Links

From #south Dublin Astronomical Society

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• 1 The Sun
• 2 The Moon
• 3 Eclipses, occultations, and transits
• 4 The planets
• 5 Dwarf and minor planets
• 6 Comets
• 7 Meteors and meteorites
• 8 Stars, constellations, and atlases
• 9 Variable stars
• 10 Deep Sky Observing
• 11 Cosmology
• 12 Atmospheric optics
• 13 Myth and folklore
• 14 History of astronomy and space
• 15 Spaceflight
  • 15.1 News
  • 15.2 Agencies
  • 15.3 Missions
• 16 Artificial Satellites
• 17 Hobby advice and forums
• 18 Binoculars, telescopes and equipment
• 19 Astrophotography, sketching, and galleries
• 20 Astronomical computing
• 21 Podcasts and radio shows
• 22 News sources
• 23 Magazines and journals
• 24 Educational
• 25 Retailers
  • 25.1 Small ads
  • 25.2 Books
  • 25.3 Telescopes, binoculars, and accessories
  • 25.4 Astronomy tours
• 26 Weather data
• 27 Light Pollution
• 28 Observatories, Planetaria, and Organisations
• 29 Science Fiction
• 30 Miscellaneous
• 31 Irish interest
• 32 Astronomy groups around Ireland
  • 32.1 Organisations
  • 32.2 National Clubs
  • 32.3 Regional Clubs

The Sun

• Space Weather keeps tabs on the Sun-Earth environment, bright comets, meteor showers, and atmospheric phenomena.

• Big Bear Solar Observatory in California posts images of the Sun taken in visible light and other wavelengths.

• The National Solar Observatory in New Mexico also posts images taken daily of the Sun

• The Solar Influences Data Analysis Center provides the latest sunspot data.

• Marshall Space-Flight Center has a great overview of solar physics.

• The History of Solar Physics is a very interesting solar history timeline.

• Space Weather is a useful aurora resource that archives reports from aurora watchers worldwide.

• Aurora News gives the low down on space weather conditions.

• The Space Environment Center provides detailed data on the current conditions in the Sun-Earth environment.

• Aurorawatch UK features a magnetometer hooked up to the internet.

• The British Sundial Society have a very interesting site on these time pieces.

• Michael J. Harley maintains a page about sundials around Ireland (categorised by county).

The Moon

• MoonPoster.ie Detailed Lunar poster printed in Ireland.

• Lunar Photo of the Day.

• The US Naval Observatory provide a phases of the Moon page. A page on the visibility of the young lunar crescent is here.

• The lunar perigee and apogee calculator. An explanation of what’s actually happening can be found here.

• The US Geological Survey maintains the list of approved Solar System body names.

• The Lunar and Planetary Institute has detailed large scale maps of the Moon that can be downloaded.

• Here you will find an interactive photographic atlas of the Moon.

• Here is an interesting pot-pourri of pages about the Moon.

• The Inconstant Moon is another comprehensive page about the Moon.

• It’s the Moon is a nice site … has a page on the Moon made of green cheese!

• Antonio Cidadao maintains a site on the Moon along with photos of individual features.

• The Lunar Observer is the online newsletter of the lunar section of the ALPO.

Eclipses, occultations, and transits

• Fred Espenakhosts a very detailed web site on eclipses and transits.

• Jay Anderson produces very useful climatology data for eclipse chasers.

• The Ecliptomaniacs are a group of Irish eclipse chasers.

• The Eclipse Chaser’s Web Ring will literally keep you busy for days.

• Here you will find lists and maps of upcoming asteroid occultations.

• Edwin Gofin annually produces a preview of asteroid occultations observable worldwide (FTP).

• The International Occultation Timing Association collates worldwide observations of lunar occultations and issues alerts.

• The European Asteroidal Occultation Network coordinates amateur observations Europe-wide.

The planets

• A multi-media tour of the planets can be found here

• Another solar system tour is here

Dwarf and minor planets

• Wikipedia has a page about the IAU’s resolution in 2006 defining what is a planet.

• Charts for Uranus and Neptune, and Pluto during the year are provided by the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand.

• The RASNW also provide charts for currently visible asteroids.

• The Minor Planet Center is responsible for collating and publishing all data and information about asteroids.

• The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada have a very good series of pages on observing asteroids.

• The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers asteroids page.

• The LIncoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research programme (LINEAR).

• Vulcanoids are a hypothetical swarm of asteroids inside the orbit of Mercury.

• This page gives an introduction to the Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt beyond the orbit of Pluto.

• David Jewitt has an interesting site on objects in the outer Solar System.

• The Minor Planet Observer newsletter.

• The Minor Planet Mailing List.

Comets

• Seiichi Yoshida’s home page provides ephemerides, magnitude trends, and much more.

