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1.
Another Irish Discovery - New ‘Demon Star’
October
is proving to be an amazing month for Irish amateur astronomy with the
announcement yesterday of another Irish discovery. Former member of Astronomy
Ireland Dave McDonald had been observing an asteroid when he noticed that in
his images a nearby star appeared to change in brightness from picture to
picture. After consulting with colleagues, it was quickly determined that
McDonald had discovered that the dip in brightness is caused by the newly discovered
orbiting star passing in front of its brighter companion star.
Dave
McDonald - a health and safety consultant by day and a science ambassador for ‘Discover Science &
Engineering’ - found it hard to contain his excitement but he is
keen that recent astronomical discoveries are most useful if they generate more
public awareness in astronomy and science.
“Ireland’s
future depends on attracting investment into the country," McDonald stated. "To do that we must ensure we
continue to deliver suitably qualified individuals. Discoveries like this
generate interest in astronomy and therefore may encourage young people to
consider a scientific discipline as a career”
Dave
received confirmation earlier this week that this variable has now been given
the formal designation 000-BJX-116. Dave McDonald hit the headlines in 2008
when he became the first Irish astronomer to discover a new asteroid in 160
years.
McDonald
joined Astronomy Ireland in 2003
and is a highly-regarded amateur astronomer by his peers both at home and
abroad. The centrepiece of his home observatory in Celbridge is a Celestron C14 telescope, a very
popular piece of equipment for amateur astronomers the world over. Click HERE for more
information on Dave McDonald’s discovery.
2. Treasurer
Needed
Our
current society Treasurer Gillian Deenihan is stepping down and we are seeking
one or more volunteers from the society who would like to take over the role of
preparing lodgements and writing them for the society. We thank Gillian for all
the sterling work she has done for the society and we wish her all the very
best for the future. Gillian will be continuing as an active member and we
look forward to seeing her at our coming events. If you can possibly help
with our treasury needs, please email conor@astronomy.ie
3. Astronomy
Tips
·
The
Orionids Meteor Shower peaks tonight, best
viewing is during the hours before dawn on
Thursday, Oct. 21st, and again on Friday, Oct 22nd
·
Jupiter is
well placed for viewing at the moment (see Sky Diary for more details)
·
Uranus appears as a dim star like object just
above Jupiter, barely visible to the naked eye, it is an easy sight
through binoculars or telescope.
For more information on what to see in the
night sky this week check out the Sky Diary
section in the May issue of ‘Astronomy & Space’
magazine.
Don't forget to email what you see
to observe@astronomy.ie and
we will try to publish your pictures and observations in forthcoming
issues of the magazine.
The world's most popular Astronomy
Club
www.astronomy.ie