From: TerryMoselaol.com

Subject: Perseids, ISS, Supermoon, AP, Rosetta, INAM, Solar Day @ WWT, 2 Newgrange events

Date: 2 August 2014 00:41:49 BST

Hi all,

ƒŠƒŠƒŠ

1.ƒŠƒŠPERSEID METEOR SHOWER HAS STARTED. The Perseids are one of the best, and usually the most popular, of the annual meteor showers. The shower gets underway at the beginning of August, and peaks on Aug 12 or 13: this year it's at 0h on the 13th. Normally that would give us ideal observing conditions, but this year the view will be spoiled by a bright Moon, just past Full (it will actually be a 'SuperMoon', see below. So some of the best views may be over the next few days, before the waxing crescent Moon gets too bright -ƒŠFirst Quarter will be on 4 Aug at 01.50.

ƒŠ But on the night of maximum it will still be worth looking, even though all but the brighter meteors will be drowned out by the moonlightƒŠ- try to get a view of the sky where the Moon is hidden by trees or a building etc.

ƒŠƒŠ The radiant will be high in the sky late in the night, near the famous Double Cluster in Perseus, but you can see the meteors in any part of the sky. Usually it's best to look at an area about 50 degrees above the horizon, and about 50-60 degrees from the radiant - avoiding direct moonlight if you can.

ƒŠ The shower persists to about August 16/17, but with graduallyƒŠdeclining rates. On the succeeding nights (13/14, 14/15 and 15/16) it would be worth looking in the brief but lengthening interval between the end of twilight, and Moonrise.

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2. ISS VISIBLE AGAIN: The ISS is now visible in morning skies, until 3 August, from when the passes will be visible both before and after midnight until mid-August. From then, it will be visible in evening skies until 21 August.

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3. BEST SUPERMOON, August 10: This phenomenon has caught the attention of the media in recent years, although the visual effect has been greatly overhyped by them. Still, you might as well be informed. A Supermoon occurs when Full Moon occurs at, or very close to, the Moon's perihelion, i.e. when it's close to Earth in its elliptical orbit (eccentricity of 0.0549). The FullƒŠMoon will therefore appear a bit bigger and brighter than usual.

ƒŠƒŠThe variation in distanceƒŠcan be quite significant: at its closest to Earth the distance is only 356,410km; at max it can be 406,697km, a difference of 50,287km.

ƒŠƒŠ That means that its apparent size as seen from Earth varies from 33âÀÙ 31âÀÝ to 29âÀÙ 22âÀÝ. That's a difference of 30% in apparent area, or that itâÀÙs almost 205 square arcminutes bigger when at extreme perigee than at extreme apogee. And of course the brightness will increase by even more than that since the brightness varies with the inverse square of the distance.ƒŠ

ƒŠƒŠ The experts will know that there are actually five astronomical definitions of a month (as well as the civil ones). The two of interest to us are the -

1. Anomalistic: (apse to apse, or perigee to perigee): 27d.55455. This can vary in length by several days.

2. Synodic: (New Moon to New Moon) = 29d.53059. This can currently vary by up to 7 hours.ƒŠƒŠ

ƒŠ If the anomalistic and synodic months were the same length, then we would have perigee at the same phase of the month each time, at least on average. But because of the average difference of 1.97604 days, the date and time of perigee moves backward through successive months at an average of just under 2 days per synodic month. E.g. forthcoming perigees are: Aug 10d 17h 42m; Sep 8d 03h 00m; Oct 6d 09h 38m, Nov 3d 00h 28m.ƒŠ

ƒŠ So what gives us our Supermoons? Remember, we're looking for a perigee to occur as close as possible to the date and time of Full Moon. There's no standard definition, but the popular websites, magazines, etc, seem to agree that if they occur on the same date then that's a Supermoon. But you could have perigee at 00h 00m, and Full Moon on 23h 59m, giving a gap of almost a full day. Alternatively, you could have Perigee on, say, May 31d 23h 59m, and Full Moon on June 01d 00h 01m, giving a Supermoon even though the two events occur on different days, indeed in different months, although the time difference is only 2 minutes! So I would use a working definition of a separation in time by no more than 12h, irrespective of the dates.

