomy.ie Tel (01) 847 0777

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[Astronomy Ireland] Interview on 4FM, Fireball, Astronomy Tips For April
by AI Secretary 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

1. Denis O' Sullivan on 4FM How many people have seen with their very own eyes, something which has left Earth, flown in outer space, landed in another world, and then come back down again? Here is YOUR chance. Our Easter Lecture speaker will bring along an experiment carried to the Moon for him by the Apollo astronauts, and brought back to Ireland again. Professor Denis O' Sullivan of the Dublin Institute of Advance Studies (DIAS), will give an interview on 4FM Friday April 17, ahead of the Easter Public Lecture he will deliver next Monday. Prof. O' Sullivan will speak on the new multi-city radio station at 7:40am, giving listeners a sneak preview into the content of Mondays lecture - From the Moon to Matroshka - a highly significant space experiment he is currently running. You can listen to it worldwide online at www.4fm.ie or, if you miss the interview in the morning don't worry, you can listen to it HERE. Prof. O' Sullivan's lecture takes place at 8pm next Monday April 20. Tickets are 7euro (non-members) or 5euro (members and concessions). A DVD of the lecture will be available for purchase for everyone all over Ireland at a cost of 7euro (plus p&p). To book your tickets for this lecture click HERE To order the DVD of this lecture click HERE 2. Fireball The final analysis has been delayed and the drop zone will be announced here, and to the world's media, next week. 3. Astronomy Tips for April Saturn Events: Have you been missing a once in 15 year event? Those of you with telescopes have been getting amazing views of Saturn, its moons, and its rings which are nearly edge on this year. Did you realise that this means the moons pass in front of, and behind the planet in events that can only be seen every 15 years? Lots of you have telescopes capable of seeing this and we want you to report your sighting to observe(a)astronomy.ie. Indeed, we saw Rhea skimming above the rings just after it had passed in front of Saturn on April 4 at our 100 Hours of Astronomy event (see HERE). And remember, Saturn is a fine evening object for this month, all of May, and most of June, so dust off your scope and get a once in 15 year view! Jupiter is visible in morning skies. It's near the Moon this Sunday and Monday morning - see the diagram in our April magazine, page 22. Deep Sky: Remember, the Moon is out of the sky so all those of you with the simple-to-use 3-star alignment telescopes can use "tour" to see thousands of galaxies, star clusters and gas clouds in the coming weeks! Call the Shop for quick advice on how easy this is. You can find a list of all celestial events in the Sky Diary and Sky map pages in 'Astronomy & Space', our full-colour monthly magazine, which shows that there are several events to see almost every night of the month! You can subscribe online HERE or by calling (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 )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Easter Lecture, 100 Hours Of Astronomy, Fireball, Career Opportunities
by AI Secretary 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

1. Easter Public Lecture - Denis O' Sullivan Professor Denis O' Sullivan of the School of Cosmic Physics, Dublin Institute of Advance Studies will deliver our Easter Public Lecture, next Monday April 20. The Professor will give a fascinating insight into an experiment he is currently running called Matroshka, an exciting piece of research that will determine the effect of long term space travel on the human body. The experiment examines human absorption of radiation aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and is paving the way for safe human space flight in the future. The Professor, who has worked closely with Neil Armstrong, will begin his lecture with a commentary of Ireland's place in space exploration and how he has been involved in space probes to Mars, Halley's Comet, and more. He will then move on to the Matroshka experiment, and detail other work carried out by him and his team on US, European, Russian and Japanese space missions. The lecture will take place at 8pm next Monday April 20. Tickets are 7euro (non-members) or 5euro (members and concessions). A DVD of the lecture will be available for purchase for everyone all over Ireland at a cost of 7euro (plus p&p). To book your tickets for this lecture click HERE To order the DVD of this lecture click HERE 2. 100 Hours Of Astronomy - Nationwide Reports 100 Hours of Astronomy, an IYA 2009 Cornerstone Project, took place from April 2 - 5 at various locations around the country. Astronomy Ireland participated in this event along with groups in 140 other countries around the world, by setting up watches nationwide, for what was the largest public telescope event ever to take place. The watches were very successful, with large crowds turning up at the viewing events over the course of the 4 nights. Click HERE to read the nationwide reports of this event. 3. Fireball We are still investigating the Fireball sighted over Ireland and the UK on Saturday April 4, shortly after midnight. So far, we have received in excess of 150 reports, however we still need a lot more in order to accurately predict where an object may have landed. We hope to release a final update regarding the fireball this week, but we still need many more reports to do this. If you saw something on Saturday Night, April 4, however insignificant you think it may be, please submit a report. While we do appreciate technical details, they are not absolutely necessary and every report helps in some way. Please report your sighting to us by filling out a 'Fireball' Report form HERE, and please ask friends who saw it to do likewise. 4. Career Opportunities Are you looking to work as part of a dynamic team? Do you enjoy a challenge? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we have just the job for you. We are looking for people in all departments, to join us in our mission to promote astronomy and build a science culture in Ireland. To apply for a position in Astronomy Ireland, send your CV and a cover letter telling us how you think you can contribute to our team to jobs(a)astronomy.ie. 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 )

