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

[Astronomy Ireland] Media Publicity, Star-B-Q Talks, BBC 'The Sky at Night'
by AI Secretary 30 Aug '13

30 Aug '13

Star-B-Q <http://www.astronomy.ie/sbq/> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> Fantastic Talks at this Year’s Star-B-Q MORE PUBLICITY As we get close to the Star-B-Q later today we’ve had lots of interviews over the last few days! NEAR FM did a great extensive piece with David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland, about the Star-B-Q to talk about how the Sun is reaching solar maximum and how we’ll get to see more and more displays of the northern lights over the next two years. He also talked about the problem of light pollution – an issue many of you town- and city-based stargazers will be only too familiar with – and how Irish research is addressing the issue and exploring solutions to help gives us back dark skies. Listen to the NEAR FM interview HERE <http://astronomy.ie/audio/LMFM_130829.mp3> . You will also see Astronomy Ireland feature in today’s Irish Times and Evening Herald in articles talking about the Star-B-Q and the amazing sights we will see through the powerful telescopes: galaxies, star clusters, planets, and the ‘new star’ which appeared in a blaze of thermonuclear energy in the constellation Delphinus! SOLAR MAXIMUM: THE SUN-EARTH CONNECTION Dave Gradwell is the keynote speaker at this year’s Star-B-Q. He is very well-known around Ireland for making amazing observations of the Sun, and his particular expertise lies in space weather and geomagnetic storms. His talk will focus on the ‘Sun-Earth Connection’, and how the current solar maximum affects Earth’s magnetic field to produce the stunningly beautiful northern lights we sometimes see from Ireland. But did you know that space weather can have a dark side? Very strong blasts of material – known as coronal mass ejections – can seriously affect satellites in orbit around Earth. And it can get worse. On March 9th in 1989, a massive coronal mass ejection lifted off the Sun and headed straight for Earth. A few days later, when the CME arrived at our planet, it triggered aurora displays that could be seen as far south as Texas and Florida in the US. The vast electrical currents triggered in Earth’s magnetic field by the CME flowed along power lines in Québec, Canada, causing a blackout lasting 9 hours. Dave’s talk will explore the fascinating connection between our planet and our parent star, how the Sun can cause an aurora, and how we can protect our technology from extremely large events like that in 1989. LIGHT POLLUTION IN IRELAND The Star-B-Q site in Roundwood, Co Wicklow, has very dark skies away from the horrid orange glow so many of us experience in towns and cities. Dr Brian Espey, Trinity College Dublin, is undertaking research to find out more about light pollution in our country, using photographs taken from space by Commander Chris Hadfield on the International Space Station and data collected by researchers in Ireland using high-tech handheld devices that measure the sky’s darkness. The majority of streetlights in Ireland, as well as lighting the ground beneath them, also send up to 30% of their light upwards to illuminate the sky. This is a huge waste of energy that costs the taxpayer millions of euro each year. Not only does light pollution spoil the views for us skywatchers, light pollution also has knock-on effects that can harm the environment, ecological systems, and even human health. Dr Espey will talk about how some simple changes to our civil planning and to the design of streetlights could open up dark skies for us all to enjoy the Universe. THE WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSE David Moore <http://astronomy.ie/dmbio.html> , Chairman of Astronomy Ireland and the country’s leading public advocate of space, will open proceedings at the Star-B-Q with a tour of the wonders of the Universe. In his highly visual talk, David will bring guests on a trip from our own planet Earth, through the Solar System, and out into deep space where stars and galaxies reside. How far away are the stars? How big are galaxies? What will happen to the Universe at the end of time? David will answer these and more during his fascinating. BOOK YOUR TICKET Tickets to the Star-B-Q cost €50, but you can book them in advance to avail of a discount and get your ticket for just €39 (or €29 for children). To book your ticket in advance, call us on (01) 890 11 11 or visit www.astronomy.ie The event is Astronomy Ireland’s biggest annual fundraiser and will be great fun for all the family and your friends, so be sure to spread the word! THE BBC’S THE SKY AT NIGHT The September episode of the Sky at Night will talk about black holes featuring the Astronomer Royal, and will be broadcast on Sunday night at 12:20am (really Monday morning). A full list of repeat shows will be sent out next week after the Star-B-Q. 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: 2013.0.3392 / Virus Database: 3211/6620 - Release Date: 08/29/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] Weather Looking Promising for Star-B-Q
by AI Secretary 29 Aug '13