• The BAA Comet Section home page is a very detailed resource for the comet observer.

• The German Comet Section host up-to-date information about currently observable comets along with reports.

• Skyhound provides charts and data for currently visible comets.

• Download the latest elements for visible comets in a format readable by many popular astronomy software packages.

• The Comet Observation home page run by Charles Morris has not been updated in some time.

• Cometography run by Gary Kronk is a very comprehensive site about historic comets.

• The International Comet Quarterly is where the serious comet observer will find a mine of information.

Meteors and meteorites

• The International Meteor Organisation coordinates reports from observers around the world and produce a calendar of meteor showers.

• Meteor Showers Online run by Gary Kronk is a valuable resource of the history of all the annual meteor showers.

• The North American Meteor Network host a very informative site for the meteor observer. They also have a pdf booklet on meteor observing.

• The ALPO have a page on the growing interest in lunar meteoritic impacts.

• This calculator derives the peak of a meteor shower from the solar longitude of the radiant.

• The UK and Ireland Meteorite page details all the meteorite falls in the British Isles as well as links to dealers.

• Meteorite Times. An on-line newsletter for meteorite hunters and collectors.

Stars, constellations, and atlases

• James Kaler gives the astrophysical story behind many of the sky’s brightest stars. A very interesting site.

• International Network of Double Star Observers

• The Washington Double Star Catalog is the reference for astrometric data on double stars.

• Toshimi Taki has created FREE magnitude 6.5 and 8.5 star atlases you can download and print.

• SkyMaps.com do a nice monthly star chart that you can print out.

Variable stars

• The Association of Variable Star Observers is the worldwide body for collating observations of variables .

• The Variable Star Observers Group of the IAS has a number of members actively monitoring variable stars.

• The International Supernova Network brings together supernova hunters worldwide.

Deep Sky Observing

• SEDS run possibly the best site for information on Charles Messier and the Messier objects.

• SEDS also link to a vast amount of other Deep Sky catalogs.

• The NGC/IC Project maintains a vast site on all the objects in the NGC and IC lists.

• Deep Sky Catalogs galore can be generated here.

• Searchable database of deep-sky reports from observers worldwide.

• The Webb Society is the UK-based group for serious deep sky observers worldwide.

• The Planetary Nebula Observers page is the resource to check out about observing planetary nebulae.

• Paul Markov has written up a number of useful articles on deep-sky observing

• The Handbook of Binocular Astronomy by Michael Poxen is a very useful web site for binocular observers.

• Jeff de Tray’s page on deep-sky observing with a list of the best objects to see.

• Faith Jordan maintains a comprehensive page of deep-sky observing resources

• Mike Weasner has various sky tours for owners of Meade ETX telescopes here

• A list of interesting double stars can be found here

• Another double star page is here

Cosmology

• Powers of Ten concept on a Java-enabled page. Fascinating.

• Links to various web sites on cosmology.

Atmospheric optics

• Les Cowley hosts probably the best resource on the internet on all aspects of atmospheric phenomena.

• Pekka Parviainen is world famous for his Stunning images of atmospheric phenomena.

• The Meteorological Work Group (AKM) have an equally awe-inspiring site of atmospheric phenomena images.

• Blogs on atmospheric phenomena observations.

• Observing Noctilucent Clouds.

• Sprites are the mysterious phenomenon associated with lightning storms.

• Click here to do a Google search for web pages on atmospheric optics.

Myth and folklore

• Star Tales is Ian Ridpath’s book on the legends behind the constellations, including some now defunct star patterns.

• Click here to do a Google search on constellation mythology.

• Click here to do a Google search on sky folklore.

History of Astronomy and space

• Mythical Ireland, hosted by Anthony Murphy, is a real treasure trove of information on prehistoric astronomy in Ireland.

• The Sacred Island is another Irish web site on astronomical alignments and standing stones.

• The History of Astronomy has not been updated since 2004.

• The Journal for the History of Astronomy has a useful site on the subject.

• The Society for the History of Astronomy have a more local focus on astronomy in the British Isles.

• The Antique Telescope Society host an interesting page on old astronomical instruments.

• David Darling hosts an excellent on-line encyclopedia of astronomy and space that includes many historic references.

• The History of Space Exploration is a very detailed site.

• Historic Celestial Atlases is an exhibition of old atlases. Check out the other Linda Hall Library pages too.

• Atlas Coelestis (in Italian) allows you view pages from historic celestial atlases.

• Here you will find many links to early star atlases and uranography.

• The Star of Bethlehem page lets you explore the mysteries of the Christmas Star.

• Animals that have flown into space are profiled on this page.

• A timeline of rocket history can be found here

• A timeline of solar science can be found here

• A timeline of lunar exploration can be found here

• A history of the discovery of extra-solar planets can be found here

• Encyclopedia Astronautica contains a mind-boggling amount of info on space exploration.

