Talk to IAS: Noctilucent Clouds: Ice at the Edge of Space

I am giving a talk to the IAS on November 26th on Noctilucent Clouds and I just thought I would let any Dubs know about this upcoming event at Ely House starting at 8pm, my 9th public talk this yea but my first to the Irish Astronomical Society.


A very difficult topic to talk about and one that has not been covered by anyone in this country from what I know, hence the reason it took 12 months of research.

In the talk I will look at why our short Summer never gets past civil twilight and will delve deep into the Irish Newspaper and Met Eireann archives. I will also address if the 1883 Krakatoa eruption amongst other eruptions that may have caused the rise of NLC’s. I examine why we know so little about our current Deep Solar Minimum and how the Solar Cycle effect NLC formation. Finally I will give an insight what NLC displays have to offer the amateur astronomer at a time of year when most don’t look to the sky.

Thanks

Ronan Newman

As I am a member of the IAS, Ronan, I plan to be present to hear your talk.
I have only seen these extraordinary Noctilucent Clouds only once within the last 5 years or so.
And they were mightily impressive too.
It would be interesting if you asked the question: how many of you have seen noctilucent clouds?
I know John Flannery would raise his hand.

Aubrey.

That was a very informative lecture on Monday night (26th November) with the Irish Astronomical Society.
Ronan's talk was full of enthusiasm and information.
He went back into history to discover the earliest observations worldwide (including Ireland) of Noctilucent Clouds.
And then went into the science of these amazing high clouds.

It was the 8th June 2013 when a number of us were captivated by them in the Sugarloaf Car Park.
It appears we had Level 2 back then -although they did cover quite a large section of the northern sky.
It certainly greatly encourages us to keep a look out for the Noctilucent Clouds in the summer of 2019!!

Thank you, Ronan.

Clear skies from Aubrey.