MAC Pres: COSMOS 2009 Mar 27th - 29th, Annaharvey, Tullamore

Seanie M

Hi Everyone,

it is only a matter of a few short weeks until the Midlands Astronomy Club, formerly Tullamore Astronomical Society, will host its annual Spring Star Party, and Ireland's second-longest running such event, COSMOS 2009.

THE DETAILS
When? Friday March 27th to Sunday 29th
Where? Annaharvey Equestrian Farm, 4 miles outside Tullamore, County Offaly
What? A weekend of Cosmic Significance, with guest lecturers, displays and exhibits, Buy and Sell, Q&A, Observing, A Cosmic Dinner, Raffle, Quizes, and more!


THE HIGHLIGHTS
- Mr. Bob Campbell, Midlands Astronomy Club
"Then & Now: A Brief History of TAS"

- Prof. Alan Fitzsimmons, Queens University Belfast
"Pan-STARRS: Killer Asteroids and other Humdrum Science"

- Ms. Amanda Ryan
"Gravitational Lensing, Microlensing and Planet Detection"

- Mr. Robert Hill, Armagh Observatory
"Using the latest 3D Technology in Astronomy and Science Education"

- Mr. Kieran Rooney, Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society
"The Dark Art of CCD Imaging"

- Prof. Denis O'Sullivan, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
"The Apollo Missions and Ireland's First Space Experiments - and What Happened After"

- Guy Consolmagno, Vatican Observatory (in conjunction with Gonzaga College, Dublin)
"Are Asteroids Fluffy?"

Re-introduced to the program will be the Cosmos Table Quiz on Saturday.


THE LOWLIGHTS
Accommodation: Annaharvey is booked out, but a list of B&B's etc is on our website
Admission Price: COSMOS 2009 is NOT a ticket-only event, so do not worry about booking a place. The admission rates are:

€45 Weekend // €35 Concession
€25 Day (Saturday or Sunday only) // €20 Concession
€5 Spot Lecture or Friday night only

NOTES
Concessions include Senior Citizens (retired) and Students with a valid I.D. Children 12 years old and under are gladly welcomed free but MUST be accompanied with an adult.
All admissions include complimentary tea/coffee breaks, but exclude lunches and dinner. The Cosmic Dinner is on Saturday night, and as always is booked on a first come, first served basis during admissions, so get here early!


TAS/MAC has always had a history of making this event as welcoming as possible, and this year is no different. We encourage you to bring your own display, anything you like (as long as it is Astronomical), even your own buy and sell, club leaflets, posters, astrophotography - you choose!

More details on directions, and that accommodation list, can be found on our homepage:

www.midlandsastronomy.com


Clear Skies,

Seanie Morris,
MAC Secretary.

Seanie M

Some details also being discussed here:

http://www.irishastronomy.org/cms/forum?func=view&catid=11&id=77030

Seanie.

Seanie M

A downloadable program will be posted here soon, but the itinerary is as follows:


FRIDAY MARCH 27TH
19:45 – Registration

20:30 Mr. Bob Campbell, Midlands Astronomy Club
"Then & Now: A Brief History of TAS"

22:00 Enjoy the Night Sky!
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!


SATURDAY MARCH 28TH
09:30 – Registration opens

10:00 – Welcome Address and Official Opening to Cosmos 2009

10:15 Ms. Amanda Ryan
"Gravitational Lensing, Microlensing and Planet Detection"

11:30 – Break Refreshments provided

12:00 Prof. Alan Fitzsimmons, Queen’s University, Belfast
"Pan-STARRS: Killer Asteroids and other Humdrum Science"

13:15 – Lunch

14:30 Br. Guy Consolmagno, Vatican Observatory
"Are Asteroids Fluffy?"

15:45 – Break & Table Quiz preparations Refreshments provided

16:30 The COSMOS 2009 Table Quiz!
The team with the most points will win the COSMOS 2009 Trophies. Questions are varied, and are not just on Astronomy.

18:00 – Finish for the day. IFAS General Meeting will also take place for IFAS Reps in the adjoining conservatory.

19:45 The COSMOS 2009 Cosmic Dinner
Limited numbers. Details are at the registration desk. Wine may be purchased from Reception. Please enquire upon registration. After dinner there is the chance to observe the Astronomical Wonders from Annaharvey, or stay inside and chat with friends, old and new.

22:00 Enjoy the Night Sky!
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!


SUNDAY MARCH 29TH
10:00 Registration
The time also gives visitors a chance to view the exhibits, and perhaps some Solar Observing outside.

11:00 Mr. Robert Hill, Manager of the Northern Ireland Space Office at Armagh Planetarium
"Using the latest 3D technology in astronomy and science education"

12:30 – Lunch

13:45 Mr. Kieran Rooney, Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society
"The Dark Art of CCD Imaging"

15:00 – Break Refreshments provided

15:30 Prof. Denis O’Sullivan, Prof. Emeritus at the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies
"The Apollo Missions and Ireland's First Space Experiments - and What Happened After"

16:45 – Raffle for some great prizes

17:00 – Closing and farewell address.


Times subject to change without notice, but COSMOS has a reputation for keeping on track in previous years!

More details will follow later,

Seanie.