michael_murphy wrote: I have been talking to Sean Morris. Cosmos has been cancelled and he will post more details later.
Michael.
Hello,
The following I am posting on behalf of Midlands Astronomy Club's committee.
Unfortunately, the decision was made on Wednesday March 3rd last, at a committee meeting of Midlands Astronomy Club to cancel (or postpone) COSMOS 2020 due to COVID-19 coronavirus.
MAC learned of visitors due to travel from outside of Ireland, some of which were also affected by the collapse of FlyBe airline group. Coupled with guests and pre-bookings from visitors from all over Ireland including affected areas by the virus, it has been taken as a precautionary measure.
COSMOS has been running annually since 1992 when it was known as the Irish AstroFest (and for the first few editions, a joint event with the Irish Astronomical Society). It never faultered, always delivered, and was a hub for the annual IFAS Annual General Meeting.
This news means that the IFAS Committee will need to convene a new date and time for that AGM. Details will be provided by the IFAS Committee soon.
It would take a lot to stop MAC from holding this annual event, so the decision, while it might seem very cautious at this moment in time, is in light of the fact that the spread of the virus cannot be forseen in the next 4 weeks given the rate of increase in cases in Ireland, and abroad for our international visitors.
Thanking you for your understanding,
Seanie Morris,
On behalf of Midlands Astronomy Club.
  