ƒŠƒŠ But of course, not all perigees are equal.ƒŠFor example, in 2014, the least close perigee occurs on Nov 27 at a distance of 369,827km. That's 12,932km more distant than the perigee on 10 August. So for a really super Supermoon, we want a really close perigee, and for it to occur as close as possible to Full Moon.

ƒŠƒŠ And for us to see it at its best, it also needs to happen when the Moon is above our horizon, otherwise the distance will have increased a bit (and the Moon will no longer be exactly âÀØFullâÀÙ) by the time the Moon rises.ƒŠ

ƒŠƒŠ Ideally, it should occur at the time the Moon is highest in our sky, i.e. transiting the S meridian. And for the absolute best circumstances, it should occur when the Moon is overhead for the observer. If the Moon is overhead, you are about an Earth radius closer to it than when it is on your horizon: that's about 6370km.

BEST IRISH SUPERMOON?

ƒŠƒŠ The one on August 10 this year is quite good: itâÀÙs the closest perigee of the year, at 356,895km. And it occurs only 27 minutes before Full Moon. But FM occurs at 19.09 BST, which is 1h 22m before Moonrise in Belfast, at 20.31 BST. That is not too bad, but it means that by the time the Moon transits here at 01.39 next morning, it will be a little further away, at 356,977km from the centre of the Earth. But the reduced distance from us here in Ireland as it transits, will more than make up for that. However, it will also be even more past Full.

ƒŠƒŠ Still, it will give us near perfect conditions to see a Supermoon combined with the Moon Illusion, which makes the Moon appear much larger when itâÀÙs close to the horizon. ItâÀÙs only a psychological effect, but a very powerful one. So the rising moon on the evening of 10 August should appear really big.

ƒŠƒŠ I've done an article for the next issue of STARDUST going into this all in more detail, but to summarise, the one on 10 August will be roughly equalled by one onƒŠ2016 Nov 15,ƒŠbut it won't be betteredƒŠuntil 2018 Jan 1.ƒŠ

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4. August events at Armagh Planetarium:

Including: 6 starshows daily; The Great Balloon Race, Sat 2 & Sun 3 August; Make your own Pinhole Camera, FridayƒŠ15ƒŠandƒŠSaturdayƒŠ16 Aug; Astronaut sculpting classes, Sat 23 & Sun 24; Force Academy Training,ƒŠSat 30, Sun 31. See their website for full details

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5. ROSETTA nears Comet.ƒŠThe Rosetta spacecraft is rapidly (well, actually slowly!) closing in onƒŠComet Churyumov-Gerasimenko, which it will start to orbit on August 6. After studying the 'binary' surface in more detail, it will land a probe on the surface. Watch out for some amazing photos.ƒŠƒŠSee http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/24jul_rosetta/

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ƒŠ

6. Major astronomy event in Dublin, INAM: 13-15 August: REGISTER NOW:

You should register even if you only want to attend the public lecture.

Details: This year the ASGI is proud to announce the first Irish National Astronomical Meeting (INAM:2014),ƒŠcelebrating the 40th anniversary of the ASGI, and spanning 3 days. This will represent the new format of the future ASGI meetings,ƒŠwith more focused sessions, chosen by the Irish Astronomical community, aimed at developing meaningful and long-lasting collaborations and friendships.ƒŠ

* We invite you to join us atƒŠtheƒŠHamilton Conference CentreƒŠon the main Trinity College Dublin campus,ƒŠbetween August 13th âÀÓ 15th.

* Full details are at the meeting websiteƒŠwww.inam2014.com, but we highlight some key points here:

* Deadline for registration is 13th July 2014.ƒŠThere is no registration fee.

* Abstract submission and registration are handled on the website.

* TheƒŠwebsite provides information on travel andƒŠaccommodation options.

* The ASGI intends on awarding a number of small grants of approximately âÂ?100 (or equivalent in GBP) to help support travel/accommodation costs ofƒŠPhD students and young researchers from outside the immediate Dublin area.

