"COSMOS 2005" Star Party, Tullamore - April 1st to 3rd

Seanie M

Hi all,
before I begin, I'd like to state this thread has been ok'd by moderator Redshift, that it can be on its own, instead of in the Upcoming Astronomy Events.... thread, thanks.

Tullamore Astronomical Society will be host to this years COSMOS 2005 Star Party, Ireland's second longest running star party since 1990.

Name: COSMOS 2005
Dates: April 1st to 3rd 2005
Venue: Annaharvey Equestrian Farm
Location: 3 miles from Tullamore, County Offaly.


What is it?
This is just like all the other star parties. Its simply there to help promote interest in Astronomy and allied subjects, inviting expert speakers to come and give talks, and allow astronomers and like-minded people (or yes, nerds!) to come together and basically have some astronomical fun over the weekend.


Guest Speakers List:

The following will be speaking (with their talk title) at this years event:

Peter Coxon, Associate Professor, Dept. of Geography, Trinity College Dublin
“Long-term (and not so long-term) Astronomical Influences on the Irish Climate and Landscape”


Ms. Grainne Kirwan, MSc MLitt BA, Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, & Tullamore Astronomical Society
“Psychology For Space Farers”


Dr. Neil Trappe, B.Sc. Ph.D., Dept. Experimental Physics, NUI Maynooth
“Submillimetre Astronomy”


Mr. Terry Moseley, Irish Astronomical Association
“Chasing The Moon’s Shadow”


Ian Sanders, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Geology, Trinity College Dublin.
“Origins of the Solar System found in Meteorites”


Mr. Frank Concannon, Tullamore Astronomical Society
“The Markree Observatory & Its Catalogue”

In addition to the speakers, there will also be displays and exhibits, Astronomy "buy & sell", a Free Table Quiz for visitors on Saturday afternoon, a raffle for some great prizes, Observing Sessions on Fridayand Saturday nights (weather ermitting, and Cosmic Dinner on Saturday night (extra, limited numbers).
It is completely informal and everyone of all ages is most welcome to come.

Prices: €40 (€30 students*) whole weekend. €20 (€15 student*) Saturday or Sunday (Sunday includes Saturday nights' activities).

*Student price is granted on production of a vaid ISIC card ONLY.

More details can be found on the website www.tullamoreastronomy.com, or e-mailing the club at tullamoreastronomy@yahoo.co.uk.

I will keep this post updated should any changes occur in the coming 2 weeks.

Clear Skies!!

Seanie Morris,
TAS Secretary.
087 6825910

Seanie M

COSMOS 2005 PROGRAMME

FRIDAY APRIL 1ST:
19:30 - Registration

20:15 - Presentation to GOAL

20:30 - Ms Grainne Kirwan, MSc MLitt BA, Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, & Tullamore Astronomical Society
“Psychology For Space Farers”

22:00 – Observing Session and/or Indoor Activities


SATURDAY APRIL 2ND:
9:15 - Registration

9:45 - Official Opening

10:00 - Dr. Neil Trappe, B.Sc. Ph.D., Dept. Experimental Physics, NUI Maynooth
“Submillimetre Astronomy”

11:15 - Coffee Break

11:45 - Ian Sanders, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Geology, Trinity College Dublin.
“Origins of the Solar System found in Meteorites”

13:15 - 14:30 Lunch

14:45 - Peter Coxon, Associate Professor, Dept. of Geography, Trinity College Dublin
“Long-term (and not so long-term) Astronomical Influences on the Irish Climate and Landscape”

16:00 - Coffee Break

16:30 - Table Quiz

18:00 - Break for Cosmic Dinner

19:30 - Cosmic Dinner (Limited Numbers, enquire with Deirdre Campbell (Treasurer) on arrival)

22:00 – Observing Session and/or Saturday Night’s Activities


SUNDAY APRIL 3RD:
10:00 - IFAS General Meeting (IFAS Committee Members only)

11:15 - Mr. Frank Concannon, Tullamore Astronomical Society
“The Markree Observatory & Its Catalogue”

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch

13:45 - Mr. Terry Moseley, Irish Astronomical Association
“Chasing The Moon’s Shadow”

15:00 – Raffle & Presentations

15:45 - Farewell Address

Times, titles, and speakers are subject to change at short notice.

Seanie M

A review of Cosmos 2005.

Without boring the readers to death, it turned out to be a very enjoyable event! many people came from all over the island to listen to the guest speakers, look at the exhibits, take part in the Table Quiz, and have fun and relax, all at the same time!

Saturday night offered many hours observing. We saw loads of satellites, including a Triplet (can't remember if its an NOAA-or-other triplet), and 2 Iridium Flares. There were 14 telescopes on display and 3 binoculars, offering observer sights such as Jupiter (including the disappearance of Europa behind the disk), Saturn (and 2 of its satellites), the Orion Nebula, the Whirlpool Galaxy, loads of Messier objects, and plenty of starclusters and galaxies.

Prior to this was the Cosmic Dinner. Annaharvey were able to squeeze as many as possible into the banqueting room for a thoroughly enjoyable 4-course meal.

The level of speakers was agreed to be of an excelent calibre and standard. TAS is in debted to their services for making the weekend a memorable one.

We look forward to organising next years event, taking place on April 21st to 23rd. So far, Dr. Neil Bone of Astronomy Now has been confirmed.

Soon, you can read an in-depth review on our website with pictures, and it may even feture in Astronomy Now!

Clear Skies,

Seanie Morris.

albertw

Seanie M wrote:

loads of Messier objects

My particular favourite was using different parts of my eyes averted vision to see as much of Eskimo nebula in the 10" SN as possible! Close behind were the various open clusters through the Nagler eyepieces in the Meades, those hand-grenade eyepieces are cool.

All in all a great weekend. Congratulations to Seaning and all at TAS!

Cheers,
~Al