29 Aug '13

Star-B-Q <http://www.astronomy.ie/sbq/> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> Weather Looking Promising for Star-B-Q [Apologies if some of our emails are coming through unformatted: we are trying to have this resolved soon.] The weather is looking promising for Saturday nights Star-B-Q, with Met Éireann predicting bright clear spells throughout the day and dry weather for the East and South. With clear skies and the countrys most powerful telescopes, giant binoculars, and the strongest handheld laser pointer in Ireland for a sky guide, you can be sure to see some of the most amazing sights in the Universe! On display will be: · Galaxies distant star cities of a trillion stars · Clusters young stars and old stars, some with millions of stars · Dying stars the glowing embers of dead giant stars dotted throughout the Milky Way · Planets the outermost gas giants in the Solar System, Uranus and Neptune · Plus the guest star, The Dolphin Nova The Star-B-Q is the major fundraiser for Astronomy Ireland, with people travelling from all over the country to attend. As well as seeing some fantastic sights you will be treated to some great talks by astronomers, including: · Solar Maximum: The Sun-Earth Connection Dave Gradwell · Light Pollution in Ireland Dr Brian Espey · A Tour of the Universe David Moore Earlier on in the evening a barbecue will be served up by professional caterers, and will include marinated chicken, beef burgers, vegetable stir-fry, and more! BOOK NOW To book your ticket for the Star-B-Q on Saturday, August 31st in Roundwood, please visit www.astronomy.ie/sbq or call us on (01) 890 11 11. The Star-B-Q will be great fun for all the family, and be sure to spread the word to your friends, too! ACCOMODATION NOTES A number of people have gotten in touch with us to let us know that hotels and B&Bs may be available in Rathnew, Wicklow Town, and Ashford, which are relatively close to Roundwood. The Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park is opening especially for the Star-B-Q, and can be contacted at (01) 281 8163. 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: 2013.0.3392 / Virus Database: 3211/6615 - Release Date: 08/28/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] Star-B-Q Weather and Media, Nova Still Bright, Book Early
by AI Secretary 28 Aug '13

