COSMOS 2012

“The Universe “The Universe “The Universe “The Universe comes to Tullamore”comes to Tullamore”comes to Tullamore”comes to Tullamore”

For your enjoyment and safety: For your enjoyment and safety: For your enjoyment and safety: 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 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:When out observing the night time wonders:When out observing the night time wonders: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 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:MAC accepts no responsibility for:MAC accepts no responsibility for: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!

[email protected]

We hope to see you next year from the 12th - 14th April

SundaySundaySundaySunday April 15thApril 15thApril 15thApril 15th

www.midlandsastronomy.com

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Brief history of MAC:Brief history of MAC:Brief history of MAC: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.

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 2012 and beyond.

Where and When?Where and When?Where and When?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-

miBng).

You can see more about the club and its

events on www.midlandsastronomy.com

or contact the club via e-mail at

[email protected]. Mee�ngs are

informal and are aimed at a level to suit all ages.

14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 ---- Mr. Kevin BerwickMr. Kevin BerwickMr. Kevin BerwickMr. Kevin Berwick

“Choosing a telescope”“Choosing a telescope”“Choosing a telescope”“Choosing a telescope”

Like many of us Kevin says he has been interested in the night

sky since he was a child. His first telescope came from

humble beginnings and consisted of two lenses and a painted

cardboard tube. Since then, aperture fever got hold of his

mind (and wallet) he has since bought many other telescopes

and currently has four at home, two of which actually get

used regularly.

Kevin says he has learnt the hard way and has wasted a lot of

cash on unsuitable op�cs over the years. That said, he admits

he has enjoyed many, many happy hours under the night sky,

more than compensa�ng him for his extravagance.

His hope is that aEer a�ending this talk, you will avoid the many

purchasing mistakes that he has made over the years and Kevin

suggest that when it comes to buying telescopes, please “Do as I

say, not as I do!”.

15:45 15:45 15:45 15:45 ---- Raffle and PrizesRaffle and PrizesRaffle and PrizesRaffle 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.

16:15 16:15 16:15 16:15 ---- Closing address and farewellClosing address and farewellClosing address and farewellClosing 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 12th - 14th April, clear skies!

Midlands Astronomy Club has created a Facebook

page so that our members and non-members alike

can:

• Keep up-to-date on

future out-reach 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

19:45 19:45 19:45 19:45 ---- Registration and ExhibitsRegistration and ExhibitsRegistration and ExhibitsRegistration and Exhibits Welcome to COSMOS 2012 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 ☺

20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 ---- Mr. Laurence Rigney, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Laurence Rigney, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Laurence Rigney, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Laurence Rigney, Midlands Astronomy Club

“Intelligent Life in the Universe”“Intelligent Life in the Universe”“Intelligent Life in the Universe”“Intelligent Life in the Universe”

As is tradi�on for COSMOS, the first speaker of our event is

a MAC member and this year it is the turn of Laurence

Rigney.

Laurence has completed a BSc in Physics and Astronomy at

NUI Galway and is currently working as a teacher of Maths

and Science in Tullamore. When not correc�ng homework

Laurence enjoys reading, squash and soccer in his spare

�me and describes himself as a Singulatarian

(h�p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singularitarianism), don't worry

we had to look that up too!!!

Laurence says he’s always had an interest in Astronomy and Sci Fi, par�cularly Star Trek, but

not Star Wars! So he’s obviously a man of good taste.

Laurence’s talk is on intelligent life in the universe and says that one of the main reasons is

that he finds it such an interes�ng topic with huge scope for marrying imagina�on and

science as well as ideas about our own future as a species.

Late Late Late Late ---- Observing sessionObserving sessionObserving sessionObserving 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.


