COSMOS 2013 - Programme

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 cigare e bu s responsibly. Bear in mind that expensive and sensi ve equipment will be on display. If you wish to look through a telescope or touch a sensi ve display, please seek the owner’s permission if in doubt. Children must be supervised at all mes.

When out observing the night time wonders:  

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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 dura on exposures, your considera on 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 addi on 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 sugges ons or comments, please let us know — even send us your photos!

midlandsastronomy@gmail.com

We hope to see you next year from the 4th ‐ 6th April

“The Universe comes to Tullamore”

Sunday April 14th

Brief history of MAC: 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 conjunc on 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 con nued as a dual‐club event un l 1995 when MAC was given responsibility to take over on its own.

14:45 - Dr. Simon Jeffery, Research Astronomer, Armagh Observatory

“Inside the Stars”

Simon was born in Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, grew up in Edinburgh, and educated at the Edinburgh Academy, Imperial College, London and the University of St Andrews. From an early age he was fascinated by how stars evolve, and later by their pulsa ons and atmospheres ‐ basically, he want to know how stars work! Most of his career has been spent studying the late stages in the lives of stars, which usually makes them pre y peculiar. Simon would use just about any tool available to do that. His interests include dinghy sailing, photography, and he is an avid Scotland supporter!

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 con nues every Spring during the weekend available closest to the Spring Equinox.

COSMOS a racts 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 a empt to keep the weekend fun and interes ng for all.

Midlands Astronomy Club organises regular outreach events, is an ac ve member of the Irish Federa on of Astronomical Socie es (IFAS), and will con nue the tradi on of promo ng Astronomy and allied subjects during 2013 and beyond.

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 a end. It also holds infrequent Observing Nights at its Observing Site in Clonminch on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, or at a member’s house (weather per‐ mi ng).

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. Mee ngs are informal and are aimed at a level to suit all ages. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 2

Stars are believed to be giant gas spheres held in shape by their own self‐gravity, and shining because nuclear reac ons deep in their interiors are crea ng energy. But most of the stars we can see are just single points of light. How do we know what they look like and what happens inside them? This talk will discuss how stars work, and how "asteroseismology" allows us to "see" inside them. It will look at how stars' proper es change with age, and how observa ons from Armagh will help to understand stars in their old age.

16:00 - Raffle and Prizes 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 commi ee member during the weekend.

16:30 - Closing address and farewell All over for another year and just in me to start planning next years event. MAC would like to take some me to thank you all for a ending our li le event and wish you a safe journey home. See you next year from the 4th ‐ 6th April, clear skies!

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Sunday

Friday

April 14th

April 12th

10:30 - Mr. Simon Todd, Renowned English Astrophotographer

“Digital Astrophotography Tips and Tricks”

Simon has been into astronomy since he was a child (pre y much like all of us!). He began to adopt the astrophotography side of things a er he took his first astrophotograph way back in 1999 using an Olympus OM10 film camera. He says he is a firm believer that we are not alone in the universe, and the images he takes reinforces his belief in such thought. On any clear night, Simon can be found imaging away the night sky, whether this be at home, or some dark site.

12:00 - Mr. Dave McDonald, IFAS Chairperson and Renowned Asteroid Hunter

“Celtic Rock - A Voyage Of Discovery” Dave McDonald owns and operates J65 Celbridge Observatory in County Kildare. J65 was the first amateur observatory in Ireland and has so far discovered two asteroids, an eclipsing binary star and regularly contributes data to authorita ve bodies such as the MPC and NASA. "Cel c Rock ‐ a voyage of discovery" will take you on a whistle‐ stop tour through our Solar System and put asteroids into context ‐ where are they? How did they get there? Where are they going? The presenta on will touch on the various discoveries made from Ireland and will men on some of the previous asteroid impacts on Earth and some very close‐shaves. The talk will wrap‐up with a very brief history of Irish Astronomy and will look at what the future might hold.