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[Astronomy Ireland] DVD Of Amazing March Lecture, Fireball, National Meeting
by AI Secretary 10 Apr '09

10 Apr '09

1. David Southwood Lecture DVD LECTURE REPORT: On March 16, over 200 people attended our St. Patrick's Day Public Lecture, and experienced a jaw-dropping flight across the surface of Mars. This journey took us over its mountains, through its valleys and into its craters, transforming The Red Planet from a small dot in the sky to a place more like our own planet than anyone had ever imagined. Could the dry, cold and deserted Martian surface be, in fact, a warning sign of things to come on Earth? This is the question David Southwood posed as he finished his finished his fascinating and enthralling lecture on the European Space Agency (ESA), its missions, and Ireland's place in international space exploration. His video of the flight across Mars was created using images taken during various missions to Mars by the ESA and provided a unique and exciting perspective of our neighbour. Professor Southwood was received with great enthusiasm in Trinity College and the halls were buzzing afterwards with people talking excitedly about "that breathtaking video", and how they couldn't believe "that Ireland does so much work in space". This is an amazing lecture which we highly recommend you watch. To order your copy of this lecture on DVD, for just 7euro (plus 5euro p&p) call us on (01) 847 0777 (alternatively post a cheque or postal order to: March 2009 DVD, Astronomy Ireland, PO. Box 2888, Dublin 5) or click: ORDER HERE 2. Fireball Investigations continue into the fireball seen over Ireland and the UK last Saturday, April 4. It now appears likely that it terminated over the Irish Sea, however we cannot be certain of this as we have not received enough reports to accurately predict where it may have made impact with the Earth. Although we have received over 100 reports to date, in 1999 when predicting the course of a meteorite subsequently found in Carlow, we received over 400 reports which helped us achieve this. We hope to release a final update regarding the fireball early next week, however we need many more reports to do this, regretfully it appears that many people who saw it have not sent us their report. Please report your sighting to us by filling out a 'Fireball' Report form HERE, and please ask friends who saw it to do likewise. 3. National Meeting - Travel To Dublin As you are aware, Astronomy Ireland is holding a National Meeting on Saturday, April 25 at 3pm in the Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin. This event, to inspire the promotion and development of astronomy and science in Ireland, promises to be a fun filled day for everyone. For more information about the National Meeting click HERE or email sec(a)astronomy.ie. We urge you to make your travel arrangements now in preparation for this meeting on April 25 as we want everyone to attend. If you plan on attending RSVP to sec(a)astronomy.ie. 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 )

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[Astronomy Ireland] Massive Fireball, Easter Lecture, 100 Hours Report, Mobile Phones
by AI Secretary 07 Apr '09

07 Apr '09

1. Massive Fireball seen over Ireland Astronomy Ireland is investigating an explosion that occurred shortly after midnight Saturday night April 4th over Ireland. Currently, we believe that the fireball may have started over the UK and came down in the northern half of Ireland, but this is not yet certain. At present, we have received over one hundred detailed eye witness reports, but we need many more in order to triangulate the exact location where any meteorite may have landed. Astronomy Ireland is urgently requesting that anyone who saw the explosion should report their sighting at www.astronomy.ie/fireball.html so we can predict where any meteorite fell. We will post out findings on this email list in the next few days. This event has attracted a storm of media interest, with Astronomy Ireland Chairman David Moore giving interviews to BBC, Sky News, RTE's The Gerry Ryan Show and many local radio stations. There were also print articles published in the Irish Independent, the Irish Mirror, a front page article and headline in the Metro, and many others. Click HERE to listen to these interviews on our media page, especially Gerry Ryan who spent 16 minutes talking to David about the fireball, telescopes, ISS and more. 2. Easter Lecture (and DVD) April 20 Astronomy Ireland's Easter Public Lecture will be given by Denis O' Sullivan, Professor Emeritus at the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS). Professor O' Sullivan will discuss an exciting piece of research which he is currently involved in, called Matroshka - an experiment concerning human absorption of radiation aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Prof O' Sullivan has sent missions to Mars, Halley's Comet and on the Apollo Moon Missions. The lecture takes place Monday, April 20 at 8pm (Please note change of date) in the Schrodinger Theatre, Fitzgerald Building, Trinity College Dublin. Tickets are 7euro (non-members) or 5euro (members and concessions) and are available HERE or by calling (01) 847 0777. If you can not make it to Dublin on the night, a DVD of the lecture can be ordered now HERE. 3. 100 Hours Of Astronomy Report >From April 2 - 5 Astronomy Ireland took part in 100 Hours of Astronomy, a global event. This was a Cornerstone Project for the International Year of Astronomy where groups in 140 countries all over the world set up telescopes for the biggest public astronomy event that has ever taken place. Astronomy Ireland set up telescopes in locations all across the country for this groundbreaking event. To read reports of all 4 nights from all our locations click HERE. 4. Mobile Phones Do you have any mobile phones you are not using? We want to be contactable during events outside of office hours. If you have any to donate, please email sec(a)astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777. We greatly appreciate any donations. 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 )