FridayFridayFridayFriday April 13thApril 13thApril 13thApril 13th


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11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 ---- Dr. Apostolos Christou, Armagh ObservatoryDr. Apostolos Christou, Armagh ObservatoryDr. Apostolos Christou, Armagh ObservatoryDr. Apostolos Christou, Armagh Observatory

“Stargazing On Mars”“Stargazing On Mars”“Stargazing On Mars”“Stargazing On Mars”

Dr Apostolos Christou, known to many as "Tolis", is a Research

Astronomer at Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland

(h�p://www.arm.ac.uk). His early interest in Astronomy, partly

inspired by Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" television series, led him to

pursue an academic career in the field. He holds a first (BSc)

degree in Applied Mathema�cs from the University of Athens,

an MSc in the Mathema�cs of Nonlinear Models from Heriot-

Wa� University & the University of Edinburgh and a PhD from

Queen Mary, University of London in Solar System Dynamics.

In 2001, he took a research post in the Armagh Observatory

where he has been ever since. His main research interests

revolve around the origin and evolu�on of small solar system bodies such as asteroids,

comets and planetary satellites. He is also interested in the techniques of spacecraE

guidance, naviga�on and control, in par�cular those concerning deep space missions.

In his (incredibly shrinking) free �me he enjoys the fun side of observing the night sky. He has

increasingly found himself partnering with amateur groups, direc�ng their enthusiasm

towards projects such as occulta�ons, transits etc. that are both fascina�ng to watch and

scien�fically useful. His other hobbies include reading (a lot of it!) watching films and various

types of physical ac�vity such as playing badminton (badly) and running.

13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 ---- Lunch and outdoor observingLunch and outdoor observingLunch and outdoor observingLunch and outdoor observing Time to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious home-made food on offer at the

Annaharvey Equestrian Farm. AEerwards why not step outside for some fresh air and

par�cipate in some outdoor observing, cloud observing is proving very popular these days ☺

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

Equestrian Holidays �� Luxury B&B

Farm Foods �� Art Workshops

Equestrian and Outdoor Clothing



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10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 ---- Mr. Dermot Gannon, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Dermot Gannon, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Dermot Gannon, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Dermot Gannon, Midlands Astronomy Club

“Buran: The Russian Space Shuttle”“Buran: The Russian Space Shuttle”“Buran: The Russian Space Shuttle”“Buran: The Russian Space Shuttle”

Dermot lives in Stradbally Co. Laois and is a secondary school

teacher of Graphics and Construc�on Studies. Like most of us

Dermot’s main hobbies are of course astronomy, but he is

also interested in flying scale aircraE and Ford RS cars.

Dermot says his biggest interest in astronomy is in the area of

space flight especially the NASA Shu�le programme and

Interna�onal Space Sta�on. This lecture was par�cularly

chosen because of his interest in spaceflight/shu�les and

because of the similari�es of Buran to the NASA shu�le.

Dermot also has a keen interest in all aspects of backyard

astronomy.

Currently, Dermot is interested in researching the ISS and the effects of living on it for

extended periods of �me. As a Construc�on Studies teacher you can imagine he can knock

together a few bits of wood which is exactly what he is doing where he is in the last stages of

building a homemade domed observatory.

To the right we can see a recent image of the

Sun taken in H-alpha light by long !me MAC

member Michael O'Connell.

Taken with a Coronado Solarmax 90 filter and

DMK21 camera, the image is made up of 21

smaller images s!tched together to form an

overall mosaic of the Sun. Each single piece

of the mosaic is processed from a 1,000

frame video file captured by the DMK21

camera. In all, it took a whopping 6GB of

data to create this image. The barely visible

blue dot in the top le3 of the image is Earth

shown to scale for compara!ve purposes.

h4p://www.astroshot.com/

April 2012 will again be a busy month for amateur

and professional astronomers, educators and

astronomy enthusiasts as Global Astronomy Month

(GAM) returns for its second edi�on. 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."

