Connacht Star Party Galway City Ireland Jan 28th, 10 am- 11pm

Galway Astronomy Club host their 3rd Connacht Star Party on Saturday January 28th 2006. This year's event is not themed and as you can see is geared towards a wider audience than before. Entry fee is still priced at only €20. Concessions €10. Venue is the Westwood House Hotel. http://www.westwoodhousehotel.com/

Speakers
Dr Mary Bruck

"Irish Wives in two famous Astronomical Parterships"

Mary Brück was born in Co. Meath, and is a Physics graduate of University College Dublin. She obtained her PhD at Edinburgh in the field of solar spectroscopy, after which she was appointed as an astronomer at Dunsink Observatory where her main research interests focused on photographic measurements of the colours and brightness of stars.She then moved to Edinburgh University gaining her doctorate for research in "Studies of H-Alpha line profiles in prominences" . In 1957 she encouraged her husband, the late Professor Hermann Brück, to apply for the post of Astronomer Royal for Scotland. He held this post until his retirement in 1975. The Brücks were the last family of astronomers to live in the official residence at the Royal Observatory.

Her most recent Book is entitled: "Agnes Mary Clerke & the rise of Astrophysics http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/052...lance&n=283155

Agnes Clerke, a woman historian of astronomy of the last half of the 19th century details a significant period in the rise of modern astrophysics with the development of larger and better telescopes, the use of photography in the mapping of the skies, and the invention of the spectro-heliograph. Working primarily from archival sources. In this captivating biography, Dr Mary Brück describes the life and work of a erudite but unassuming woman. The story chronicles the development of astronomy in the last decades of pre-Einstein science, introducing many of the great figures of that age, their achievements and rivalries. She also explores, for example, Clerke's friendship with William and Margaret Huggins, and her prolific correspondence with eminent astronomers of the age such as David Gill of Cape and George Ellery Hale of CA.




Leo Enright:

"Mars 3-D"

Ever wondered what it would be like to walk on the surface of Mars? Find out during this unique presentation by Leo Enright, with a new illustrated lecture presented entirely in 3-D!


http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/




Dr Paul Roche:

21st Century Robotic Telescopes

Dr. Paul Roche is Director of the Faulkes Telescope Project, and UK National Schools' Astronomer. Based at Cardiff University He was Lecturer in Astronomy at Sussex University, Head of Education at the UK National Space Centre, and presented the BBC2 monthly astronomy/space programme "Final Frontier", and more recently the BBC "All Night Star Party" and "Stardate: Venus Transit" shows.

http://www.faulkes-telescope.com/



Dr Sean O'Donnell:

"William Rowan Hamilton - A Reluctant Astronomer"

Dr Sean O'Donnell is a Science graduate from Galway and Edinburgh universities who for many years contributed a weekly Science column in the Irish Press and articles on famous Irish scientists and astronomers. His books include William Rowan Hamilton - a Portrait of a Prodigy.



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There will be a first CSP 06 Dinner in the evening from the hotel's extensive menu (optional extra), Table Quiz afterwards.

We will be holding an imaging workshop during the lunch break.

The NUI Galway Observatory will again be open to the attendees by Professor Mike Redfern and if weather is good bring your own 'scopes.



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PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):

9.00-10.00: Registration
10.00: President of NUIG
10.15: Leo Enright
11.30: Mary Bruck
12.45-14.15: Lunch and Workshop
14.15: Paul Roche
15.30: Coffee/Raffle
16.00: Sean O'Donnell
17.15: Announcements eg other clubs/Star Parties etc

18.00: NUIG observatory open. Mike Redfern will give a tour.

19.30: Dinner- cost: EUR33.50 (a real gala dinner- lovely selection!)

21.30: Table Quiz