Observatory code awarded from minor planet centre

Hello all,

I am delighted to announce that Pat Grandfield from the Kerry Astronomy Club was awarded an observatory code (Z56) over the summer from the minor planet centre. Pat is based near Killorglin, Co. Kerry and has been an excellent club member for ten years. He does not do forums or facebook or any of those modern kind of things but his email is pgran2000@yahoo.com .

Regards,

Paddy.
KAC

This is fantastic news, well done indeed Pat, a great and proud achievement for any amateur astronomer. Keep up the good work! If I am not mistaken I think this is Irelands 14th officially recognised observatory, wow; Ireland's amateur astronomers are going from strength to strength.

All the very best and clear skies
Mike

Hi
Maybe pat might like to post some photos of his observatory and how he went about building it.
Congratulations on this success.

That is great news, well done to Pat! I also echo scfahy's thoughts, it would be nice to see it.

Seanie.

Excellent news! Well done Pat - a clear testament to your hard work and attention to detail. I notice that the observatory name is listed as "Knocknaboola".

The last list I put together for IAU Observatories in Ireland is as follows:

Up to 2006 – Armagh, Dunsink (Dublin) and Markree (Sligo)
March 2006 – J65 (Celbridge, Kildare): Dave McDonald
May 2006 – J62 (Kingsland, Roscommon): Eamonn Ansbro
June 2006 – J61 (Brownstown, Meath): Kevin ???
September 2007 – J41 (Raheny, Dublin): Dave Grennan
January 2009 – J16 (An Carraig, Down):
May 2009 – J09 (Balbriggan, Dublin): Carl O'Beirnes
October 2010 – I90 (Blackrock Castle, Cork): ????
October 2010 – I87 (Astroshot, Kildare): Michael O'Connell
February 2011 – I83 (Cherryvalley, Meath): Mike Foylan

So, added to that is:

<insert month> 2016 - Z56 (Knocknaboola, Kerry): Pat Grandfield

I know at least one observatory being added after Feb 2011:
Z72: Cademuir Observatory, Dalkey

Anyone have any details? And if anyone can fill in the question marks in the main list, I'd be appreciative.

Once again, many congratulations Pat.

Dave

Thank you all. I will pass on your congratulations to Pat and will post on his behalf shortly.