1. Massive Space Telescope Lands
in Ireland
A life-size model of the multi
billion euro James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has come to Ireland
direct from its Washington premier to highlight Ireland's enormous contribution
to space research. The huge model is 2-storeys
high, weighs 4 tonnes, and took three days to erect in the grounds of the Royal
Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin.
The public are welcome to view it there
Speaking to David Moore, Leo Enright said "we were
lucky to get the JWST model to Ireland from the U.S.A. and it will make no other
public appearances in Europe!"
The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS)
plans to use the huge model of the space telescope to raise public awareness of
Ireland's involvement in cutting-edge science - Prof Tom Ray at DIAS has
designed optical filters to be used on the instrument. Prof Ray told David Moore
"We'll have a coronagraph instrument that will allow us to directly see planets
around other stars" so it could be Irish astronomers who get the first pictures
of some of the hundreds of planets found around other stars to
date.
DIAS is organising a symposium of scientists
involved in the Space Telescope that will last until Thursday, when the 2006
Physics Nobel Laureate, Dr John C. Mather, gives DIAS's School of Cosmic
Physics Statutory Public Lecture entitled 'Finding our Origins with the James
Webb Space Telescope'. For further information about this talk go to -
In 2013 the JWST will replace Hubble as
mankind's sharpest eye on the cosmos. It is an infrared optimised telescope,
that will search for answers to the question of our cosmic origins.
Astronomy Ireland is urging everyone to go along
and view this extremely impressive model. Just look at the picture below! It
should be on display for at least 2 weeks in Dublin and then possibly other
locations around Ireland for about 6 weeks - we'll let you know when we hear any
definite details.
Great thanks are due to everyone who made this
happen from the manufacturers of the model Northrop Grumman corporation to Omega
Air who transported it to Ireland, and also DIAS, FAS, and Enterprise Ireland.
Well done!
Caption: Astronomy Ireland
Chairman Davis Moore chats with 2006 Physics Nobel Prize winner Dr John C.
Mather alongside the life-sized model of the James Webb Space Telescope in the
grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Monday.
2. AI June Lecturer on Pat Kenny
Radio Show
NASA scientist Dr Peter Gallagher gives our
June Public Lecture tonight in TCD and a DVD will be made for everyone in
Ireland who wants a copy. Dr Gallagher was on RTE RADIO 1 this morning
talking to Tom McGurk who is presenting the Pat Kenny Today show this summer.
You can hear the 10 minute interview at www.astronomy.ie/audio (along with lots
of other past interesting interviews).
If you are reading this AFTER the lecture you can
still get the DVD (5euro + p&p) at
3. See ISS + Atlantis until June
16
We've been all over national and local radio,
newspapers (big piece in Sunday Independent) about the space shuttle Atlantis
docking with the International Space Station and their on going mission which we
can see every night until this coming Saturday June 16. Our Newsline is giving
details and the time to watch each afternoon so do call 1550-111-442 (calls cost
95c/min - see our last email explaining why this is necessary). Atlantis docked
to ISS on Sunday evening and some of you said you could see both separately
after they docked as they flew over. Please email any sightings
especially details like this to observe@astronomy.ie and let's get
everyone in Ireland out watching space history in the making! P.S. Watch out for
pictures of ISS in Irish skies possibly appearing in the Irish Independent in
the next few days!
Astronomy
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