December 2013 - astronomy@lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

[Astronomy Ireland] Christmas Gifts, Moon & Jupiter, ISS, Venus, New Year Lecture, Comet Lovejoy
by AI Secretary 18 Dec '13

18 Dec '13

Christmas Gifts <http://www.astronomy.ie/gifts> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> 1. Christmas Gifts Astronomy Ireland has a number of great gift ideas for loved ones who are interested in astronomy. They’re an ideal way to get started in our wonderful hobby and to learn about space. These include: * Membership to Astronomy Ireland * Our Evening Classes for Beginners * Membership with tickets to or DVDs of our lectures To find out more and to order your Christmas gift please visit www.astronomy.ie/gifts 2. Moon and Jupiter The Moon will be placed next to Jupiter tonight and tomorrow in a beautiful conjunction in the eastern sky. Jupiter is a bright star-like object, and you can use the Moon as a ‘signpost’ to find the planet. For more information please see the Sky Diary in this month’s issue of Astronomy Ireland <http://www.astronomy.ie/join> magazine. Email your observation reports to observe(a)astronomy.ie so we can include them in a future issue of the magazine. 3. International Space Station Blazes Over Ireland The International Space Station is visible over Ireland in the evenings until the end of December. There are currently six astronauts on board the spacecraft, and because it’s usually very easy to see, we recommend that everyone goes out to see it! It will look like a bright, moving ‘star’ in the south and southwest. Space science author Brian Harvey writes a monthly column about the International Space Station in Astronomy Ireland magazine, so be sure to read that to get the latest updates. The times the ISS will be visible will be put online each afternoon on www.astronomy.ie/iss. To get a text reminder each day the ISS is visible, text the word SPACE to 57003 (each text received costs €1; proceeds help us promote astronomy and science in Ireland). 4. Venus at its Highest Have you spotted a bright ‘star’ towards the west after sunset? No, it’s not the Christmas Star, but it is the planet Venus! Venus is at its highest in the sky this week making this the best time to see it. Soon, it will begin to move closer to the Sun making it more difficult to spot. The planet is very ease to find in the sky as it’s so bright. Simply look towards where the Sun sets and you should find it blazing brightly. Again, be sure to let us know what you see by emailing observe(a)astronomy.ie. 5. New Year Lecture: Einstein and the Expanding Universe In the New Year our special guest lecturer Dr Cormac O’Raifeartaigh will explain the Big Bang and the evolution of the entire universe we see around us. The lecture takes place on Monday, January 13th at 8pm in Trinity College Dublin. The lecture is suitable for the general public but we urge you to book early, as this is a major public lecture to kick off the 2013 lecture programme, and we expect it to be very popular! Order tickets and DVDs on our website HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture201401.php> . 6. Comet Lovejoy Spotted Astronomy Ireland chairman David Moore managed to spot Comet Lovejoy with the naked eye recently! For details on the comet, please see Astronomy Ireland magazine. Did you see it yet? Let us know at observe(a)astronomy.ie Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular astronomy club www.astronomy.ie <http://www.astronomy.ie/> ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> ) _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3462 / Virus Database: 3658/6930 - Release Date: 12/18/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] International Space Station, New Year Lecture, Christmas Gifts, Geminid Meteor Shower
by AI Secretary 13 Dec '13

