From: TerryMosel
aol.com
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 17:11:39 EST
Subject: Connaught Star Party; Books; Spirit R/S?
Hi all,
1. A final reminder:about the Connaught Star Party:
The excellent & progressive Galway Astronomy Club's "Connaught Star Party
will be on 24 January, @ 10a.m. (Registration 9.00-9.45), at The Westwood
House Hotel, Newcastle, (on the N 59) Galway City.
Admission: 20 &euro inc. Coffee/tea break (Free parking)
Official Opening by The Lord Mayor of Galway City: Ald. Terry O'Flaherty.
SPEAKERS:
(1) Dr. Robert Lambourne: Open University, Head of Physics and Astronomy
Department. "The New Universe": This will be a review of recent developments in
cosmology, with an emphasis on supernova cosmology and the results from the MAP
probe.
(2) Prof. Michael Redfern: NUIG, Department of Experimental Physics. "Black
Holes": First discovered in the 19th century Prof. Alexander Anderson of
University College Galway. Since then black holes have changed from being a
theoretical concept to one, which is well established observationally. We can now
observe small black holes in binary systems and super-massive black holes in the
cores of galaxies including our own galaxy.
(3) Dr. Andrew Shearer: NUIG, Department of Information Technology. "The Crab
Nebula": The Crab Nebula in the Constellation of Taurus is the debris of a
supernova explosion that occurred on July 6th, 1054. The explosion was seen by
Chinese astronomers and recorded by Anasazi Indians in New Mexico. At its peak
it was about four times brighter than Venus. Despite this, there are no known
European sightings of this event. Since then, studies of the nebula have given
us a detailed insight into the death of a large star. The name "Crab Nebula"
comes from drawings made by the Third Earl of Rosse around 1844. Modern day
photographs show the shape to be more like Ireland than a crab. This talk will
describe the latest research by Dr. Shearer on the Crab Nebula & its Pulsar
from observations at the William Herschel Telescope in La Palma and the
Westerbork Radio Observatory in Holland.
(4) Prof. Paul Mohr: Emeritus Professor, NUIG, Department of Geology. "A
Feisty Tuam Amateur Astronomer in Exciting Times": - A rapidly expanding universe
in mid-19th century astronomy received major input from amateur observers. In
Ireland these included such as Agnes Clerke Edward Cooper, William and
Charles Parsons, Wentworth Erck, William Wilson, and John Birmingham of Millbrook,
Co. Galway. It was in his fiftieth year that John Birmingham attracted the
attention of astronomers the worldwide. Shortly before midnight on 12 May 1866,
he discovered 'T Corona Borealis', the brightest "nova" in the heavens since
1604, and its discovery astonished and excited the global astronomical
community. Afterwards he focused astonishing energy in making a renowned catalogue of
variable red stars and their spectra, but equally in disseminating critical
reviews of the many frontiers of astronomy for the educated public.
The meeting may continue with informal meetings of workshops on
Astro-photography, CCD & Web cam imaging, Variable stars etc. If anyone has any ideas
or suggestions please email galwayastroemail.com
Observing will take place at the new NUIG Optical and Radio Observatory.
Trade stands: North Down Telescopes, Armagh Planetarium
Also possibility of a small John Birmingham Exhibition with a collection
of his work and his 4.5 inch Cooke Refractor."
More details from galwayastroemail.com or visit http://homepage.eircom.net/~galwayastronomyclub
2. I will be bringing a huge selection of S/H books for sale at the star
party, including some classics over 100 years old. Authors include Einstein,
Newcomb, Eddington, Proctor, Whitehead, + Barrow, Gribbin, Arthur C Clarke, etc
etc. Also some new ones at amazing prices.... Don't miss it!
3 Some bad news: " SPIRIT HIT BY 'VERY SERIOUS ANAMOLY' "
------------------------------------
"No data has been received from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit during
several scheduled sessions over the past day, NASA says. Mission Control
has launched recovery efforts to reestablish contact with the rover at
Gusev Crater."
I hope this is only a temporary problem....
Clear Skies,
Terry Moseley