This is the third edi�on of GAM, aEer its launch last year, when Astronomers

Without Borders (AWB) coordinated seven global events dedicated to remote

observing, figh�ng light pollu�on, world peace, observa�ons of the sky and

cultural manifesta�ons, as well as encouraging the organiza�on 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 celebra�on in April 2012 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 2012. Are you? - Photo credit, Bernard Kelleghan G

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-- -- A

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2A

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Librarian – Adrian Waters

Facebook Rep – Jason Fallon/Shane Fallon

Members – Laurence Rigney, Darren Dempsey

and Michael O’Connell

Chairperson – Declan Molloy

Vice Chairperson – John Lally

Secretary – Seanie Morris

Treasurer – Paul Fitzgerald

MAC Committee 2012MAC Committee 2012MAC Committee 2012MAC Committee 2012

SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday April 14thApril 14thApril 14thApril 14th



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16:30 16:30 16:30 16:30 ---- Table QuizTable QuizTable QuizTable Quiz 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 aEer and highly valued, judging by the amount of chea�ng that goes on,

COSMOS ’12 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

ques�ons.

18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 ---- Finish followed by IFAS Assembly MeetingFinish followed by IFAS Assembly MeetingFinish followed by IFAS Assembly MeetingFinish 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 20:00 20:00 20:00 ---- COSMOS DinnerCOSMOS DinnerCOSMOS DinnerCOSMOS 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. AEer dinner there is the

chance to observe the Astronomical Wonders from Annaharvey, or stay inside and chat with

friends, old and new.









10:15 10:15 10:15 10:15 ---- Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Club ChairmanClub ChairmanClub ChairmanClub Chairman Our Chairperson Declan Molloy will give a short opening address and cover any

administra�ve items to ensure your stay with us is both safe and enjoyable.

10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 ---- Mr. Girvan McKay, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Girvan McKay, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Girvan McKay, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Girvan McKay, Midlands Astronomy Club

“Return To Vostok”“Return To Vostok”“Return To Vostok”“Return To Vostok” Girvan says he hasn’t recently been very active in

observational astronomy, having been taken up with other

things (writing, publishing, etc.). However, he has long

enjoyed astronomy, and in particular he has had an interest in

exobiology and the search for life in the universe. Like many

of us Girvan says “I like a warm bed too much to be out

observing on frosty nights”.

As for hobbies and other pursuits, Girvan’s main interests are

in linguistics which in the past he has tried to link to

astronomy.

Filler Check out Ireland’s largest community of Amateur Astronomers online, with forums,

observing aids, monthly publica�ons, compe��ons, and more.

www.irishastonomy.org




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11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 ---- Mr. Thierry LegaultMr. Thierry LegaultMr. Thierry LegaultMr. Thierry Legault

“In pursuit of space ships”“In pursuit of space ships”“In pursuit of space ships”“In pursuit of space ships”

Thierry is an engineer by trade and lives in the suburbs of

Paris in a site that is very polluted by city lights but from here

he can take images of the Sun, the Moon, planets and nebulas

with narrow band filters but for deep sky imaging (galaxies,

comets, nebulas...) he, like many of use, has to travel to

darker skies.

Thierry became interested in digital astrophotography in the

beginning of 90's with high resolu�on lunar and planetary

imaging. This work lead to him wri�ng two books “The New

Atlas of the Moon” with Serge Brunier and

"Astrophotographie". Thierry has also wri�en numerous

ar�cles and lectures about imaging in Europe and USA (Sky

and Telescope, Ciel et Espace, Astronomie Magazine, Chasseur d'Images to name a few).

Thierry has a number of bragging rights, the asteroid number 19458 has been officially

named Legault at the Interna�onal Astronomical Union. His photographs, especially of space

shu�le and space sta�on, have been published in newspapers and magazines and have been

shown on TV worldwide and in May 2009, he was able to a�end the launch of the space

shu�le Atlan�s for the STS-125 mission (the last Hubble servicing mission) from the press site

of the Kennedy Space Centre and later visit the hall where the shu�le Discovery was being

prepared for a future flight.

Thierry’s current focus is on the ISS and satellite imaging and he employs two methods to do

this: passages in front of the Sun (or the Moon) and twilight video captures with a dedicated

automa�c tracking telescope. This chase of satellites, in addi�on with total eclipses, leads him

to travel across Europe and even some�mes Africa, America and Oceania.