13:15 - 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. A erwards why not step outside for some fresh air and par cipate in some outdoor observing, cloud observing is proving very popular these days  www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 10

19:30 - Registration and Exhibits Welcome to COSMOS 2013 please take the me to register at our event and get yourself a number of handouts including the latest MAC newsle er and the latest Sky Maps (www.skymaps.com) for April which can be used over the course of the weekend. As always the MAC commi ee will be on hand and willing to help you out if you have any ques ons or issues during your stay with us, don’t be shy they won’t bite 

20:00 - Prof. Ian Morison, Honorary Prof. Jodrell Bank Observatory

“Black Holes - no need to be afraid!”

Ian Morison began his love of astronomy when, at the age of 12, he made a telescope out of lenses given to him by his op cian. Having studied Physics, Mathema cs and Astronomy at Oxford University, he was appointed to the staﬀ of the Jodrell Observatory in 1971 and taught astronomy at the University of Manchester un l his re rement in late 2010. He lectures widely on astronomy, has co‐authored books for amateur astronomers and wri en a text book for undergraduates. He writes regularly for the UK astronomy magazines “Astronomy Now” and “Popular Astronomy”, writes a monthly sky guide (“Night Sky”) for the Observatory's web site and produces an audio version as part of the Jodrell Bank Podcast. He is currently comple ng a handbook of amateur astronomy for Cambridge University Press. In this lecture Ian will talk about how Black Holes seem to have a bad press that is largely undeserved. Ian will explain what Black Holes are, how we can discover them even though they cannot be seen and how Stephen Hawking has shown that they are not totally black!

Late - Observing session/Telescope demonstrations 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 - 3

Global Astronomy Month

April 2013 will again be a busy month for amateur and professional astronomers, educators and astronomy enthusiasts as Global Astronomy Month (GAM) returns. The annual event, organized by Astronomers Without Borders, celebrates the Universe in the spirit of the Interna onal Year of Astronomy 2009 cornerstone project "100 Hours of Astronomy."

"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 celebra on in April 2013 as Global Astronomy Month brings together thousands of passionate individuals and hundreds of organiza ons worldwide to share their enthusiasm in innova ve new ways, connec ng people through a great sense of sharing the Universe! It's a month of celebra ng Astronomers Without Borders' mo o ‐ One People, One Sky!

Deirdre Kelleghan, AWB National Coordinator for Ireland, is ready for Global Astronomy Month 2013. Are you? - Photo credit, Bernard Kelleghan

MAC Committee 2013

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Chairperson – Jason Fallon

Librarian – Adrian Waters

Vice Chairperson – John Lally

Facebook Rep – Jason Fallon/Shane Fallon

Secretary – Seanie Morris

PRO ‐ Dave Connolly

Treasurer – Paul Fitzgerald

Members – Laurence Rigney and Declan Molloy www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 9

Saturday

April 13th

16:30 - Table Quiz

09:30 - 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 registra on form at our check‐in desk! You could win a much sought a er and highly valued, judging by the amount of chea ng that goes on, COSMOS ’13 trophy.

Welcome to COSMOS 2013 please take the me to register at our event and get yourself a number of handouts including the latest MAC newsle er and the latest Sky Maps (www.skymaps.com) for April which can be used over the course of the weekend. As always the MAC commi ee will be on hand and willing to help you out if you have any ques ons or issues during your stay with us, don’t be shy they won’t bite 

18:00 - Finish followed by IFAS Assembly Meeting Immediately following the table quiz, the IFAS General Mee ng will take place for IFAS Reps in the adjoining conservatory.

20:00 - COSMOS Dinner Details for the dinner can be obtained at the registra on desk. Wine may be purchased from Recep on for dinner. Please enquire upon registra on for full details. A er dinner there is the chance to observe the Astronomical Wonders from Annaharvey, or stay inside and chat with friends, old and new.

21:30 - Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Club

“Earth and Other Odd Matters”

Declan has been a member of Midlands Astronomy for a few years now and been an ac ve member of the Commi ee helping to organise various events and observing sessions from day one. Declan is the proud owner of a 16” home made Dobsonian which oﬀers great views of the Universe from his home. Declan's main interest in Astronomy and space include deep sky observa on, contempla ng the sillier side of UFO nonsense and debunking alien abduc on stories.

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! www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 8

10:00 - Opening address by Mr. John Lally, Midlands Astronomy Club Vice-Chairman Our Chairperson John Lally will give a short opening address and cover any administra ve items to ensure your stay with us is both safe and enjoyable.

