For your enjoyment and safety: • • •
•
Please make a note of your nearest emergency exit. There is no smoking in any of the indoor areas in Annaharvey, especially around the stables. Please dispose of your cigarette butts responsibly. Bear in mind that expensive and sensitive equipment will be on display. If you wish to look through a telescope or touch a sensitive display, please seek the owner’s permission if in doubt. Children must be supervised at all times.
When out observing the night time wonders: • •
• • •
The observing area is to the rear of the horse jumping area. As it takes your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust to dark surroundings, and only 1 second of a bright light to erase that adjustment, please observe a red light-only policy around the observing group(s). If you require the assistance of a white light to find something, please shout out you are doing so in advance. As there will be astro-photographers taking pictures using long duration exposures, your consideration regarding lights and green laser pointers would be appreciated. There is no need for high beams from cars into and out of Annaharvey at night.
MAC accepts no responsibility for: • • • • •
Vehicles belonging to guests and visitors. Lost or stolen property. Delay of speakers or visitors to the lectures. Injury to persons while on the farm, especially if accessing restricted areas. In addition MAC would like to reiterate that they are not in anyway responsible for, the weather, the government, taxes, clouds, the price of petrol or the global economy.
We wish you a safe journey home from our Star Party. We hope you enjoyed your stay too. If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know — even send us your photos!
midlandsastronomy@gmail.com We hope to see you next year from the 13th - 15th April
“The Universe comes to Tullamore”
Sunday April 3rd
Brief history of MAC:
14:30 - Mr. Perikles Ramos, Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies
Since 1986, Midlands Astronomy Club (originally known as the Tullamore Astronomical Society - TAS) has been bringing Astronomy and allied subjects to the public in the form of informal lectures and observing sessions. In 1992, in conjunction with the Irish Astronomical Society (IAS), the first ever Irish Astrofest was held here in Tullamore. Held each Spring, it complemented the Whirlpool Star Party each Autumn in Birr held by the Shannonside Astronomy Club (SAC). Irish Astrofest continued as a dual-club event until 1995 when MAC was given responsibility to take over on its own.
“To Here From Eternity: The story of the Bovedy, Crumlin and Leighlinbridge Meteorites”
In 1998, MAC opened its own private observatory on land it purchased 2 miles outside Tullamore. With this new landmark in its history, the Irish Astrofest moved to Annaharvey, and with it the name changed to COSMOS. It continues every Spring during the weekend available closest to the Spring Equinox.
Originally trained as an electrical engineer, Perikles says he became very interested in physics after working on a project in CERN. Since then he has worked on plasma astrophysics, and came to DIAS, Ireland to work on an online astronomical database. Perikles is currently working in Ericsson as an algorithm developer.
15:45 - Raffle and Prizes
COSMOS attracts both speakers and visitors from all over the country and abroad. The weekend is not a formal event per say, but is meant to give visitors the opportunity to explore more about Astronomy in various ways – lectures, exhibits, meet and greet, observing sessions, and even quizzes that attempt to keep the weekend fun and interesting for all.
Yes we realise that there is an global economic down-turn but for the cost of a few Euro’s you could walk away from this years COSMOS event with some very nice prizes in our annual raffle. Tickets can be purchased from any MAC committee member during the weekend.
Midlands Astronomy Club organises regular outreach events, is an active member of the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies (IFAS), and will continue the tradition of promoting Astronomy and allied subjects during 2010 and beyond.
16:15 - Closing address and farewell
Where and When? MAC meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the Presbyterian Hall, High Street, Tullamore from 8pm. All are welcome to attend. It also holds infrequent Observing Nights at its Observing Site in Clonminch, or at a member’s house (weather permitting). You can see more about the club and its events on www.midlandsastronomy.com or contact the club via e-mail at midlandsastronomy@gmail.com. Meetings are informal and are aimed at a level to suit all ages. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 2
All over for another year and just in time to start planning next years event. MAC would like to take some time to thank you all for attending our little event and wish you a safe journey home. See you next year, clear skies!
