Sad News - Neil Bone (1959-2009)

Another great loss to the world of astronomy with the death of Neil Bone (1959-2009), who died last night.

Neil was an expert in Meteors and the Aurora. He spoke at one of the early IAS/TAS Astrofest in Tullamore in the early 1990s. He again returned to Tullamore (at Annaharvey) a some years later.

Sincere condolences to Gina and family,

John
Vice-President
IAS

It is indeed very sad!

There seems to be an epidemic lately with a number of recognized names passing away prematurely.

Anthony.

Ah, that's a real pity. Nice fella. Such a young man.
An expert in the areas of meteors, aurorae and noctilucent clouds among other subjects.
He had been in poor health the last few years with bowel cancer.
He spoke at COSMOS in 2006 and back in 1993 when it was called Astrofest.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Michael.

I would like to add on behalf of The Irish Astronomical Society my most sincere condolences to the family, friends and admirers of Neil Bone. His books sit on my shelves, and I am sure they also sit on the shelves of very many amateur astronomers around the world.

Deirdre Kelleghan
President Irish Astronomical Society
PRO IFAS

Shocked to hear of Neil's passing - very nice guy, and such a great help to a novice meteor observer such as myself back in the day. Will be sorely missed.

Condolences to Neil's family and friends.

I just saw this thread now, and I am in shock. I have met Neil on a couple of occassions, including his 2 appearances with TAS at Irish Astrofest and Cosmos. To have lost such a character and enchanting astronomical mind, one that loved, embraced and promoted the simpler side of Astronomy with such energy for the benefit of all, is a great loss. I offer my sympathies to his family and close friends.

michaeloconnell wrote:

He had been in poor health the last few years with bowel cancer. He spoke at COSMOS in 2006

That is true, and when I asked him on behalf of TAS/MAC to come over and talk at that time, he relished the challenge to come back to Ireland and do so, saying how he had a great experience in Ireland in the past, and loved every minute of it. I won't forget the observing session on the Friday night of Cosmos '06, when we were all on the grounds of Annaharvey, and Neil and I were scanning through the Leo/Coma Cluster of galaxies in the club's 12 inch Dob. Both of us spared about which was the best looking galaxy. In the end, we both agreed that NGC 4565 was the best edge-on spiral in the group!

Seanie.