14:45 14:45 14:45 14:45 ---- Mr. Eamonn Ansbro, Breffni StarwalkersMr. Eamonn Ansbro, Breffni StarwalkersMr. Eamonn Ansbro, Breffni StarwalkersMr. Eamonn Ansbro, Breffni Starwalkers

“Surveying for Edgeworth Kuiper Belt Objects from “Surveying for Edgeworth Kuiper Belt Objects from “Surveying for Edgeworth Kuiper Belt Objects from “Surveying for Edgeworth Kuiper Belt Objects from Ireland”Ireland”Ireland”Ireland”

Eamonn has been involved in astronomy since the age of 8

and progressed to making his own mirrors from 4 to 18 inches

diameter and later telescopes. Eventually Eamonn set up a

home-built 18-inch telescope and observatory in Dublin

where he led the “Gang of Ten” observing team, and made a

number of discoveries. His most important discoveries so far

are co-discovery of a hydrogen envelope around the rings of

Saturn published in Nature; Lunar moonquakes aler�ng NASA

and a nova which catapulted him onto the RTE main news.

From his Dublin observatory, Eamonn has also carried out

ground-breaking work in the area of variable stars. He

coordinated the work of variable star observing groups

around the world, and served as Co-Editor of the Amateur Variable Star Directory of the

Interna�onal Union of Amateur Astronomers and presented his findings to the IAU. As Vice

President of the Interna�onal Union of Amateur Astronomers he was able to bring the IUAA

General Assembly to Dublin.

Eamonn now lives up in the hills in a remote corner of County Roscommon. Being off the

beaten track with no television, for entertainment he has resorted to studying for a Masters

degree in Astronomy, discovering a change in albedo in the belts of Jupiter since one of the

last space probes was there. He is currently wri�ng up his PhD thesis at the Planetary Space

Science Research Ins�tute at Open University, having designed and built a robo�c 36-inch

telescope and carried out a successful 4-year outer solar system high eclip�c survey. He is a

Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and has wri�en and published over 50 ar�cles and

papers in the field of astronomy. Always maintaining his commitment to amateur

astronomers as well as the professional astronomy community, Eamonn is a founding

member of a new astronomical club in the Northwest, the Breffni Starwalkers in Co. Leitrim.

16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 ---- BreakBreakBreakBreak Time to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious home-made food on offer at the

Annaharvey Equestrian Farm.




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16:30 16:30 16:30 16:30 ---- Table QuizTable QuizTable QuizTable Quiz 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 aEer and highly valued, judging by the amount of chea�ng that goes on,

COSMOS ’12 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

ques�ons.

18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 ---- Finish followed by IFAS Assembly MeetingFinish followed by IFAS Assembly MeetingFinish followed by IFAS Assembly MeetingFinish 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 20:00 20:00 20:00 ---- COSMOS DinnerCOSMOS DinnerCOSMOS DinnerCOSMOS 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. AEer dinner there is the

chance to observe the Astronomical Wonders from Annaharvey, or stay inside and chat with

friends, old and new.









10:15 10:15 10:15 10:15 ---- Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Open address by Mr. Declan Molloy, Midlands Astronomy Club ChairmanClub ChairmanClub ChairmanClub Chairman Our Chairperson Declan Molloy will give a short opening address and cover any

administra�ve items to ensure your stay with us is both safe and enjoyable.

10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 ---- Mr. Girvan McKay, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Girvan McKay, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Girvan McKay, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Girvan McKay, Midlands Astronomy Club

“Return To Vostok”“Return To Vostok”“Return To Vostok”“Return To Vostok” Girvan says he hasn’t recently been very active in

observational astronomy, having been taken up with other

things (writing, publishing, etc.). However, he has long

enjoyed astronomy, and in particular he has had an interest in

exobiology and the search for life in the universe. Like many

of us Girvan says “I like a warm bed too much to be out

observing on frosty nights”.

As for hobbies and other pursuits, Girvan’s main interests are

in linguistics which in the past he has tried to link to

astronomy.