MAC Committee 2011 No event like COSMOS happens without a tremendous effort throughout the year. Many times the planning starts as soon as the current event is finished!!! Please join us in thanking the MAC committee who have been busy organising this years event: Chairperson – Declan Molloy
Librarian – Adrian Waters
Vice Chairperson – John Lally
Facebook Rep – Jason Fallon/Shane Fallon
Secretary – Seanie Morris
Members – Tom Scott, Darren Dempsey
Treasurer – Paul Fitzgerald
and Michael O’Connell www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 11
Sunday
Friday
April 3rd
11:45 - Mr. Eric Stenzel, Irish Rocketry Society
“Rockets in Ireland: The Sky's the Limit... for now” Eric Stenzel is a Senior Research and Development Engineer with a multinational medical device manufacturer. Originally from California, Eric became involved with rocketry at the early age of 10 when model rockets were brought into the classroom and launched on the school sports field. Now living in Ireland, Eric initiated an outreach programme to encourage students in science and technology and has brought rocketry into a number of Irish school classrooms with rocket launching on their sports fields. Today, Eric will discuss how rocketry works, how it is practiced in Ireland, and what’s required to conduct rocketry activities within the law. All going well, and subject to authority approval, there will be a rocket launch following this presentation!
13:00 - Lunch and outdoor observing Time to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious home-made food on offer at the Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. Afterwards why not step outside for some fresh air and participate in some outdoor observing, cloud observing is proving very popular these days ☺
April 1st
19:45 - Registration and Exhibits Welcome to COSMOS 2011 please take the time to register at our event and get yourself a number of handouts including the latest MAC newsletter and the latest Sky Maps (www.skymaps.com) for April which can be used over the course of the weekend. As always the MAC committee will be on hand and willing to help you out if you have any questions or issues during your stay with us, don’t be shy they won’t bite ☺
20:30 - Mr. John Lally, Midlands Astronomy Club
“Exoplanets: The Hunt for Alien Worlds” As is tradition for COSMOS, the first speaker is a MAC member and this year is the turn of MAC’s Vice Chairman John Lally. John has been with MAC since 2007 and has been a very active member of the club since then as the editor of the clubs REALTA magazine and as a committee member. John works as an I.T. Administrator for the past 10 years in a public sector organisation, he does ask people on reading this, "please try not to hate me for it, I'm flat broke too." He completed a part-time MSc in 2005, and is getting the study bug again but would like to complete an astronomy course this time around. John is a big American Football fan and even managed to drag his long suffering wife to a 3 hour game in Wembley in 2010. He finds Astronomy a great way of keeping himself busy, John says of his interest in Astronomy: "I've always been a huge fan of science and science fiction as far back as I can remember”. John finds that standing out in the back yard while listening to Carl Sagan's "Contact" on his iPod is a very humbling experience and helps put life into perspective.
Late - Observing session Take to the field with your telescopes and binoculars, or just look through the ones there. No admission charge – just wrap up warm and stay as long as you can handle! All welcome. Please see our Safety Rules to ensure the event is enjoyed by everyone. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 10
www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 3
Sunday Global Astronomy Month - April 2011
April 3rd
April 2011 will again be a busy month for amateur and professional astronomers, educators and astronomy enthusiasts as Global Astronomy Month (GAM) returns for its second edition. The annual event, organized by Astronomers Without Borders, celebrates the Universe in the spirit of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 cornerstone project "100 Hours of Astronomy." This is the second edition of GAM, after its launch last year, when Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) coordinated seven global events dedicated to remote observing, fighting light pollution, world peace, observations of the sky and cultural manifestations, as well as encouraging the organization of local events. "There's something for everyone", says Mike Simmons, President of Astronomers Without Borders. “IYA2009 showed the way to involving more people than ever," and GAM is riding that wave of excitement in the discovery of our Universe." Join the celebration in April 2011 as Global Astronomy Month brings together thousands of passionate individuals and hundreds of organizations worldwide to share their enthusiasm in innovative new ways, connecting people through a great sense of sharing the Universe! It's a month of celebrating Astronomers Without Borders' motto - One People, One Sky!