• Click here to do a Google search for web pages on the history of astronomy.

• Click here to do a Google search for web pages on astronomy timelines.

• Click here to do a Google search on the fascinating subject of celestial cartography.

• Click here to do a Google search for web pages on the history of space exploration.

• Click here to do a Google search for web pages on space exploration timelines.

• Click here to do a Google search for web pages on people who have gone into space.

Spaceflight

News

• SpaceflightNow, part of Astronomy Now magazine, maintain a calendar of upcoming missions.

• Jonathan’s Space Report

• The Russian Space Web is a detailed look at the Russian space programme.

• Dragon Space is where you will find news on the Chinese space programme.

• Space.com

• Space Today

• Space Daily

• MSNBC space news.

• Science @ NASA topical news.

Agencies

• Wikipedia has a comprehensive list of world space agencies here

Missions

• The National Space Science Data Center has a searchable database on any unmanned space mission.

• The Hubble Space Telescope

• The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California.

Artificial Satellites

• Heavens Above provide free pass predictions for the ISS and Iridium flares.

• The NOSS satellites provide oceanic surveillance for the US Navy.

• The tips page gives details on how to image transits of the ISS across the Sun and Moon.

• Cal Sky also prove ISS transit info (go to the satellite page and then “Sun and Moon crossers”).

• The Satellite Observers Page is a comprehensive guide to artificial satellite observations.

Hobby advice and forums

• Cloudy Nights features reviews, articles, “what’s up” columns, and a very vibrant series of forums.

• IFAS run Ireland’s amateur astronomy forum.

• The Society for Popular Astronomy in the UK have a quite lively forum.

Binoculars, telescopes and equipment

• Information on telescopes is here

• Phil Harrington is the author of the book Star Ware

• Ed Ting’s web site should be your first port of call for telescope reviews.

Astrophotography, sketching, and galleries

• Astronomy Picture of the Day

• Lunar Photo of the Day is run by Sky and Telescope columnist Charles Wood

• Astronomy Sketch of the Day is a relatively new and interesting site

• Jerry Lodriguss provides an in-depth introduction to digital astrophotography

• Michael Covington has a great site on digital astrophotography.

• Damian Peach is world-reknowned for his web cam images of the planets.

• Anthony Ayiomamaitis produces stunning pictures of celestial phenomena from Athens, Greece.

• Robert Gendler is another legend in the world of astrophotography.

• Weather Photography details how to image weather phenomena.

• Bill Ferris has a great web site on astronomy and sketching.

• Jeremy Perez has a superb sketching site. Check out his links page.

• DP Review is the ultimate web site for info on digital cameras.

• The Digitized Sky Survey

Astronomical computing

• Gary Nugent produces the popular Lunar Phase Pro astronomy software.

• JPL’s ephemeris generator can be found here

• A long list of astronomy software can be found here

• SEDS also have a detailed list of astronomy software here

• OldVersion.com hosts previous versions of all types of programs, including some no-longer produced astronomy ones.

Podcasts and radio shows

• Skepticality. As the blurb says, “The Skepticality podcast roots out all non-science in todays world.”

• The Planetary Society produce a very slick show with interviews and discussions.

• Slackerpedia Galactica is an irreverant discussion on what’s going on in the world of astronomy and space.

• The Universe Today weekly radio show is co-hosted by Fraser Cain.

• Science @ NASA frequently has a topical news item. A broader range of NASA podcasts are available here.

• Earth and Sky is a popular show touching on a wide variety of astronomy and earth science topics.

• Star Date is a long-running radio show produced by the University of Texas McDonald Observatory.

• Let’s Talk Stars, hosted by Wendee and David Levy, regularly features interviews with well-known astronomers.

• Star Gazer, hosted by Jack Horkheimer, is now available as a video as well as audio download.

• The Jodcast is a guided tour of the night sky hosted each month by Jodrell Bank astronomer Ian Morrison.

• Sky and Telescope magazine also do a monthly guided tour of the night sky that you can download.

• The BBC Sky at Night page lets you watch previous episodes.

• Cian MacMahon has a page on podcasting and produces the monthly SDAS show.

News sources

• Daniel Fischer runs the Cosmic Mirror news site — very good resource.

• Universe Today is run by Fraser Cain and features many news items posted almost daily.

• The Space Calendar, from JPL, lists many event and anniversary dates for the next 12 months.

Magazines and journals

• Sky and Telescope (US).

• Astronomy (US).

• Astronomy Now (UK).

• Sky at Night (UK). Comes with a cover CD.

• Ciel et Espace (France). Excellent magazine.

• Astronomie (France). Very much observing orientated.

• Amateur Astronomy (US). Geared towards observing and telescope making.

• New Scientist

• Scientific American

• Nature

• The Astronomer collates amateur observations of celestial phenomena and issues alerts.