10:15 - Mr. Albert White, South Dublin AS and ILPAC

“Searching for Earth-sized planets with NASA's Kepler Space Telescope” Albert will present a talk on behalf of Dr. Fergal Mullally from NASA Ames Research Centre. Both studied physics at UCD. Albert kept up his interest in astronomy as an amateur and completed an MSc in Astronomy with the Swinburne University of Technology and finished construc on of his backyard observatory last year. Fergal decided to make a job of Astronomy, ge ng his PhD from the University of Texas. He currently works for the Kepler Space Mission based at NASA's Ames Research Centre in California, where he works on improving data analysis techniques for Kepler data. Finding planets like our own elsewhere in the Galaxy is the first step to answering the age‐old ques on of whether we are alone in the Universe. Unfortunately, it's very hard to see planets around other stars because the glare from the starshine overpowers the faint planets. I will talk a li le about the spacecra , how we find planets, and present some of recent exci ng planet discoveries. www.midlandsastronomy.com Page - 5

Saturday

April 13th

11:45 - Ms. Sara Beck, American Association of Variable Star Observers from Boston, USA

“Variable Stars: Fun and Science”

Observing variable stars can be fun. Submi ng your observa ons to organiza ons such as the American Associa on of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) helps to ensure that your work is also scien fically useful. In this talk, Sara will show what happens when people pool their observa ons into a large database. She will discuss what kinds of informa on can be gleaned from this database, and why professional astronomers find it irresis ble. Sara has been on the staﬀ of the AAVSO in Cambridge, Massachuse s USA since 1990. In recent years, she has been working extensively with the database and has developed so ware tools needed to access and maintain it. She is also the author of the AAVSO Manual for Visual Observing of Variable Stars, which has been translated into ten languages. Sara now resides in Rush, Co. Dublin with her husband John O’Neill. Her hobbies include travel, sailing, and chasing total solar eclipses.

13:00 - Lunch and (Super) Amateur Rocket Launches! Time to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious home‐made food on oﬀer at the Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. A erwards why not step outside where MAC member Bob Campbell has devised a contrap on (wait ll you see it...) to allow us to launch our own li le rockets at COSMOS! All you need is a 1.5litre Pepsi bo le ‐ it has to be this par cular Pepsi bo le because of its neck design and the diameter of the bore. Using a combina on of water and air, we can all take part! (weather permi ng).

Annaharvey Farm, Tullamore, Co. Oﬀaly www.annaharveyfarm.ie

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Equestrian Holidays  Luxury B&B Farm Foods  Art Workshops Equestrian and Outdoor Clothing

14:45 - Prof. Ian Morison, Honorary Prof. Jodrell Bank Observatory

“The Story of Jodrell Bank”

Ian Morison began his love of astronomy when, at the age of 12, he made a telescope out of lenses given to him by his op cian. Having studied Physics, Mathema cs and Astronomy at Oxford University, he was appointed to the staﬀ of the Jodrell Observatory in 1971 and taught astronomy at the University of Manchester un l his re rement in late 2010. In 2003 the Minor Planets Commi ee of the Interna onal Astronomical Union named asteroid 15,727 in his honour ci ng his work with MERLIN, the world's largest linked array of radio telescopes, and that in searching for intelligent life beyond our Solar System in Project Phoenix. In 2007 Ian was appointed Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College, London. This is the oldest chair of astronomy in the world, da ng from 1597, and once held by Christopher Wren. In this, 4 year role, he gave a yearly series of lectures in London which are available to be viewed on the world wide web. He lectures widely on astronomy, has co‐authored books for amateur astronomers and wri en a text book for undergraduates. He writes regularly for the UK astronomy magazines “Astronomy Now” and “Popular Astronomy”, writes a monthly sky guide (“Night Sky”) for the Observatory's web site and produces an audio version as part of the Jodrell Bank Podcast. He is currently comple ng a handbook of amateur astronomy for Cambridge University Press. In this lecture Ian will talk about the history of the famous observatory with its Lovell Radio telescope and MERLIN array. He will chart some of its most important discoveries (Quasars, the Double Pulsar and Gravita onal lenses), show how it s ll plays a major role in radio‐ astronomy and, with its links to the Square Kilometre Array, will con nue to do so in the future.

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