10:30 - Mr. Mike Simms, Curator of Palaeontology, National Museums Northern Ireland
“To Here From Eternity: The story of the Bovedy, Crumlin and Leighlinbridge Meteorites” The L Chondrites, a type of 'stony meteorite' that includes those that fell at Bovedy, Crumlin and Leighlinbridge, are the most abundant meteorites to reach Earth and account for about 35% of all known meteorites. But they have an extraordinary story to tell. Barely changed from the very earliest period of the Solar System, they record a remarkable history encompassing exploding stars, molten planets, catastrophic collisions, and searing journeys through Earth's atmosphere. Mike will show how the various elements of this story are written in every meteorite that reaches Earth, and how these meteorites continue to inform us of events in the very earliest days of the Solar System. Mike is the Curator of Palaeontology at the National Museums Northern Ireland but his interests extend far beyond fossils, encompassing many aspects of geology and geomorphology as well as lichens and meteorites. The meteorites have become rather an obsession since 2003, and he was responsible for creating the new meteorite gallery in the recently refurbished Ulster Museum in Belfast, see http://www.bimsociety.org/news/ ulster.jpg for just part of this.
Deirdre Kelleghan, AWB National Coordinator for Ireland, is ready for Global Astronomy Month 2011. Are you? - Photo credit, Bernard Kelleghan
For all your household, office, and personal electrical needs, call into McKenna Electronics today. COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS
Annaharvey Farm, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
GAMES AND CONSOLES
www.annaharveyfarm.ie Equestrian Holidays Luxury B&B Farm Foods Art Workshops Equestrian and Outdoor Clothing www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 4
HOME ENTERTAINMENT The Bridge Centre, Tullamore, Co. Offaly 057 - 9320815 Email: mctronics@eircom.net
HOUSEHOLD ACCESSORIES AND MEDIA www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 9
Saturday
Saturday
April 2nd
April 2nd
16:30 - Table Quiz
09:45 - Registration and Exhibits
Think you’re smart enough to take part in our FREE Table Quiz this year? Then make sure you have indicated that on the registration form at our check-in desk! You could win a much sought after and highly valued, judging by the amount of cheating that goes on, COSMOS ’11 trophy. The quiz will take place in the lecture room and will be hosted by our own Seanie Morris and will be made up of six rounds of Astronomy and General Knowledge questions.
Welcome to COSMOS 2011 please take the time to register at our event and get yourself a number of handouts including the latest MAC newsletter and the latest Sky Maps (www.skymaps.com) for April which can be used over the course of the weekend.
18:00 - Finish followed by IFAS Assembly Meeting
10:15 - Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Club Chairman
Immediately following the table quiz, the IFAS General Meeting will take place for IFAS Reps in the adjoining conservatory.
As always the MAC committee will be on hand and willing to help you out if you have any questions or issues during your stay with us, don’t be shy they won’t bite ☺
Our Chairperson Declan Molloy will give a short opening address and cover any administrative items to ensure your stay with us is both safe and enjoyable.
20:00 - COSMOS Dinner Details for the dinner can be obtained at the registration desk. Wine may be purchased from Reception for dinner. Please enquire upon registration for full details. After dinner there is the chance to observe the Astronomical Wonders from Annaharvey, or stay inside and chat with friends, old and new.
Late - Observing session Take to the field with your telescopes and binoculars, or just look through the ones there. No admission charge – just wrap up warm and stay as long as you can handle! All welcome. Please see our Safety Rules to ensure the event is enjoyed by everyone.