* In addition to the scientific programme of 5 thematic sessions, the meeting will also feature an evening public lectureƒŠby Professor Paul Roche (University of South Wales), a conference dinner, and the inaugural INAM football tournament!

Register at http://inam2014.com

ƒŠƒŠ NB: This is a professional level event (apart from the public lecture), so be prepared from some fairly advanced maths and physics! T.M.

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7. IAA Solar Day, WWT, Castle Espie. We will be holding another one of these very popular events on Sunday afternoon, 17 August, from 2.00 to 5.00.ƒŠWe will have solar observing (if clear), telescope displays, exhibition, meteorites, and of course the ever-popular starshows in the mobile stardome, courtesy of Armagh Planetarium. Book your attendance at the starshows at the WWT website.

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8.ƒŠSpecial IAA Event at Newgrange for Heritage Week, 31 August: The IAA is privileged to have been invited to run a unique observing event at Newgrange World Heritage Site to mark the end of Heritage Week in Ireland. We will have telescopes at the actual Newgrange Mound to observe the sky, which as far as is known has never been done before. In the event of bad weather, visitors will be given a special tour inside the Newgrange Mound. Details and booking must be made direct with Bru Na Boinne, at http://www.worldheritageireland.ie/bru-na-boinne/visitor-information/ƒŠ See also http://www.meath.ie/Tourism/Heritage/HeritageSites/Newgrange/

ƒŠMore details on times, access etc, in next bulletin.

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9. ASTROARCHAEOLOGY TRIP TO NEWGRANGE and KNOWTH: Following the success of last years' trip,ƒŠStranmillis UniversityƒŠCollege Institute of LifeLong Learning haveƒŠasked to run another one, on 11 October, but this time including a visit to the Knowth Tomb as well. It has the largest collection of Megalithic art anywhere in Europe in one single site, some of which is reckoned to be astronomical. Booking for thus very popular, non-technical trip, is via the Stranmillis website www.stran.ac.uk, or go direct to http://www.stran.ac.uk/media/media,456138,en.pdfƒŠand scroll down to p. 23, or pick up a brochure from Reception.

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10. The Skelligs Star Party 2014, Taking place from Skelligs Lodge, Ballinskelligs Co Kerry on Aug 22nd to Aug 24th. Chosen as it is within the Kerry Dark Sky site. ƒŠMeeting Friday 22nd Aug at Skelligs Lodge from 7pm.âÀ Here is the link to Skellig Lodge: http://www.skelliglodge.com/

We will have a few speakers and workshops on Saturday 23rd Aug from 1pm.âÀ

Stephen Kershaw of Ktec Telescopes plus Carl O'Beirnes of Scopes and Space

Will be bringing a few astronomy goodies for us all to drool over.

I have set up a few events pages here are the links: https://www.facebook.com/events/892995947383034/?fref=ts

http://kerrydarksky.com/ballinskelligs.htm

Kind Regards, Roy Stewart

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11. EXCLUSIVE: Visit to Andor Technology Camera Facility, 13 September: The IAA has arranged a special visit to the Andor Technology Camera manufacturing facility in Belfast. As many of you will know, Andor make some of the best - inƒŠmany cases the best - high-end digital cameras in the world. They are used in every scientific application imaginable, including of course astronomy, and they can be found in many of the world's top observatories, and in spacecraft. They are also moving into the range of amateur astronomers, having recently acquired Apogee Instruments. Thanks to Dr Andy McCrea we have arranged a free special visit for IAA members, and friends, to this facility, on Saturday 13 September.

Provisional Programme:

1200 Meet in Andor Reception

Introductory welcome and short talk

Lunch (Free, provided by Andor) in their canteen

Tour of the Clean Room and factory assembly floor

Talks on the range of cameras and their applications

Talk on solar astronomy imaging using Andor camerasƒŠby Prof Mihalis Mathioudakis of the Astrophysics Research Centre inƒŠQUBƒŠ(link from QUB/ Professor Smart)

Q&A Discussion

Finish - say 1530

ƒŠ This is an exceptional opportunity to see and learn all about the latest developments and future plans for top class astronomical imaging equipment. Andor will also be interested in feedback from expert amateur users of digital imagers, so this is your opportunity to let them know what YOU would like to see available.