13 Dec '13

Christmas Gifts <http://www.astronomy.ie/gifts> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> 1. International Space Station Over Ireland The International Space Station is visible over Ireland in the evenings until the end of December. There are currently six astronauts on board the spacecraft, and because it’s usually very easy to see, we recommend that everyone goes out to see it! It will look like a bright, moving ‘star’ in the south and southwest. The times the ISS will be visible will be put online each afternoon on www.astronomy.ie/iss. To get a text reminder each day the ISS is visible, text the word SPACE to 57003 (each text received costs €1; proceeds help us promote astronomy and science in Ireland). 2. New Year Lecture: Einstein and the Expanding Universe In the New Year our special guest lecturer Dr Cormac O’Raifeartaigh will explain the Big Bang and the evolution of the entire universe we see around us. How the Universe began and is expanding always fascinates people, and Dr O’Raifeartaigh has already delivered several packed-out lectures for Astronomy Ireland explaining the topic to the general public. One interesting aspect of Einstein’s work is how he had to use a number that he called the Cosmological Constant. However, because Einstein didn’t believe the Universe was expanding, he removed this number, giving what we now know was a slightly inaccurate model of the Universe. But today, we have realised that Einstein was, in fact, correct to include the constant, as it explains the expansion as we see and understand it now. The lecture takes place on Monday, January 13th at 8pm in Trinity College Dublin. The lecture is suitable for the general public but we urge you to book early, as this is a major public lecture to kick off the 2013 lecture programme, and we expect it to be very popular! Order tickets and DVDs on our website HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture201401.php> . 3. Christmas Gifts Astronomy Ireland has a number of great gift ideas for loved ones who are interested in astronomy. They’re an ideal way to get started in our wonderful hobby and to learn about space. These include: · Membership to Astronomy Ireland · Membership with tickets to or DVDs of our lectures · Our Evening Classes for Beginners To find out more and to order your Christmas gift please visit www.astronomy.ie/gifts Note that orders should be made before December 14th to ensure delivery by Christmas. 4. Nationwide Geminid Watch The Geminid Meteor Shower is currently taking place with the peak occurring on Saturday night (and into Sunday morning). Don’t let the almost Full Moon put you off going out to see them, as the Geminid Shower produces slow, bright fireballs that can be easily spotted even with a bright Moon or in areas with light pollution. The Geminids are a great meteor shower and we want everyone in Ireland to take part in a Nationwide Meteor Watch, wherever you are! All you have to do is look up and count how many meteors you see in 15-minute intervals, then let us know by emailing meteor(a)astronomy.ie The Geminids have been observed since the mid-1800s, and are the result of Earth passing through a stream of dust left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As Earth moves through this cloud, the particles fall into our atmosphere and burn up, creating spectacular streaks of light in the sky, known as meteors or shooting stars. This shower is named after the constellation Gemini, from which the meteors appear to come in the sky. It is believed that this shower gets stronger and stronger each year so be sure to watch out! To find out more about the Nationwide Perseid Watch and how to best view the meteors, please click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/geminids2014.html> . Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular astronomy club www.astronomy.ie <http://www.astronomy.ie/> ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> ) _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3462 / Virus Database: 3658/6916 - Release Date: 12/13/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] Christmas Party and Lecture
by AI Secretary 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

Note: There is free admission to the Christmas Party, so even if you can’t make the 8pm lecture you can join us at 9:30pm for free food and celebration of another successful year for Astronomy Ireland. See you there! -- Astronomy Ireland From: AI Secretary [mailto:sec@astronomy.ie] Sent: 09 December 2013 12:10 To: 'all(a)astronomy.ie' Subject: Christmas Party and Lecture Christmas Gifts <http://www.astronomy.ie/gifts> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> Christmas Party and Lecture Tonight Immediately after tonight’s Christmas Lecture we will have our Christmas Party in the Lombard Inn, near Trinity College Dublin. Finger food will be served up and you can meet and chat with other astronomy enthusiasts! Comet ISON may be gone but the ESA’s Rosetta mission is on its way to Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. When it arrives at the comet in 2014, it will enter orbit around the icy body and then release a lander which will study and sample the comet’s surface as it makes its way around the Sun. The man in charge of this mission – and many others – is Professor Alvaro Giménez Cañete, Director of Science and Robotics at the European Space Agency. He will deliver Astronomy Ireland's special Christmas Lecture tonight, December 9th in Trinity College Dublin, and we want everyone to come along! Professor Giménez’s directorate has a multi-billion euro budget to operate the ESA's science programme and robotic exploration, and its most recent milestone was the launch of the Swarm trio of spacecraft that will measure our planet’s magnetic field. Professor Giménez is one of the most important people in Europe's presence in space, of which Ireland is a part. In his talk tonight, he will discuss the current and upcoming space missions undertaken by the European Space Agency, including: · Mars Express · International Space Station · Rosetta · Cassini-Huygens …and more! We are extremely lucky to have him come to Ireland to give this special lecture, so make sure you book your tickets soon as this will be a very popular lecture! For more information and to book tickets, please click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture201312.php> . Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular astronomy club www.astronomy.ie <http://www.astronomy.ie/> ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> ) _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3426 / Virus Database: 3658/6903 - Release Date: 12/09/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] Christmas Party and Lecture
by AI Secretary 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

