1. Shuttle and tank visible over
Ireland
The space shuttle Discovery launched on
Saturday morning, August 29 at 4:59am and was visible over Ireland 19 minutes
later with its huge orange external fuel tank and a small debris fragment
(probably ice) just below it. Described by many as the most amazing sight
they have ever seen, this is the second time in as many months that Irish people
were in the unique position of seeing this rare and incredible event. In July,
the shuttle Endeavour was seen cruising over Ireland just after launch with its
fuel tank visible below it, sparking huge media interest and causing our
office to be inundated with calls and emails from all of you who were
eager to report what you saw. The shuttle Discovery is on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) where
it will deliver a collection of experiments, and also leave behind astronaut
Nicole Stott who is joining the crew on board.
Don't forget, If you saw the shuttle and fuel
tank last Saturday, email your report to observe@astronomy.ie and we will try to
include it in the forthcoming issues of our magazine.
2. Jupiter close to Moon this
week
There will be a very spectacular sight, visible to
the naked eye, this week when the Full Moon lies very close to Jupiter on
Wednesday, September 2. The two rise around 8pm as the Sun sets,
with Jupiter as a brilliant 'star' just 3 Moon widths below the Moon. This
promises to be a truly awesome sight with both bodies remaining
visible all night long until dawn. Jupiter
will again be the centre of attention on Sunday, September 6,
as its moon Europa will eclipse the moon
Ganymede in a rare mutual moon event.
For more details and times to view these and
similar events, see the Sky Diary pages of our September magazine. We encourage all
of you to go outside and witness these remarkable sights. Don't forget to email
what you see to observe@astronomy.ie.
Early risers should also note that Mars is in the
same binocular field as the star cluster M35 this week, and Venus is right next
to the Beehive star cluster (M44) all this week. These provide lovely sights in
binoculars and great photo opportunities. Please email reports or photos to observe@astronomy.ie.
Astronomy Ireland
or
Tel (01) 847 0777
Mon-Sat