Educational

• The Astronomical Society of the Pacific are a world leader in materials for astronomy education.

• Here you will find a list of various professional and hobbyist astronomy courses on-line.

Retailers

Small ads

• UK Astronomy Buy and Sell

• Astro Mart carries classified ads from amateur astronomers worldwide.

Books

• Willmann-Bell have long served the astronomy community in publishing atlases and handbooks.

• used.addall.com and Bookfinder are two good used book web sites.

• Read Ireland is a Dublin-based bookseller specialising in books of Irish interest.

• Earth and Sky Books are based in the UK.

• Cambridge University Press

• Springer Verlag

Telescopes, binoculars, and accessories

• Andromeda Optics based in Dublin.

• North Down Telescopes based in Bangor, Co. Down.

• Green Witch Telescopes are based in the UK.

• Beta Pointer sell those marvellous laser pointers.

• Evergreen Optics Online telescope and accessories store.

Astronomy tours

• Explorer’s organize total solar eclipse and other astronomy-themed trips.

Weather data

• The Irish Meteorological Office issues national and regional forecasts daily.

• The UK Meteorological Office has the latest visible satellite image.

• Met Check produces weather details for your locality and for the week ahead.

• The UK Weather Portal site is run by EAAS member Mark Stronge.

• The Dundee Satellite Receiving Station provides satellite images of the Earth (free registration).

• Cloud pictures to aid you in identifying them.

Light Pollution

• The Irish Light Pollution Awareness Campaign (ILPAC) is the national body here.

• The Campaign for Dark Skies (CfDS) is based in the UK.

• The International Dark-sky Association (IDA) is based in the US.

• The World Atlas of Light Pollution.

Observatories, Planetaria, and Organisations

• The Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams

• The European Southern Observatory

• The International Astronomical Union

• The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence Institute

• The Planetary Sciences Institute

• The Faulkes Telescope Project is an online set of telescopes used by school groups.

Science Fiction

• Tales of Future Past looks at life in the future envisaged by science fiction magazines of the 1930s.

• The Moon in science fiction lists a multitude of references.

• The Ultimate Science Fiction Timeline is just a small part of a vast web site on Science Fiction.

• The Science Fiction Chronology is a very interesting timeline.

• Fictional voyages to the Moon are discussed in this interesting article.

• Click here to do a Google search on the history of science fiction.

Miscellaneous

• The Bad Astronomer, Phil Plaitt, “rights astro wrongs”.

• Religious Tolerences looks at end-of-the-world predictions rolled out by various groups.

• Exit Mundi is a witty and hilarious site on the many ways the world and the Universe might end.

• Hypothetical Planets is an interesting article about Solar System planets that never were.

• William Corliss catalogs and publishes details of unusual natural phenomena.

• Astronomy Tools is a page about planispheres and other celestial navigation devices.

• The US Naval Observatory has a time clock page.

• Generate a printable calendar.

• Here you will find details of when Summer Time begins and ends.

• Build your own Planetarium for classroom or club use.

• Astronomy books online (hasn’t been updated in some time).

• Index of astronomy and space books online.

• Physics humour pages are linked to here.

• Science Made Stupid is a very tongue-in-cheek site.

• Making spacecraft models is quite a comprehensive site.

• Here you can find plans to make fascinating astronomical instruments

• A wonderful nature blog is hosted here.

Irish interest

• The Great Leviathan in Birr Castle, Co. Offaly.

• Armagh Observatory

• Dunsink Observatory in Dublin.

• Armagh Planetarium

• Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium in Donegal.

• Schull Planetarium in West Cork.

• Daramona Observatory in Streete, Co. Westmeath.

• Markree Castle Observatory in Co. Sligo.

• Crawford Observatory in University College Cork.

• Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork.

• A biography of Sir Robert Ball.

• Dan McCarthy in Trinty College Dublin has done extensive research on astronomy in the Irish annals.

• Newgrange passage tomb in Co. Meath.

• The Irish Science Centre Awareness Network

• Irish Universities news and events listings.

• Science.ie news on science in Ireland from Forfas.

• Martin McKenna of the EAAS hosts a very good page on amateur astronomy.

• Ingenious Ireland is science writer Mary Mulvihill’s web page

Astronomy groups around Ireland

Organisations

Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies.

National Clubs

Irish Astronomical Society

Irish Astronomical Association

Astronomy Ireland

Regional Clubs

DCU Astronomical Society

Deise Astronomical Society Waterford Area.

East Antrim Astronomical Society

Galway Astronomy Club

Kerry Astronomy Club

Kildare Astronomy Club

Shannonside Astronomy Club

Tullamore Astronomical Society

http://www.minds.may.ie/~astro2/ Astro2 Maynooth

Cork Astronomy Club