ƒŠƒŠ Spaces are limited, so you must register your intention to attend. Please send your name and contact details to Dr Andy McCrea (of North Down Telescopes: email s.mccrea980btinternet.com) to ensure that you get a place, and mark your diaries now!

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12. IAA ASTRONOMY VISITS - PLANS: As part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations, we are planning at least one astronomical trip to either GB or Paris. This is a preliminary enquiry to assess where the main interest would be. The options are broadly as follows: They would be in the form of a long weekend trip (Friday - Sunday, orƒŠSaturday to a BH Monday, or possible Friday to Monday)

1. GB Trip A: Visit to Jodrell Bank, The National Space Centre at Leicester, and possibly either the Spaceguard Centre in Wales or the astronomy centre at Cambridge.

2. GB Trip B: Visit to the historicƒŠGreenwich Observatory, Science Centre and Planetarium in London + a visit to the Royal Greenwich Observatory site and Science Centre at Herstmonceux in Sussex,ƒŠ+ a visit to the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester (headed by Dr John Mason)

3. Trip to Paris: Visit to Paris to see the historic and still functioningƒŠParis Observatory (made famous by Flammarion & others), and the Meudon ObservatoryƒŠnear Versailles, just outside Paris: this hosts the famous 33" 'Grand Lunette' Refractor, the 3rd largest refractor in the world, and the largest outside the USA.

ƒŠƒŠ If you are interested in any of these trips, please let me know by return, indicatingƒŠthem inƒŠorder of preference.

ƒŠ

13. INTERNATIONAL METEOR CONFERENCE, 2014ƒŠ Thursday September 18 till Sunday 21 September 2014, Giron, France.ƒŠGiron is a small village located in the south of the Jura Mountains close to Geneva. The region is easily reachable by air (Geneva or Lyon airport), by train (TGV high speed train from Paris and InterCity trains from Geneva railway station) and by car (highway A40 Lyon-Chamonix). Part of the attraction for this event is that a free visit to CERN is included in the price!ƒŠSee http://www.imo.net/imc2014.

ƒŠAfter 30 June you will not be able to book extra nights before or after the IMC via the LOC. After 30 June extra nights should be booked on your own behalf.

ƒŠ

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14. New Scientist Live Lecture, London: How the universe began - 19 November, with: Prof Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics, University of Cambridge.ƒŠ

A second speaker to be confirmed.ƒŠ

ƒŠƒŠ The recent discovery that the cosmic microwave background also bears the scars of gravitational waves - the squeezing and stretching of space time itself - is enabling us to build an increasingly detailed picture of the birth of the universe.

(A very limited number of tickets are available for this lecture) If you are going to be in London then, this might be worth attending

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15. NEXT YEAR'S STAR PARTIES:ƒŠƒŠ

Galway Astrofest: Feb 21, 2015, Theme: "New Worlds - New Horizons" Excellent speaker line-up already!ƒŠ See http://galwayastronomyclub.ie/

ƒŠCOSMOS: April 17th to 19th 2015, Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone.

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16. INTERESTING WEBLINKS:ƒŠ

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2709846/Mystery-Cheshire-Cat-quantum-physics-solved-Scientists-manage-separate-particle-spin.htmlƒŠCurioser and curioser, said Alice

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2709287/Fossils-Earth-discovered-moon-Experts-say-lunar-rock-contain-microscopic-evidence-ancient-life.htmlƒŠ