28 Aug '13

Star-B-Q <http://astronomy.ie/sbq/> Membership <http://astronomy.ie/join> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/dvd> ACCOMODATION Probably due to the nova in Delphinus, we're getting a lot of enquires about the Star-B-Q, including from people travelling long distances from all around Ireland and even abroad! The nearest hotel to the event we know of that has accommodation is Parkview Hotel in Newtownmountkennedy, but there are lots of B&Bs in the area. For details contact Wicklow County Tourism on www.visitwicklow.ie or call (0404) 20070. NOVA IN DELPHINUS The nova in Delphinus is not fading as fast as we initially thought, and it still could be visible to the naked eye even on the night of the Star-B-Q. This will be an extremely rare treat and we'll have the most powerful handheld laser in Ireland to point out its location. It will be easy to spot in binoculars and extremely bright through our powerful telescopes. This will surely make Star-B-Q 2013 a unique event in the annals of Irish astronomical history! We have a huge venue with lots of telescopes and superb dark sky so we can cater for an almost unlimited number of people. If you know anyone who's interested in an amazing evening under the stars, please direct them to www.astronomy.ie to book their tickets as soon as possible so we can tell our caterers how many to expect. IRISH EXAMINER FEATURES STAR-B-Q The event is always popular with the media, and today’s Irish Examiner newspaper has an extensive article on what has become Ireland's biggest annual telescope gathering, which is aimed at the general public. Buy a copy, or read the article HERE <http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/astronomy-ireland-gearing-u p-for-irelands-biggest-telescope-festival-241188.html> . The Irish Independent featured the Star-B-Q previously also: see HERE <http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/irish-news/telescopes-to-put-on-sta r-show-26766037.html> . If you see any more coverage in the print media, please reply to this email so we can get a copy for our press clippings scrapbook. We expect to do lots of radio interviews in the coming days, so check www.astronomy.ie/audio daily for updates, especially if you want to know more about the nova. HOW DO WE ‘GUARANTEE’ A CLEAR SKY? Currently the weather forecast looks promising for Saturday night, but here is how we can ‘guarantee’ that people will get to see the wonders of the Universe: if skies are not sufficiently clear, we will set up telescopes on the following or Friday or Saturday night after the Star-B-Q; whichever night is clear. We did this last year and one of the most amazing fireballs ever seen in Irish skies streaked across the sky at the repeat event! In fact, it turned out to be a giant meteorite skimming off the atmosphere back into space. (Details are in the November 2012 issue of our magazine.) BOOK NOW So, you can be sure of a clear sky, great talks and demonstrations, and tasty food, but please help us by booking early. This is our main annual fundraiser, and tickets include all food and soft drinks, talks, telescope use, and are €39 for adults (€29 for children; family rates available) if booked in advance. Note that tickets will be €50 at the gates on the night, so book in advance to avail of the discount. It’s going to be a fantastic event, perhaps our best ever! Book now online at www.astronomy.ie or call (01) 890 11 11. 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: 2013.0.3392 / Virus Database: 3211/6614 - Release Date: 08/27/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] The Astronomy list has been restored to service - Thanks for your patience.
by Richard Walsh 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

Hi everyone, Thanks to those who got in contact, We were just investigating an issue with the slowing down of the machine upon which the service which operates the Astronomy Ireland mailing list. The issue has been cleared and everything is back to business as usual. Thanks for the emails and thanks for your patience. Regards, Richard Walsh Redbrick SysAdmin '13/'14

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[Astronomy Ireland] This list is being disabled temporarily.
by Richard Walsh 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

Dear Subscriber, This list is being temporarily disabled pending investigation. We Apologise for any inconvenience caused. on behalf of the Redbrick Admin team, Regards, Richard Walsh Redbrick SysAdmin '13/'14

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[Astronomy Ireland] Star-B-Q: An Experience of a Lifetime
by AI Secretary 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

Star-B-Q <http://www.astronomy.ie/sbq/> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> Star-B-Q: An Experience of a Lifetime [Apologies for the previous version of this email which was incorrectly formatted] Some of the things I have seen in a large telescope from a dark sky I will never forget. It has changed my mind and blown my mind away! I want to share that feeling with as many of you as possible. The faint, wispy arms of the Whirlpool galaxy 20 million light years away (M51). The dying ember of a star like our Sun, looking like a ghostly apple core (M27) on a jet black background, and another that looks like a bright ring (M57). A million stars looking like a pile of salt grains sprinkled on a sheet of black velvet, 25,000 light-years away (globular cluster M13). Shooting stars zipping across the sky all night long. And man-made satellites too, probably dozens of them. All these sights are amazing. 'Live' they look completely different than they do in long exposure photographs. You simply have to see these wonders of the universe for yourself in a powerful telescope from a truly dark sky. Dozens of members who own large telescopes have kindly agreed to bring them to the extremely dark skies of the highest village in Ireland, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow so that everyone in the country can come and see these Wonders of the Universe for themselves. This is also an important annual fund-raising event for Astronomy Ireland, so, while feeding your soul you will be supporting our campaign to promote interest in space in Ireland. See you there! David Moore Chairman, Astronomy Ireland BOOK NOW To book your ticket for the Star-B-Q next weekend on Saturday, August 31st in Roundwood, please visit www.astronomy.ie/sbq or call us on (01) 890 11 11. 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: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3211/6607 - Release Date: 08/25/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] Star-B-Q: An Experience of a Lifetime
by AI Secretary 23 Aug '13