Filler Check out Ireland’s largest community of Amateur Astronomers online, with forums,

observing aids, monthly publica�ons, compe��ons, and more.

www.irishastonomy.org



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10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 ---- Mr. Dermot Gannon, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Dermot Gannon, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Dermot Gannon, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Dermot Gannon, Midlands Astronomy Club

“Buran: The Russian Space Shuttle”“Buran: The Russian Space Shuttle”“Buran: The Russian Space Shuttle”“Buran: The Russian Space Shuttle”

Dermot lives in Stradbally Co. Laois and is a secondary school

teacher of Graphics and Construc�on Studies. Like most of us

Dermot’s main hobbies are of course astronomy, but he is

also interested in flying scale aircraE and Ford RS cars.

Dermot says his biggest interest in astronomy is in the area of

space flight especially the NASA Shu�le programme and

Interna�onal Space Sta�on. This lecture was par�cularly

chosen because of his interest in spaceflight/shu�les and

because of the similari�es of Buran to the NASA shu�le.

Dermot also has a keen interest in all aspects of backyard

astronomy.

Currently, Dermot is interested in researching the ISS and the effects of living on it for

extended periods of �me. As a Construc�on Studies teacher you can imagine he can knock

together a few bits of wood which is exactly what he is doing where he is in the last stages of

building a homemade domed observatory.

To the right we can see a recent image of the

Sun taken in H-alpha light by long !me MAC

member Michael O'Connell.

Taken with a Coronado Solarmax 90 filter and

DMK21 camera, the image is made up of 21

smaller images s!tched together to form an

overall mosaic of the Sun. Each single piece

of the mosaic is processed from a 1,000

frame video file captured by the DMK21

camera. In all, it took a whopping 6GB of

data to create this image. The barely visible

blue dot in the top le3 of the image is Earth

shown to scale for compara!ve purposes.

h4p://www.astroshot.com/

April 2012 will again be a busy month for amateur

and professional astronomers, educators and

astronomy enthusiasts as Global Astronomy Month

(GAM) returns for its second edi�on. 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."

This is the third edi�on of GAM, aEer its launch last year, when Astronomers

Without Borders (AWB) coordinated seven global events dedicated to remote

observing, figh�ng light pollu�on, world peace, observa�ons of the sky and

cultural manifesta�ons, as well as encouraging the organiza�on 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 celebra�on in April 2012 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 2012. Are you? - Photo credit, Bernard Kelleghan G

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-- -- A

pril

201

2A

pril

201

2A

pril

201

2A

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201

2

Librarian – Adrian Waters

Facebook Rep – Jason Fallon/Shane Fallon

Members – Laurence Rigney, Darren Dempsey

and Michael O’Connell

Chairperson – Declan Molloy

Vice Chairperson – John Lally

Secretary – Seanie Morris

Treasurer – Paul Fitzgerald

MAC Committee 2012MAC Committee 2012MAC Committee 2012MAC Committee 2012






20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 ---- Mr. Laurence Rigney, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Laurence Rigney, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Laurence Rigney, Midlands Astronomy ClubMr. Laurence Rigney, Midlands Astronomy Club

“Intelligent Life in the Universe”“Intelligent Life in the Universe”“Intelligent Life in the Universe”“Intelligent Life in the Universe”

As is tradi�on for COSMOS, the first speaker of our event is

a MAC member and this year it is the turn of Laurence

Rigney.

Laurence has completed a BSc in Physics and Astronomy at

NUI Galway and is currently working as a teacher of Maths

and Science in Tullamore. When not correc�ng homework

Laurence enjoys reading, squash and soccer in his spare

�me and describes himself as a Singulatarian

(h�p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singularitarianism), don't worry

we had to look that up too!!!

Laurence says he’s always had an interest in Astronomy and Sci Fi, par�cularly Star Trek, but

not Star Wars! So he’s obviously a man of good taste.

Laurence’s talk is on intelligent life in the universe and says that one of the main reasons is

that he finds it such an interes�ng topic with huge scope for marrying imagina�on and

science as well as ideas about our own future as a species.