10:30 - Mr. David Keenahan, Teacher's CoCo-ordinator, Institute of Physics, Dublin
“See the Light... Feel the Force” David Keenahan is a Teacher Network Coordinator for the Institute of Physics in Ireland. David teaches Physics, Maths and Applied Maths at Gonzaga College in Dublin. He graduated from University College Dublin. with a BSc in 1979 and completed a Master of Studies Degree at Trinity College Dublin in 2003. David coaches rugby and tennis at school and enjoys boating in his spare time. His main interest in astronomy centres on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
www.irishastonomy.org
Filler
Check out Ireland’s largest community of Amateur Astronomers online, with forums, observing aids, monthly publications, competitions, and more. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 8
www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 5
Saturday
Saturday
April 2nd
11:45 - Mr. Geert Barensten, Armagh Observatory and the International Meteor Organisation
“Where did our Solar System from?”
April 2nd
14:45 - Mr. John O'Neill, Irish Astronomical Society and Variable Stars Observers Group
“Stellae Novae - Out from the depths” As is the case with many others, John's interest in the night sky was sparked by the Apollo moon programme. He acquired his first Norton's Star Atlas in 1974, and together with an old pair of 6 x 35 'racing' binoculars found lying around the house, his astronomical career was launched!
Geert Barentsen is PhD student at Armagh Observatory. His research focuses on star formation in our Galaxy. In particular, he analyses optical observations from the IPHAS survey, which is an international collaboration to photograph the entire Northern Galactic Plane using the Isaac Newton Telescope in La Palma. In this talk, Geert will present the latest findings on IC 1396; a spectacular emission nebula in Cepheus which is popular among astrophotographers. Although the nebula is 3000 light-years away, it can be spotted with the naked eye under dark skies because it is 100 light-years across and illuminated by a very hot and massive star (25x Sun). Geert recently discovered more than a hundred newly forming, low-mass, unfinished stars in IC 1396, and found Above: An image of IC 1396. evidence suggesting the creation of these stars was triggered by the stellar winds and radiation coming from the massive star. Moreover, there are now reasons to believe that the creation of our Solar System was triggered in a similar way. In his spare time, Geert is an amateur meteor observer and council member for the International Meteor Organization. In particular, he is responsible for the ZHR activity graphs which are computed automatically based on visual counts by amateur astronomers worldwide ( http://www.imo.net/zhr ).
13:00 - Lunch and outdoor observing Time to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious home-made food on offer at the Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. Afterwards why not step outside for some fresh air and participate in some outdoor observing, cloud observing is proving very popular these days ☺ www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 6
In 1980, John purchased his first telescope - a 6” (15cm) Dynascope newtonian reflector. The skies were a good deal darker in those days and this led to a natural interest and fascination in deep-sky objects. As time went on, he developed a taste for many other aspects of astronomy. Interest in variable stars was spurred by David Levy's 1989 Observing Variable Stars. John has been contributing estimates to the AAVSO International Database for the past 18 years. His main interests are semi-regulars, symbiotics, and cataclysmic variables. Also, his wife Sara, who is a staff member of the AAVSO! Although mainly a visual observer, John has dabbled in photography. To view some of his images see his website: http://www.variablestarnights.net. John has been a member of the IAS since 1978. Over the years, he has held the positions of President, Secretary, Star-Party Organiser, Webmaster, Newsletter Editor, and Director of Observations. He is currently Director of the (Irish) Variable Star Observers Group (VSOG). John is an editor and (and producer) of Sky-High, the IAS's annual almanac. Just 'for the fun of it', John is doing a degree in Astronomy with the OU.
Midlands Astronomy Club have created a Facebook page so that our members and non-members alike can: • Keep up-to-date on future outreach events. • Be informed of upcoming lectures. • Have online access to the latest astronomy news as it happens. • See photos of all club events and activities. Find us on www.facebook.com
16:00 - Break Time to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious home-made food on offer at the Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 7
Saturday
Saturday
April 2nd
11:45 - Mr. Geert Barensten, Armagh Observatory and the International Meteor Organisation
“Where did our Solar System from?”
