Congratulations to Blackrock Castle Observatory

Folks - I heard today that Blackrock Castle Observatory obtained an IAU Observatory code. It is now known as I90 and it takes the island of Ireland into double figures (see below).

Warm congratulations from IFAS to all the folks at BCO - Alan, Clair, Francis and Niall and all the folks that operate the telescopes and not forgetting Cork Astronomy Club too! Its a great achievement and a proud moment for all of you. Very well done.

Not sure about all of you guys and gals but I'm not sure I'm able for any more big news for a while!

Cheers
Dave


977 Markree, Sligo
981 Armagh, Armagh
982 Dunsink, Dublin
I90 Blackrock Castle, Cork
J09 Balbriggan, Dublin
J16 An Carraig, Down
J41 Raheny, Dublin
J61 Brownstown, Meath
J62 Kingsland, Roscommon
J65 Celbridge, Kildare

Wow, Ireland has been really put on the astronomical map in recent years. Well done to the BCO!

Seanie.

Well done to Dr Niall Smith and everyone down in BRCO.

Great to see this happen.

I plan to go for for it once we get a few clear skies again.

Michael.

Well done to BCO. They really deserve it when you consider the
location and conditions for the observatory.

Dr. Niall Smith and his team, in particular Alan Giltinan and Dylan Loughlin whom I know personally, are working on some exciting cutting edge research that will be culminating with observational/monitoring programmes from Ireland.

We hope to hear more by next year.

I also have heard that A Radio Telescope for Ireland or ARTI is resurrecting itself again having been in the quiesent state for the last 5 years. There is a small team now exploring a 32m radio telescope near Cork City.

Exciting times

Eamonn

www.kingslandobservatory.com

Indeed hearty congrats to all involved. I spoke to Dr. Niall Smyth at Birr yesterday and he was clearly very excited about this acheivment. The only surprise for me is that this is only happening now. Hopefully it heralds a great future of observational results for blackrock castle observatory and I look forward to reading about I90 on the MPEC's very soon.

Congrats again to all involved.

Dave.