FridayFridayFridayFriday April 13thApril 13thApril 13thApril 13th


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11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 ---- Dr. Apostolos Christou, Armagh ObservatoryDr. Apostolos Christou, Armagh ObservatoryDr. Apostolos Christou, Armagh ObservatoryDr. Apostolos Christou, Armagh Observatory

“Stargazing On Mars”“Stargazing On Mars”“Stargazing On Mars”“Stargazing On Mars”

Dr Apostolos Christou, known to many as "Tolis", is a Research

Astronomer at Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland

(h�p://www.arm.ac.uk). His early interest in Astronomy, partly

inspired by Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" television series, led him to

pursue an academic career in the field. He holds a first (BSc)

degree in Applied Mathema�cs from the University of Athens,

an MSc in the Mathema�cs of Nonlinear Models from Heriot-

Wa� University & the University of Edinburgh and a PhD from

Queen Mary, University of London in Solar System Dynamics.

In 2001, he took a research post in the Armagh Observatory

where he has been ever since. His main research interests

revolve around the origin and evolu�on of small solar system bodies such as asteroids,

comets and planetary satellites. He is also interested in the techniques of spacecraE

guidance, naviga�on and control, in par�cular those concerning deep space missions.

In his (incredibly shrinking) free �me he enjoys the fun side of observing the night sky. He has

increasingly found himself partnering with amateur groups, direc�ng their enthusiasm

towards projects such as occulta�ons, transits etc. that are both fascina�ng to watch and

scien�fically useful. His other hobbies include reading (a lot of it!) watching films and various

types of physical ac�vity such as playing badminton (badly) and running.




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

Equestrian Holidays �� Luxury B&B

Farm Foods �� Art Workshops

Equestrian and Outdoor Clothing



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Brief history of MAC:Brief history of MAC:Brief history of MAC: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.

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 2012 and beyond.

Where and When?Where and When?Where and When?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-

miBng).

You can see more about the club and its

events on www.midlandsastronomy.com

or contact the club via e-mail at

[email protected]. Mee�ngs are

informal and are aimed at a level to suit all ages.

14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 ---- Mr. Kevin BerwickMr. Kevin BerwickMr. Kevin BerwickMr. Kevin Berwick

“Choosing a telescope”“Choosing a telescope”“Choosing a telescope”“Choosing a telescope”

Like many of us Kevin says he has been interested in the night

sky since he was a child. His first telescope came from

humble beginnings and consisted of two lenses and a painted

cardboard tube. Since then, aperture fever got hold of his

mind (and wallet) he has since bought many other telescopes

and currently has four at home, two of which actually get

used regularly.

Kevin says he has learnt the hard way and has wasted a lot of

cash on unsuitable op�cs over the years. That said, he admits

he has enjoyed many, many happy hours under the night sky,

more than compensa�ng him for his extravagance.

His hope is that aEer a�ending this talk, you will avoid the many

purchasing mistakes that he has made over the years and Kevin

suggest that when it comes to buying telescopes, please “Do as I

say, not as I do!”.

15:45 15:45 15:45 15:45 ---- Raffle and PrizesRaffle and PrizesRaffle and PrizesRaffle 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.

16:15 16:15 16:15 16:15 ---- Closing address and farewellClosing address and farewellClosing address and farewellClosing 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 12th - 14th April, clear skies!

Midlands Astronomy Club has created a Facebook

page so that our members and non-members alike

can:

• Keep up-to-date on

future out-reach 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

“The Universe “The Universe “The Universe “The Universe comes to Tullamore”comes to Tullamore”comes to Tullamore”comes to Tullamore”

For your enjoyment and safety: For your enjoyment and safety: For your enjoyment and safety: 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 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:When out observing the night time wonders:When out observing the night time wonders: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 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:MAC accepts no responsibility for:MAC accepts no responsibility for: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!

[email protected]

We hope to see you next year from the 12th - 14th April

COSMOS 2012

Documents

Transcript of COSMOS 2012