IFAS News
Comet Pan-STARRS cometh for March
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- Written by: Seanie Morris
- Parent Category: News
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Amateur astronomers and scientists have been wondering what Comet C/2011 L4 (Pan-STARRS) would be like for almost two years. Having made its closest approach to the Sun today (Sunday March 10th), it is now being brilliantly illuminated - and is a prime target for northern hemisphere observers.
The best time to look is about 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. This narrow window of viewing time is when twilight fades enough for the comet to show through at least a bit, but before it sinks too low and sets.
The Universe Comes to Tullamore! COSMOS 2013 April 12th to 14th
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- Written by: Seanie Morris
- Parent Category: News
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Hosted by Midlands Astronomy Club and Ireland's only weekend-long Amateur Astronomy Star Party, COSMOS 2013 it comes to Annaharvey Equestrian Farm, Tullamore over the weekend of April 12th to 14th.
The Guest Speaker's List includes:
- Prof. Ian Morison, Emeritus Gresham Professor of Astronomy, Fellow of Gresham College and Honorary Professor Jodrell Bank Observatory.
- Sara Beck of the American Association of Variable Star Observers from Boston, USA.
- Simon Jeffrey, Reseach Astronomer at Armagh Observatory.
- Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Club.
- Simon Todd, renowned Irish astrophotographer.
- Dave McDonald, IFAS Chairperson and renowned asteroid hunter.
- Albert White, South Dublin AS and ILPAC
Once of Ireland's best loved astronomical get-togethers, the weekend offers visitors almost everything from:
* Lectures by experienced and renowned people
* Exhibits and Displays
* Astro Buy & Sell
* Observing (2 nights worth)
* Saturday Night Dinner Party
* The Annual Cosmos Table Quiz
* Great opportunity to get to know like-minded amateur astronomers from around Ireland.
More details from the forums here or from the MAC website: www.midlandsastronomy.com
February heralds Spring delights
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- Written by: Seanie Morris
- Parent Category: News
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February begins to ease the frigid suffering of crisp cold nights out observing with (slightly) warmer prospects and the chance to then stay out longer to enjoy the night sky! Check out our February Sky Guide for highlights of what's happening.
Sir Patrick Moore :: 1923-2012
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- Written by: Seanie Morris
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Tributes have remain pouring in for the late Sir Patrick Moore, who died on December 9th at his home in West Sussex, aged 89. The world's most recognisable Astronomer, he made Astronomy interesting and 'cool' with his books, appearances on television, and, of course, his 'Sky At Night' programme, running monthly since 1957.
Irish Astronomer discovers his 2nd supernova
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- Written by: Seanie Morris
- Parent Category: News
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2012 EJ is a type 1C supernova. It was discovered by Dave Grennan (Raheny Observatory, MPC J41) just after midnight on 22nd August. Reported in CBET 3210, 2012EJ is located in IC2611 (Lynx).
Dave is the only Irishman to have discovered a Supernova from Ireland - and this is his second. Given his phenomenal work-rate, can we expect more in the future? No pressure, Dave!
