COSMOS 2013 April 12th to 14th at Annaharvey, Tullamore

This Spring, the 21st annual COSMOS Star Party will once again take place in the rural and secluded surroundings of Annaharvey Equestrian Farm, Tullamore in County Offaly. This location affords MAC many advantages, such as being 3 miles from Tullamore on the Portarlington Road, and thus away from most of the light pollution, private surroundings, secure location, and overall a great and relaxed atmosphere.


Our Guest Speakers This Year:

Prof. Ian Morison
Emeritus Gresham Professor of Astronomy, Fellow of Gresham College and Honorary Professor Jodrell Bank Observatory
Friday Family Lecture 8:00pm
"Black Holes - no need to be afraid!"
Followed by Observing/Telescope Demonstrations
Special raffle on the night for a Skywatcher Heritage 76 Mini Dobsonian Telescope, courtesy of K-Tech Telescopes. Tickets available on the night.


Albert White
South Dublin AS and ILPAC
Saturday 10:00am
"Searching for Earth-sized planets with NASA's Kepler Space Telescope."


Sara Beck
American Association of Variable Star Observers from Boston, USA
Saturday 11:45am
"Variable Stars: Fun and Science"


Prof. Ian Morison
Emeritus Gresham Professor of Astronomy, Fellow of Gresham College and Honorary Professor Jodrell Bank Observatory
Saturday 2:45pm
"The Story of Jodrell Bank"


Cosmos 2012 Table Quiz
Saturday 4:30pm


Declan Molloy
Midlands Astronomy Club
After Dinner Talk 9:30pm
"Earth and Other Odd Matters"


Simon Todd
Renowned English Astrophotographer
Sunday 10:30am
"Digital Astrophotography Tips and Tricks"


Dave McDonald
IFAS Chairperson and Renowned Asteroid Hunter
Sunday 12:00pm
"Celtic Rock - A Voyage Of Discovery"


Simon Jeffrey
Reseach Astronomer, Armagh Observatory
Sunday 2:45pm
"Inside The Stars"


About COSMOS Star Party
The talks are interspersed with tea breaks and lunches, and throughout the weekend you can avail of:
• Displays & Exhibits from individuals and clubs
• Guided Astro Trek on the farm
• Astrohophotography
• Astro Buy & Sell
• Spot prizes & raffles
• Cosmic Dinner
• Observing Sessions
• Good fun and relaxation


Admissions Pricing
COSMOS 2013 is NOT a ticket event, so do not worry about booking a place. The prices for this years event are as follows:
Weekend Pass - €45 Regular, €35 Concession.
Saturday or Sunday only Pass - €25 Regular, €20 Concession.
Friday night only - €5 adults, children FREE.

Note: Regular = Adult and 3rd Level Student, Concession = secondary school students, and Retired/OAP. Children under 12 are gladly welcomed for free as long as they are accompanied with an adult. All admissions include complimentary tea/coffee breaks, but exclude lunches and dinner. The lunch and dinner prices will be added here soon.


Directions From Tullamore
From Tullamore, take the R420 to Portarlington. Continue for 3 miles and on the left will be Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. Signs will be erected on the soft shoulder from both directions approaching Annaharvey Farm. Give plenty of notice to the driver(s) behind you that you will be turning!


Accommodation
It is highly recommended that you book your accommodation if travelling from afar as soon as possible. There are many B&B's in the town and surrounding areas - you can view the accommodation list here. Please Note: accommodation in Annaharvey itself is fully booked out!

Annaharvey Farm
Click to find out more information about Annaharvey Farm ( www.annaharveyfarm.ie )


Any Questions?
Contact MAC OR post your queries here - we will be happy to help!

<<To see what Cosmos 2012 was all about, click here>>

Valerie and I wish to come on the Friday, Seanie. Please add our names to the list once again. And yes, I will be bringing my rocket launcher -that is my 6.2" apochromatic refractor.

We shall check out ourselves for a B&B. We shall leave on the Sunday.

Aubrey.

Sounds good Aubrey, hope we get the weather for you to use the rocket launcher.

We will actually have a rocket launch demonstration, details being finalised yet before we can add it to the programme.

Seanie.

Hi Seanie,
Would would be the story for parking a camper van on the Saturday night at the venue, whislt observing?

Pat_Dunne wrote: Hi Seanie,
Would would be the story for parking a camper van on the Saturday night at the venue, whislt observing?

Wouldn't be a problem, we can actually facilitate a space away from the other cars for that, if you're staying over in it.

S.

Poster available!

If anyone would like to help out and obtain a few high quality prints for their club/area, please let me know and I will send down some unfolded A4 prints, FOC.