April 2nd
14:45 - Mr. John O'Neill, Irish Astronomical Society and Variable Stars Observers Group
“Stellae Novae - Out from the depths” As is the case with many others, John's interest in the night sky was sparked by the Apollo moon programme. He acquired his first Norton's Star Atlas in 1974, and together with an old pair of 6 x 35 'racing' binoculars found lying around the house, his astronomical career was launched!
Geert Barentsen is PhD student at Armagh Observatory. His research focuses on star formation in our Galaxy. In particular, he analyses optical observations from the IPHAS survey, which is an international collaboration to photograph the entire Northern Galactic Plane using the Isaac Newton Telescope in La Palma. In this talk, Geert will present the latest findings on IC 1396; a spectacular emission nebula in Cepheus which is popular among astrophotographers. Although the nebula is 3000 light-years away, it can be spotted with the naked eye under dark skies because it is 100 light-years across and illuminated by a very hot and massive star (25x Sun). Geert recently discovered more than a hundred newly forming, low-mass, unfinished stars in IC 1396, and found Above: An image of IC 1396. evidence suggesting the creation of these stars was triggered by the stellar winds and radiation coming from the massive star. Moreover, there are now reasons to believe that the creation of our Solar System was triggered in a similar way. In his spare time, Geert is an amateur meteor observer and council member for the International Meteor Organization. In particular, he is responsible for the ZHR activity graphs which are computed automatically based on visual counts by amateur astronomers worldwide ( http://www.imo.net/zhr ).
13:00 - Lunch and outdoor observing Time to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious home-made food on offer at the Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. Afterwards why not step outside for some fresh air and participate in some outdoor observing, cloud observing is proving very popular these days ☺ www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 6
In 1980, John purchased his first telescope - a 6” (15cm) Dynascope newtonian reflector. The skies were a good deal darker in those days and this led to a natural interest and fascination in deep-sky objects. As time went on, he developed a taste for many other aspects of astronomy. Interest in variable stars was spurred by David Levy's 1989 Observing Variable Stars. John has been contributing estimates to the AAVSO International Database for the past 18 years. His main interests are semi-regulars, symbiotics, and cataclysmic variables. Also, his wife Sara, who is a staff member of the AAVSO! Although mainly a visual observer, John has dabbled in photography. To view some of his images see his website: http://www.variablestarnights.net. John has been a member of the IAS since 1978. Over the years, he has held the positions of President, Secretary, Star-Party Organiser, Webmaster, Newsletter Editor, and Director of Observations. He is currently Director of the (Irish) Variable Star Observers Group (VSOG). John is an editor and (and producer) of Sky-High, the IAS's annual almanac. Just 'for the fun of it', John is doing a degree in Astronomy with the OU.
Midlands Astronomy Club have created a Facebook page so that our members and non-members alike can: • Keep up-to-date on future outreach events. • Be informed of upcoming lectures. • Have online access to the latest astronomy news as it happens. • See photos of all club events and activities. Find us on www.facebook.com
16:00 - Break Time to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious home-made food on offer at the Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 7
Saturday
Saturday
April 2nd
April 2nd
16:30 - Table Quiz
09:45 - Registration and Exhibits
Think you’re smart enough to take part in our FREE Table Quiz this year? Then make sure you have indicated that on the registration form at our check-in desk! You could win a much sought after and highly valued, judging by the amount of cheating that goes on, COSMOS ’11 trophy. The quiz will take place in the lecture room and will be hosted by our own Seanie Morris and will be made up of six rounds of Astronomy and General Knowledge questions.
Welcome to COSMOS 2011 please take the time to register at our event and get yourself a number of handouts including the latest MAC newsletter and the latest Sky Maps (www.skymaps.com) for April which can be used over the course of the weekend.