Christmas Gifts <http://www.astronomy.ie/gifts> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> Christmas Party and Lecture Tonight Immediately after tonight’s Christmas Lecture we will have our Christmas Party in the Lombard Inn, near Trinity College Dublin. Finger food will be served up and you can meet and chat with other astronomy enthusiasts! Comet ISON may be gone but the ESA’s Rosetta mission is on its way to Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. When it arrives at the comet in 2014, it will enter orbit around the icy body and then release a lander which will study and sample the comet’s surface as it makes its way around the Sun. The man in charge of this mission – and many others – is Professor Alvaro Giménez Cañete, Director of Science and Robotics at the European Space Agency. He will deliver Astronomy Ireland's special Christmas Lecture tonight, December 9th in Trinity College Dublin, and we want everyone to come along! Professor Giménez’s directorate has a multi-billion euro budget to operate the ESA's science programme and robotic exploration, and its most recent milestone was the launch of the Swarm trio of spacecraft that will measure our planet’s magnetic field. Professor Giménez is one of the most important people in Europe's presence in space, of which Ireland is a part. In his talk tonight, he will discuss the current and upcoming space missions undertaken by the European Space Agency, including: · Mars Express · International Space Station · Rosetta · Cassini-Huygens …and more! We are extremely lucky to have him come to Ireland to give this special lecture, so make sure you book your tickets soon as this will be a very popular lecture! For more information and to book tickets, please click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture201312.php> . Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular astronomy club www.astronomy.ie <http://www.astronomy.ie/> ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> ) _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3426 / Virus Database: 3658/6903 - Release Date: 12/09/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] Christmas Lecture, Christmas Gifts
by AI Secretary 06 Dec '13

06 Dec '13

Christmas Gifts <http://www.astronomy.ie/gifts> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> 1. Christmas Lecture: European Space Agency Missions Comet ISON may be gone but the ESA’s Rosetta mission is on its way to Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. When it arrives at the comet in 2014, it will enter orbit around the icy body and then release a lander which will study and sample the comet’s surface as it makes its way around the Sun. The man in charge of this mission – and many others – is Professor Alvaro Giménez Cañete, Director of Science and Robotics at the European Space Agency. Professor Giménez’s directorate has a multi-billion euro budget to operate the ESA's science programme and robotic exploration, and its most recent milestone was the launch of the Swarm trio of spacecraft that will measure our planet’s magnetic field. Professor Giménez is one of the most important people in Europe's presence in space, of which Ireland is a part. He will deliver Astronomy Ireland's special Christmas Lecture on Monday, December 9th in Trinity College Dublin, and we want everyone to come along! We are extremely lucky to have him come to Ireland to give this special lecture, so make sure you book your tickets soon as this will be a very popular lecture! After the lecture there will be a social reception nearby in the Lombard Inn with finger food. For more information and to book tickets, please click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture201312.php> . 2. Christmas Gifts Astronomy Ireland has a number of great gift ideas for loved ones who are interested in astronomy. They’re an ideal way to get started in our wonderful hobby and to learn about space. These include: · Membership to Astronomy Ireland · Membership with tickets to or DVDs of our lectures · Our Evening Classes for Beginners To find out more and to order your Christmas gift please visit www.astronomy.ie/gifts Note that orders should be made before December 14th to ensure delivery by Christmas. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular astronomy club www.astronomy.ie <http://www.astronomy.ie/> ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> ) _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3426 / Virus Database: 3658/6896 - Release Date: 12/06/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] Christmas Lecture 'ESA Missions: Present and Future'
by AI Secretary 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

Christmas Gifts <http://www.astronomy.ie/gifts> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> Christmas Lecture ESA Missions: Present and Future Last month, the European Space Agency's latest mission, Swarm, launched successfully from Russia to place a trio of satellites in orbit around Earth. Swarm will measure our planet's magnetic field to explore how it works and to see if Earth's magnetic field is 'flipping'. It will also try to determine if the Sun's effect on the magnetic field has any influence on the planet's climate. Swarm isn't the only mission being undertaken by the ESA, of course. A new mission called Gaia is due to launch later this year and will measure with great accuracy the location of stars in our galaxy, giving us a more complete picture of the Milky Way and galactic structure. Professor Alvaro Giménez Cañete is the Director of Science and Robotics at the European Space Agency, and as a ‘billion euro’ space scientist, he is in charge of a multi-billion euro budget to operate the ESA's science programme and its robotic exploration. Professor Cañete is one of the most important people in Europe's presence in space, of which Ireland is a part. He will deliver Astronomy Ireland's special Christmas Lecture on December 9th in Trinity College Dublin. We are extremely lucky to have him come to Ireland to give this special lecture, so make sure you book your tickets soon as this will be a very popular lecture! After the lecture there will be a social reception nearby in the Lombard Inn with finger food. For more information and to book tickets, please click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture201312.php> . Error on Magazine Newsletter If you get Astronomy Ireland magazine in the post you may have noticed that the incorrect date is given for our Christmas Lecture on the newsletter. This was an oversight in the production of the newsletter. The correct date is, of course, December 9th. Astronomy Ireland The world's most popular astronomy club www.astronomy.ie ( subscribe / unsubscribe <http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/astronomy> ) _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3426 / Virus Database: 3657/6887 - Release Date: 12/03/13

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