Nationwide Mars Geminid Watches
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| Dundalk Mars
Geminid Watch Photo:
Derek Watters |
Paul Farquarson and
his 14" Celestron Cr:
T. Finnegan |
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| Mars from the
Phoenix
Park
Photo: Tom Finnegan |
Rory Rudden and
David Moore Photo:
Tom Finnegan |
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| Looking for
Geminids
Photo: Tom Finnegan |
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On 14 December Astronomy Ireland held watches watches in several
locations around Ireland. Mars is visible and relatively close to the Earth at
the moment. In addition this time of year the Geminids produce a
celestial fireworks display second to none.
REports from around the
country
Dublin:
About a hundred people showed up at
the Dublin viewing point - the papal cross carpark on what was a cold,
partially cloudy evening. People started arriving from
7:30pm. While there was a light covering of cloud for the event
nevertheless most people saw several Geminids and Mars was visible,
though some of the time through light cloud. Telescopes also
picked out the amazing Comet Holmes, which has graced our skies for
the last few months. Many people stayed on until close to 11pm.
Co.Carlow:
Co. Cork:
Martin
Lynch had a crowd of 15-20 people at John F. Kennedy Park. It
was very cold and mostly cloudy. Nevertheless they got excellent
views of Mars and its polar ice caps (very seasonal). so a great
time had by all.
Co. Louth Dundalk:
Derek Watters
reported:
Despite significant cloud cover during
daylight hours, the skies thankfully cleared up shortly before
our starting time of 8pm. Thin high cloud remained until
about 9pm but did not ruin the event.
Due to new lighting at our former
meeting location at Blackrock, we decided to meet up at Seabank
carpark which has significantly less light pollution. Our new
location proved quite successful with about 25 people in
attendance. As the telescopes were being set up I provided a
tour of the constellations in the winter skies. Then it was
time for Mars and although the seeing was not perfect some surface
details were visible. Everyone present was also treated to
views of Comet Holmes, Andromeda and the Orion nebula.
In addition, we counted the
Geminids that blazed across the sky. Many people present had
only seen 1 or 2 "falling stars" in their lives.
We counted 45 before we left and there were many cries of
"wow" at some of the bigger and brighter meteors.
Everyone expressed delight at
the event, apart from the cold weather!
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