18:00 - Finish followed by IFAS Assembly Meeting
10:15 - Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Club Chairman
Immediately following the table quiz, the IFAS General Meeting will take place for IFAS Reps in the adjoining conservatory.
As always the MAC committee will be on hand and willing to help you out if you have any questions or issues during your stay with us, don’t be shy they won’t bite ☺
Our Chairperson Declan Molloy will give a short opening address and cover any administrative items to ensure your stay with us is both safe and enjoyable.
20:00 - COSMOS Dinner Details for the dinner can be obtained at the registration desk. Wine may be purchased from Reception for dinner. Please enquire upon registration for full details. After dinner there is the chance to observe the Astronomical Wonders from Annaharvey, or stay inside and chat with friends, old and new.
Late - Observing session Take to the field with your telescopes and binoculars, or just look through the ones there. No admission charge – just wrap up warm and stay as long as you can handle! All welcome. Please see our Safety Rules to ensure the event is enjoyed by everyone.
10:30 - Mr. David Keenahan, Teacher's CoCo-ordinator, Institute of Physics, Dublin
“See the Light... Feel the Force” David Keenahan is a Teacher Network Coordinator for the Institute of Physics in Ireland. David teaches Physics, Maths and Applied Maths at Gonzaga College in Dublin. He graduated from University College Dublin. with a BSc in 1979 and completed a Master of Studies Degree at Trinity College Dublin in 2003. David coaches rugby and tennis at school and enjoys boating in his spare time. His main interest in astronomy centres on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
www.irishastonomy.org
Filler
Check out Ireland’s largest community of Amateur Astronomers online, with forums, observing aids, monthly publications, competitions, and more. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 8
www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 5
Sunday Global Astronomy Month - April 2011
April 3rd
April 2011 will again be a busy month for amateur and professional astronomers, educators and astronomy enthusiasts as Global Astronomy Month (GAM) returns for its second edition. The annual event, organized by Astronomers Without Borders, celebrates the Universe in the spirit of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 cornerstone project "100 Hours of Astronomy." This is the second edition of GAM, after its launch last year, when Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) coordinated seven global events dedicated to remote observing, fighting light pollution, world peace, observations of the sky and cultural manifestations, as well as encouraging the organization of local events. "There's something for everyone", says Mike Simmons, President of Astronomers Without Borders. “IYA2009 showed the way to involving more people than ever," and GAM is riding that wave of excitement in the discovery of our Universe." Join the celebration in April 2011 as Global Astronomy Month brings together thousands of passionate individuals and hundreds of organizations worldwide to share their enthusiasm in innovative new ways, connecting people through a great sense of sharing the Universe! It's a month of celebrating Astronomers Without Borders' motto - One People, One Sky!
10:30 - Mr. Mike Simms, Curator of Palaeontology, National Museums Northern Ireland
“To Here From Eternity: The story of the Bovedy, Crumlin and Leighlinbridge Meteorites” The L Chondrites, a type of 'stony meteorite' that includes those that fell at Bovedy, Crumlin and Leighlinbridge, are the most abundant meteorites to reach Earth and account for about 35% of all known meteorites. But they have an extraordinary story to tell. Barely changed from the very earliest period of the Solar System, they record a remarkable history encompassing exploding stars, molten planets, catastrophic collisions, and searing journeys through Earth's atmosphere. Mike will show how the various elements of this story are written in every meteorite that reaches Earth, and how these meteorites continue to inform us of events in the very earliest days of the Solar System. Mike is the Curator of Palaeontology at the National Museums Northern Ireland but his interests extend far beyond fossils, encompassing many aspects of geology and geomorphology as well as lichens and meteorites. The meteorites have become rather an obsession since 2003, and he was responsible for creating the new meteorite gallery in the recently refurbished Ulster Museum in Belfast, see http://www.bimsociety.org/news/ ulster.jpg for just part of this.