23 Aug '13

<http://astronomy.ie/norway/> Norway Aurora Cruise <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> DVD Star-B-Q: An Experience of a Lifetime Some of the things I have seen in a large telescope from a dark sky I will never forget. It has changed my mind and blown my mind away! I want to share that feeling with as many of you as possible. The faint, wispy arms of the Whirlpool galaxy 20 million light years away (M51). The dying ember of a star like our Sun, looking like a ghostly apple core (M27) on a jet black background, and another that looks like a bright ring (M57). A million stars looking like a pile of salt grains sprinkled on a sheet of black velvet, 25,000 light-years away (globular cluster M13). Shooting stars zipping across the sky all night long. And man-made satellites too, probably dozens of them. All these sights are amazing. 'Live' they look completely different than they do in long exposure photographs. You simply have to see these wonders of the universe for yourself in a powerful telescope from a truly dark sky. Dozens of members who own large telescopes have kindly agreed to bring them to the extremely dark skies of the highest village in Ireland, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow so that everyone in the country can come and see these Wonders of the Universe for themselves. This is also an important annual fund-raising event for Astronomy Ireland, so, while feeding your soul you will be supporting our campaign to promote interest in space in Ireland. See you there! David Moore Chairman, Astronomy Ireland BOOK NOW To book your ticket for the Star-B-Q next weekend on Saturday, August 31st in Roundwood, please visit www.astronomy.ie/sbq or call us on (01) 890 11 11 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: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3211/6600 - Release Date: 08/22/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] Naked-Eye Nova in Delphinus, Star-B-Q Volunteers
by AI Secretary 20 Aug '13

20 Aug '13

Norway Aurora Cruise <http://astronomy.ie/norway/> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> Nova Appears in the Night Sky On August 14th something extraordinary happened in deep space. The remains of a dead star - a white dwarf - had been pulling hydrogen gas off of a neighbouring red giant star. The gas gathered around the white dwarf, before finally falling downwards onto the dead star causing a cataclysmic nuclear explosion that could be seen with the naked eye 50 trillion miles away! Such an explosion would make the entire world's nuclear arsenal look like a tiny fire cracker by comparison. When this happened, the gas became so hot that it underwent nuclear fusion - the process that makes stars in the sky shine bright. Since then, the white dwarf has been glowing like a new star in the sky, and can be spotted with the naked eye and binoculars. An event like this is called a nova, coming from the Latin stella nova or 'new star'. Astronomy Ireland's David Moore photographed the nova recently, and you can view that image HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/del2013.php> . At our Star-B-Q at the end of the month, we will have some of the most powerful telescopes in the country pointed at the nova in Delphinus, so that people can see the cataclysmic celestial event close-up with their own eyes! The Star-B-Q takes place in Roundwood on August 31st, and will feature excellent lectures by top astronomy speakers as well as a professionally-catered barbecue. For more information on the nova and on the Star-B-Q, please visit www.astronomy.ie or call us on (01) 890 11 11. TELESCOPE VOLUNTEERS WANTED Would you like to take part in our Star-B-Q? We are looking for owners of any size or brand of telescope to come along and help out, particularly if you have an 8" telescope or larger. As a volunteer, you will receive two complimentary tickets so that you can bring a friend if you wish. If you'd like to help out, please let us know what kind of telescope you plan to bring by replying to this email or calling us on (01) 890 11 11. 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: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3211/6592 - Release Date: 08/20/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] 'Plasma in the Universe', Aurora and Perseids
by AI Secretary 09 Aug '13