The chances of finding anything are VERY remote. And as for that illustration, (1) it's an asteroid, not an Earth-origin meteorite. (2) That one would never make it to the Moon anyway - since eitherƒŠE or W is to the right (shown by the sunlight on the Moon), that one is going in the wrong direction.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2711743/Mining-SPACE-Artist-imagines-solar-look-like-tunnelled-asteroids-energy-minerals.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2712110/Nasas-2020-Mars-Rover-mission-revealed-A-device-produces-oxygen-alien-hunting-scanner-instruments-making-way-red-planet.htmlƒŠ There's nothing on how they are going to return the rock samples to Earth!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2712696/Hubble-spots-gigantic-magnifying-glass-galaxy-lets-astronomers-9-6-billion-years.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2712133/From-blackouts-transport-chaos-Solar-superstorms-pose-catastrophic-threat-life-Earth-warns-scientist.html

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25986-next-rover-will-pull-oxygen-from-martian-air.html

http://www.livescience.com/47106-asteroid-bombardment-resurfaced-young-earth.html?cmpid=557901

http://www.space.com/26664-northern-lights-photos-space-nasa-auroras.html?cmpid=557888ƒŠsome fantastic pics

http://www.space.com/26457-milky-way-photo-joshua-tree-national-park.html?cmpid=557888

http://www.space.com/26679-vintage-nasa-spacecraft-interplanetary-science-isee3.html?cmpid=557888

http://www.space.com/26686-weird-alien-planets-orbits-twin-stars.html?cmpid=557888

http://www.space.com/26685-early-earth-bombardment-water-oasis.html?cmpid=557888

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2697939/Earth-like-soil-spotted-Mars-experts-hail-real-possibility-microbial-life-red-planet.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2709391/25-miles-counting-Nasa-s-Mars-rover-Opportunity-breaks-record-distance-roamed-alien-world.html

Milky Way less massive than thought: http://mnras.oxfordjournals.org/lookup/doi/10.1093/mnras/stu879

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2708720/SpaceX-says-widely-used-transport-company-SOLAR-SYSTEM-2100-colony-Mars-16-years.htmlƒŠ

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2708727/Will-comet-wipe-Nasa-s-Mars-probes-Debris-close-flyby-cause-significant-damage-spacecraft.htmlƒŠ

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2705419/Russian-space-sex-geckos-struggle-survival-satellite-spirals-control-Earth-orbit.htmlƒŠObviously the Geckos didn't like being observed, and took drastic action.ƒŠ but then: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2708203/The-space-sex-geckos-OKAY-Russia-regains-control-satellite-important-biology-experiment-board.htmlƒŠDid the Earth move for them? Well yes, all the time!

http://www.livescience.com/47044-higgs-spotted-w-boson-scattering.html?cmpid=557900

http://www.livescience.com/47025-dinosaur-killing-impact-bad-timing.html?cmpid=557900

http://www.space.com/26645-hubble-space-telescope-lego-model.html?cmpid=557887ƒŠ(I hope they don't make the same mistake with the mirror as NASA did....)

http://www.space.com/15735-top-private-spaceships-countdown.htmlƒŠ(Wot? No Millennium Falcon?)

http://www.space.com/26658-world-view-balloon-research-flights.html?cmpid=557887ƒŠ(If you can't afford Virgin Galactic etc)

http://www.space.com/26603-interstellar-starship-colony-population-size.html?cmpid=557887

http://www.space.com/26608-spiral-galaxy-black-hole-fireworks-video.html?cmpid=557887

http://unawe.org/kids/unawe1427/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2705858/Oxygen-oases-ancient-rocks-2-5-billion-years-old-indicate-organisms-eventually-thrived-Earth.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2705934/Atlast-literally-Nasa-build-worlds-powerful-telescope-key-finding-alien-life.htmlƒŠThis won't really be a quantum leap forward: it will only have 50% more light grasp than the JWST. ItƒŠwill probablyƒŠhave better instrumentation, however.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2705809/The-answers-health-problems-stars-says-Tory-MP-thinks-astrology-make-life-easier.htmlƒŠOh dear....

http://www.space.com/26636-cloudy-alien-planets-life.html?cmpid=557886.

http://www.space.com/26630-apollo-11-vintage-tech-innovations.html?cmpid=557886

http://www.space.com/26639-alien-planet-size-best-measurement-kepler93b.html?cmpid=557886ƒŠand