Deirdre Kelleghan, AWB National Coordinator for Ireland, is ready for Global Astronomy Month 2011. Are you? - Photo credit, Bernard Kelleghan
For all your household, office, and personal electrical needs, call into McKenna Electronics today. COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS
Annaharvey Farm, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
GAMES AND CONSOLES
www.annaharveyfarm.ie Equestrian Holidays Luxury B&B Farm Foods Art Workshops Equestrian and Outdoor Clothing www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 4
HOME ENTERTAINMENT The Bridge Centre, Tullamore, Co. Offaly 057 - 9320815 Email: mctronics@eircom.net
HOUSEHOLD ACCESSORIES AND MEDIA www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 9
Sunday
Friday
April 3rd
11:45 - Mr. Eric Stenzel, Irish Rocketry Society
“Rockets in Ireland: The Sky's the Limit... for now” Eric Stenzel is a Senior Research and Development Engineer with a multinational medical device manufacturer. Originally from California, Eric became involved with rocketry at the early age of 10 when model rockets were brought into the classroom and launched on the school sports field. Now living in Ireland, Eric initiated an outreach programme to encourage students in science and technology and has brought rocketry into a number of Irish school classrooms with rocket launching on their sports fields. Today, Eric will discuss how rocketry works, how it is practiced in Ireland, and what’s required to conduct rocketry activities within the law. All going well, and subject to authority approval, there will be a rocket launch following this presentation!
13:00 - Lunch and outdoor observing Time to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious home-made food on offer at the Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. Afterwards why not step outside for some fresh air and participate in some outdoor observing, cloud observing is proving very popular these days ☺
April 1st
19:45 - Registration and Exhibits Welcome to COSMOS 2011 please take the time to register at our event and get yourself a number of handouts including the latest MAC newsletter and the latest Sky Maps (www.skymaps.com) for April which can be used over the course of the weekend. As always the MAC committee will be on hand and willing to help you out if you have any questions or issues during your stay with us, don’t be shy they won’t bite ☺
20:30 - Mr. John Lally, Midlands Astronomy Club
“Exoplanets: The Hunt for Alien Worlds” As is tradition for COSMOS, the first speaker is a MAC member and this year is the turn of MAC’s Vice Chairman John Lally. John has been with MAC since 2007 and has been a very active member of the club since then as the editor of the clubs REALTA magazine and as a committee member. John works as an I.T. Administrator for the past 10 years in a public sector organisation, he does ask people on reading this, "please try not to hate me for it, I'm flat broke too." He completed a part-time MSc in 2005, and is getting the study bug again but would like to complete an astronomy course this time around. John is a big American Football fan and even managed to drag his long suffering wife to a 3 hour game in Wembley in 2010. He finds Astronomy a great way of keeping himself busy, John says of his interest in Astronomy: "I've always been a huge fan of science and science fiction as far back as I can remember”. John finds that standing out in the back yard while listening to Carl Sagan's "Contact" on his iPod is a very humbling experience and helps put life into perspective.
Late - Observing session Take to the field with your telescopes and binoculars, or just look through the ones there. No admission charge – just wrap up warm and stay as long as you can handle! All welcome. Please see our Safety Rules to ensure the event is enjoyed by everyone. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 10
www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 3
Sunday April 3rd
Brief history of MAC:
14:30 - Mr. Perikles Ramos, Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies
Since 1986, Midlands Astronomy Club (originally known as the Tullamore Astronomical Society - TAS) has been bringing Astronomy and allied subjects to the public in the form of informal lectures and observing sessions. In 1992, in conjunction with the Irish Astronomical Society (IAS), the first ever Irish Astrofest was held here in Tullamore. Held each Spring, it complemented the Whirlpool Star Party each Autumn in Birr held by the Shannonside Astronomy Club (SAC). Irish Astrofest continued as a dual-club event until 1995 when MAC was given responsibility to take over on its own.
