I have sent out these once a month for a few months now: only registered members of the website actually receive them via email, so it's probably a good idea to post them publicly too so that EVERYONE can read them!
Dear IFAS website user,
Can you believe it is July already? The last of the Noctilucent Clouds have been recorded, the Perseids Meteor Shower is not far away, and soon the kids will be (not) looking forward to going back to school! On
www.irishastronomy.org
some of the most recent developments include an update on change of date for the Burren Star Party (now September 26th and 27th), the Skelligs Star Party in Kerry (August 22nd and 23rd), and July's target on the Astrophotography Competition, which is The Summer Triangle. Read more on these below:
The Skelligs Star Party, Ballinskelligs Bay, Kerry, August 22nd and 23rd
A group of astronomers and astrophotographers are already booking their accommodation in Ballinskelligs Bay, County Kerry to take advantage of the recently awarded dark sky reserve for some true grit, all-night observing and astrophotography. It is not a formal 'star party' but it is attracting interest from people all over Ireland. See the thread here for details and conversation:
www.irishastronomy.org/index.php/kunena?...=100012&limitstart=0
This event is being organized by Roy Stewart and brings together all the IFAS clubs and interested individuals. Accommodation is being organized in the Skellig Lodge (
www.skelliglodge.com
) with shared accommodation. Their website will say it is booked out, so you will have to call Frida to organize your stay.
The Burren Star Party, September 26th & 27th
Hosted annually by Shannonside Astronomy Club, this takes place in the barren, dark sky landscape of the Burren near Ballyvaughan on the weekend of September 26th and 27th. Planned as an observing-orientated event at Poulnabrone Dolmen car park, if the weather is proving unreliable it will become an indoor event in Logues Lodges in Ballyvaughan. The dolmen itself has made many appearances in many photographs against the night sky there! More information here:
www.irishastronomy.org/index.php/kunena?...c&catid=11&id=100040
This is also a free event and is open to all. Please note the week later date from the original one, so if you booked accommodation, you will have to change the date of your arrival.
IFAS Astrophotography Competition
July's target is on the Summer Triangle:
www.irishastronomy.org/index.php/kunena?...c&catid=44&id=100067
June's entries on Noctilucent Clouds are available for judging (logged-in status required to be able to vote):
www.irishastronomy.org/index.php/kunena?...c&catid=44&id=100065
Both have a deadline of July 31st. Please take part!
Congratulations to Eamonn Ansbro from Roscommon who was the winner in May. Thanks to our sponsors, Ktec Telescopes Ltd (
www.ktectelescopes.ie
) and Scopes and Space Ltd (
www.scopesandpace.ie
) for their continued, generous support of the IFAS competition.
Astronomy Highlights for July
Still stuck for something to look for during the remainder of July? Have a look at Neill McKeons monthly Sky Guide for July here:
www.irishastronomy.org/index.php/kunena?...c&catid=42&id=100059
Got an idea, suggestion or feedback you would like us to listen to? Then why not contact any committee member (see section on the website), email me (seaniehead@eircom.net) or post it on the forums on
www.irishastronomy.org
Also, IF YOU ARE AN IFAS CLUB REPRESENTATIVE then it is important that your contact details are made known to us to keep you up to date. You can view the IFAS Reps forum (restricted access, please let us know if you can access it or not) or email the IFAS Secretary, Paul Evans, at paul.g.evans@gmail.com
Keep looking up!
Seanie Morris,
IFAS Chairperson.
  