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2704211/Now-thats-sizeable-discovery-Nasa-makes-precise-measurement-alien-planet-yet.html

http://www.space.com/26643-mars-rover-curiosity-wheel-damage.html?cmpid=557886

http://www.space.com/26646-astronaut-view-israel-gaza-violence-from-space.html?cmpid=557886

Mystery in the Perseus Cluster: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/24jul_perseuscluster/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2703502/Now-THATS-rocket-Nasa-shows-motor-biggest-rocket-man-Mars.htmlƒŠbut http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2703397/Audit-NASA-doesnt-money-big-rockets.html

http://www.livescience.com/46966-landsat-turns-42.html?cmpid=557945

New approach for SETI detection: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140723111220.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29ƒŠ(If other beings are using this technique, we may already have been detected!)

Satellite galaxies puzzle: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140723110835.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29ƒŠ

Atmosphere of Titan http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140723111030.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠ

Google Street View of galaxies: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140723110936.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29

Lives and deaths of sibling stars http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140723110924.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠ

Has Voyager reached Interstellar space? http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140723114142.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_technology+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Technology+News%29

4 Billion year old chemistry in our cells http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140724094021.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29ƒŠ

Dry Hot Jupiters: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140724092820.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29ƒŠƒŠ

We're in a hot galactic bubble: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140728094447.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠand http://www.livescience.com/47043-mysterious-xray-sky-glow-explained.html?cmpid=557900ƒŠ

Microshutter for JWST:ƒŠhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140729225612.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_technology+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Technology+News%29ƒŠƒŠ(note my namesake: no relation, I think)

Weighing the Milky Way: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140729224959.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29ƒŠ

100+ geysers on Enceladus http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140728191530.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29ƒŠ(not geezers. Yet) see also http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2709100/Alright-geyser-Nasa-spots-101-euptions-surface-Saturns-icy-moon-Enceladus.htmlƒŠ

Mars Opportunity sets news record http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140728192230.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠ

30-metre telescope stars construction http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140728113131.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠThirty metres! When I started in astronomy, the second largest telescope in the world wasƒŠ3 metres in diameter (the 120" reflector at Lick Obs), and the largest was 5 metres (the 200" at Palomar).ƒŠAnd site work for the 39-metre E-ELT is underway in Chile.

Tidal forces shaped early Moon http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140730133129.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠ

and http://www.space.com/26684-moon-lemon-shape-tidal-forces.html?cmpid=557888ƒŠ

Double star's weird planet-forming discs http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140730132942.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠ

Mercury's bizarre magnetic field http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140730094310.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠ

Source of all-sky x-rays: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140729225610.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fearth_climate+%28Earth+%26+Climate+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠ

Jets from young stars and planetary nebulae: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140731095142.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29ƒŠ

Asteroid impacts on ancient Earth: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140731150045.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29ƒŠ

Fermi detects Gamma Rays from Novae http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140731150043.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fspace_time+%28Space+%26+Time+News+--+ScienceDaily%29

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17. TWITTER:ƒŠFollow theƒŠIAAƒŠon Twitter: The account is now operational again as before: IaaAstro.

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18. JOINING the IRISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION is easy: This link downloads a Word document to join the IAA. http://documents.irishastro.org.uk/iaamembership.doc

ƒŠƒŠ ƒŠIf you are a UK taxpayer, please tick the 'gift-aid' box, as that enables us to reclaim the standard rate of tax on your subscription, at no cost to you.ƒŠYou can also make aƒŠdonation via Paypal if you wish: just click on the 'Donate' button.ƒŠƒŠSee also www.irishastro.org.ƒŠ

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Finally,ƒŠin tribute to the late great John Dobson, a quote from him which is typical of the man, and very appropriate:ƒŠ "If you figure something out for yourself, it doesn't make no never-mind who figured it out first, it's yours."

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Clear skies,

Terry Moseley

mob: (0044) (0) 7979 300842

I'm now back on Twitter (occasionally - I don't have enough time!), after some temporary hiccups: terrymoseley2

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