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[Astronomy Ireland] 100 Hours 1st Report, Irish Speakers, Volunteers
by AI Secretary 03 Apr '09

03 Apr '09

1. First reports from "100 HOUR" Watches Perfectly clear skies and amazing views greeted our first night of the 100 HOURS OF ASTRONOMY last night. The view of Saturn with its rings and moons was breathtaking. There was one crater on the Moon that had several jagged shadows streaking across the crater floor, making for an incredible view, perhaps one of the best ever at one of our Moon Watches! Will you be lucky with the weather over the next three nights? Don't risk it! Come to the first night you can. Details of all of Astronomy Ireland's Watches around the country on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9-10pm are on www.astronomy.ie/100hours.html We're setting up nearly 1 million euro worth of telescopes nationwide for you to look through in what is our biggest event ever! If we organise events on this scale will you come along? Or are there other events we should organise for you? 2. Irish Speakers Wanted We are frequently asked to speak about our activities and events on Irish speaking radio stations and need a fluent Irish speaker to represent the organisation. Do you know anyone who may be interested, or are you interested yourself. Please email sec(a)astronomy.ie if so. 3. Volunteers Wanted As you may know, we are planning a National Meeting on April 25 with loads of events, but also to announce a new direction for Astronomy Ireland. See HERE If you want to help in the expansion or running of Astronomy Ireland please email sec(a)astronomy.ie or call (01) 847 0777. We will be having an informal meeting before April 25th to brief those who are interested in helping out so please reply soon if you want to get more actively involved with the society. 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 )

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[Astronomy Ireland] 100 Hours of Astronomy, Jobs, Graphic Design, FREE Shop Offers
by AI Secretary 02 Apr '09

02 Apr '09

1. 100 Hours of Astronomy >From April 2nd to 5th, you are invited to join almost 7 Billion people in over 140 countries for a groundbreaking global event that is set to make history. Astronomy Ireland are setting up over 1 million euro worth of telescopes at 100 events all over Ireland over the next four days, we want all 4 million people to go to their nearest Watch and participate in what promises to be the biggest astronomy event this country and, indeed, the world, has ever seen. It is an astronomy marathon of epic proportion, the likes of which has never been witnessed before. The United Nations have declared 2009 as "The International Year of Astronomy" or "IYA2009", this telescope event is one of the major cornerstone projects. It is taking place to allow anyone and everyone access to a telescope so they can witness the wonders of the night sky such as: The Moon, which is perfectly located in evening skies and at its beautiful first quarter phase that allows the most awe inspiring views of mountains, craters, cliffs and seas - a truly amazing sight! Saturn, with its intricate and stunning ring system and some of its larger moons, which the great Galileo never managed to see through his tiny telescope. The Pleiades star cluster - a dazzling sight, usually seen as about 6 or 7 bright stars, depending on your eyesight, but through binoculars about 50 hot young stars are visible in a twinkling display that will capture your imagination. The Crab Nebula - the ancient remnants of a dead star, so wonderfully preserved through the ages for our visual pleasure. For more details of your local Branch, please see HERE. VOLUNTEERS We need volunteers to support our Branch coordinators for this huge event, e.g. to hand out leaflets and the like. Or, do you have a larger telescope you could bring? If you can help out in any way in your area, please email us at sec(a)astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 847 0777 and let's get a Branch going in your area for IYA 2009. 2. Looking to work as part of a dynamic team? Enjoy a challenge? Great, we have just the job for you. We need people in all departments to join us in our mission to change the way Ireland currently is and pave the way for a future knowledge based economy. Send your CV's to jobs(a)astronomy.ie with a note telling us what you think you can do to help us achieve our goals. 3. Graphic Design We are looking for someone to lay out our magazine either as a volunteer or on a commercial basis. Please email sec(a)astronomy.ie if this position interests you. 4. Telescope Shop Amazing FREE Giveaway The Astronomy Ireland Shop has some amazing offers this weekend to celebrate the IYA2009 100 Hours Of Astronomy. Starting today, we are giving away FREE eyepiece kits, binoculars and exothermic hand warmers when you buy a telescope. We are also offering FREE delivery to anywhere in Ireland. For more information on these incredible deals, please visit www.astronomy.ie/shop 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 )

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