09 Aug '13

<http://astronomy.ie/norway/> Norway Aurora Cruise <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> DVD 1. Public Lecture: Plasma in the Universe No less a person than the CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority is to give the Astronomy Ireland Public Lecture for August. His talk will explain the creation of the Universe, a far cry from the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s attempts to develop fusion power, but, in fact, that is what powers the Universe. Soon after being created, the early Universe was a seething cauldron of intensely hot plasma. Plasma is the most common form of matter in the Universe, so shouldn't you know more about it? And the role it played and is playing in forming the Universe that created us all? The early plasma in the Universe caused the first magnetic fields that went on to give the Universe its structure. This will be a fascinating talk and we want your help in bringing the lecture to a wider audience. Can you forward this email on to others and get as many people along to the lecture as possible? After all, we don't have many such prestigious speakers as the CEO of a major organisation visiting Ireland. Not in Dublin? Well, don't despair, like all talks from Astronomy Ireland, this one will be recorded and made available on DVD for the same price as a ticket to the event. So everyone in Ireland can share in the revelations our August speaker will be making. Astronomy Ireland's monthly talks are always fascinating so do try to get along to as many as possible, especially those with International Speakers, which will probably only happen once in a lifetime. Plasma in the Universe takes place in Trinity College Dublin on Monday, August 12th at 8pm. Book tickets and DVDs HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture201308.php> or call (01) 890 11 11. 2. Aurora and Perseids There is a prediction of possible minor aurora activity this weekend. We may see nothing, but you never know, there could be a surprise! Don’t forget the ISS is flying over every night, too. See www.astronomy.ie/iss (or text SPACE to 57003). Last night (Aug. 8) several people the HTV chase the ISS across the sky as we predicted, and a Perseid meteor streaked between the pair! The Perseids should be spectacular over the next few nights, see HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/perseids2013.html> for details and to get involved in our National Perseid Watch. 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: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3209/6562 - Release Date: 08/08/13

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[Astronomy Ireland] RTE Radio One, Nationwide Perseid Watch, Map and 'Thank You', Other Events
by AI Secretary 08 Aug '13

08 Aug '13

<http://astronomy.ie/norway/> Norway Aurora Cruise <http://www.astronomy.ie/sub/index.html> Membership <http://www.astronomy.ie/lectureDVD.php> DVD 1. Astronomy Ireland on RTE’s Today Show Astronomy Ireland had its regular slot on RTE Radio One’s Today with Myles Dungan show on Bank Holiday Monday Last. On the astronomy feature, David Moore spoke about upcoming space events and all the latest news in astronomy, especially the Perseids and the annual Star-B-Q. You can read the proposed list of topics we suggested HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/rtetoday130805.php> and listen to a recording of the feature HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/www.astronomy.ie/audio/RTE1_130805.mp3> . Let us know what you thought of David’s interview. If you like our regular astronomy piece on RTE, why not email them at todaypk(a)rte.ie and let them know? 2. Nationwide Perseid Watch One of the major pieces of news we talked about on RTE was the upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower. In fact, this meteor shower is already happening, and skywatchers will get to see the most meteors per hour on the night of Monday, August 12th! The Perseids are the best meteor shower of the year 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 Perseids have been observed for around 2000 years and are the result of Earth passing through a cloud of dust left behind Comet Swift-Tuttle. 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 Perseus, from which the meteors appear to come in the sky. To find out more about the Nationwide Perseid Watch and how to best view the meteors, please click HERE <http://www.astronomy.ie/perseids2013.html> . 3. Map and Volunteer ‘Thank You’ Astronomy Ireland is now based in Blanchardstown. A map, our new address and contact details can be found at www.astronomy.ie/map The society wishes to express its deepest gratitude to all the volunteers who helped - and are helping - with our move to our new premises in Blanchardstown. We are especially grateful to the eight individuals who showed up at 7am on Saturday morning to load the final truck. With volunteers like this, the society can only go from strength to strength! If you wish to help Astronomy Ireland continue to grow, please reply to this email (sec(a)astronomy.ie) or call us on (01) 890 11 11. 4. Other Events (Click on each one for information/booking) Aug 12 - Major Public Lecture and DVD <http://www.astronomy.ie/lecture201308.php> - international speaker Aug 16 - Deadline for Norway Northern Lights Voyage <http://www.astronomy.ie/norway/> with Leo Enright <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_J._Enright> and David Moore <http://astronomy.ie/dmbio.html> Aug 31 - Star-B-Q <http://astronomy.ie/sbq/> - all welcome Oct 10 - Astronomy Evening Classes <http://astronomy.ie/class/> 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: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3209/6558 - Release Date: 08/07/13

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