Eamonn Ansbro has been involved in astronomy since the age of 8 when given a present of “The Boy’s Book of Space”.  From being an enthusiastic observer, Eamonn progressed to making his own mirrors and he then went on to make telescopes.  He eventually set up an observatory in Dublin where he made a number of significant discoveries (co-discovery of a hydrogen envelope around the rings of Saturn in1974; discovery of moonquakes in 1975; and discovery of a new star in 1976). 

From his Dublin observatory Eamonn carried out groundbreaking work in the area of variable stars.  He coordinated the work of variable star observing groups around the world, and was Co-Editor of the Amateur Variable Star Directory of the IUAA.  Always one to promote Irish astronomy, as Vice President of the International Union of Amateur Astronomers he brought the IUAA general assembly to Dublin. 

Eamonn has always taken a hands-on approach to his learning in astronomy, with an emphasis on practical observing skills.  In addition to receiving training as a meteorologist, he received a Masters degree in Astronomy from the University of Western Sydney in Australia and is currently carrying out research for a PhD at the Planetary Space Science Research Institute (UK).  He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and has written and published over 40 articles and papers about astronomy, optics and extraterrestrial intelligence.  He took time out from astronomy to set up a business in optical engineering with factories in Dublin and Bantry, and is currently developing 3D imaging products.

Eamonn’s current astronomy projects include the development of a range of telescope facilities at Kingsland Observatory in County Roscommon.  The focus of his current research is Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt Objects (EKBOs).  This topic meshes with another life-long interest, that of discovering a Tenth Planet in the solar system.  He recently discovered that his early correspondence with Clyde Tombaugh (discoverer of Pluto) has been catalogued in Tombaugh’s archives at the University of New Mexico.  Eamonn is now collaborating with some of the current experts in “Planet X” research.   These include Prof. John Murray, whose theories caused a considerable stir when first published.

Eamonn Ansbro being hoisted to the 'business end' of one of the largest private owned telescopes anywhere in the world (36-inch reflector) with which he is conducting a cutting-edge search for Planet X at the suggestion of UK and USA based researchers. Could an Irishman find the Sun's 10th planet? Come to his lecture March 14 or order the April and March 2003 issues of our magazine for a
2 part series on his Kingsland Observatory in Co. Roscommon (order here)

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