“To Here From Eternity: The story of the Bovedy, Crumlin and Leighlinbridge Meteorites”
In 1998, MAC opened its own private observatory on land it purchased 2 miles outside Tullamore. With this new landmark in its history, the Irish Astrofest moved to Annaharvey, and with it the name changed to COSMOS. It continues every Spring during the weekend available closest to the Spring Equinox.
Originally trained as an electrical engineer, Perikles says he became very interested in physics after working on a project in CERN. Since then he has worked on plasma astrophysics, and came to DIAS, Ireland to work on an online astronomical database. Perikles is currently working in Ericsson as an algorithm developer.
15:45 - Raffle and Prizes
COSMOS attracts both speakers and visitors from all over the country and abroad. The weekend is not a formal event per say, but is meant to give visitors the opportunity to explore more about Astronomy in various ways – lectures, exhibits, meet and greet, observing sessions, and even quizzes that attempt to keep the weekend fun and interesting for all.
Yes we realise that there is an global economic down-turn but for the cost of a few Euro’s you could walk away from this years COSMOS event with some very nice prizes in our annual raffle. Tickets can be purchased from any MAC committee member during the weekend.
Midlands Astronomy Club organises regular outreach events, is an active member of the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies (IFAS), and will continue the tradition of promoting Astronomy and allied subjects during 2010 and beyond.
16:15 - Closing address and farewell
Where and When? MAC meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the Presbyterian Hall, High Street, Tullamore from 8pm. All are welcome to attend. It also holds infrequent Observing Nights at its Observing Site in Clonminch, or at a member’s house (weather permitting). You can see more about the club and its events on www.midlandsastronomy.com or contact the club via e-mail at midlandsastronomy@gmail.com. Meetings are informal and are aimed at a level to suit all ages. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 2
All over for another year and just in time to start planning next years event. MAC would like to take some time to thank you all for attending our little event and wish you a safe journey home. See you next year, clear skies!
MAC Committee 2011 No event like COSMOS happens without a tremendous effort throughout the year. Many times the planning starts as soon as the current event is finished!!! Please join us in thanking the MAC committee who have been busy organising this years event: Chairperson – Declan Molloy
Librarian – Adrian Waters
Vice Chairperson – John Lally
Facebook Rep – Jason Fallon/Shane Fallon
Secretary – Seanie Morris
Members – Tom Scott, Darren Dempsey
Treasurer – Paul Fitzgerald
and Michael O’Connell www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 11
For your enjoyment and safety: • • •
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Please make a note of your nearest emergency exit. There is no smoking in any of the indoor areas in Annaharvey, especially around the stables. Please dispose of your cigarette butts responsibly. Bear in mind that expensive and sensitive equipment will be on display. If you wish to look through a telescope or touch a sensitive display, please seek the owner’s permission if in doubt. Children must be supervised at all times.
When out observing the night time wonders: • •
• • •
The observing area is to the rear of the horse jumping area. As it takes your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust to dark surroundings, and only 1 second of a bright light to erase that adjustment, please observe a red light-only policy around the observing group(s). If you require the assistance of a white light to find something, please shout out you are doing so in advance. As there will be astro-photographers taking pictures using long duration exposures, your consideration regarding lights and green laser pointers would be appreciated. There is no need for high beams from cars into and out of Annaharvey at night.
MAC accepts no responsibility for: • • • • •
Vehicles belonging to guests and visitors. Lost or stolen property. Delay of speakers or visitors to the lectures. Injury to persons while on the farm, especially if accessing restricted areas. In addition MAC would like to reiterate that they are not in anyway responsible for, the weather, the government, taxes, clouds, the price of petrol or the global economy.
We wish you a safe journey home from our Star Party. We hope you enjoyed your stay too. If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know — even send us your photos!
midlandsastronomy@gmail.com We hope to see you next year from the 13th - 15th April
“The Universe comes to Tullamore”