From: TerryMoselaol.com
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 2004 15:32:14 EST
Subject: Fireball, DTR, Lecture Tickets, Dunsink

Hi all,

1. While waiting to observe an Iridium Flare this evening (10 Dec), I saw a 
beautiful bright long fireball! It occurred at 17.23.50 (+/- 2 secs).
   I was observing from S Belfast, and it passed from W to E, slanting 
downwards at a very shallow angle of about 10 degrees below horizontal, passing 
about 35 deg above the N horizon. It was a very long trail - estimated about 100 - 
120 degrees, and it was very fast. It brightened quickly & was around 
magnitude -5 for most of the trail, though fading briefly to about -3 near the end, 
before ending in a lovely terminal burst of about -6. There were definite 
tinges of both blue and orange, with the blue dominant at first, then the red near 
the end of the trail.  It ended about 5 degrees below & left of Capella. It's 
rare to see such a fast meteor so early in the evening!
   Anyone further North than me should have got an even better view! Did 
anyone else see it? (P.s. I also saw the Iridium Flare, mag -5, a few seconds 
later!)

2. Anyone who isn't already tired of the sound of my voice can listen to my 
comments on the prospects for the Geminids, and other astro-musings no doubt, 
on Margie Warden's programme "Landlines" on Downtown Radio on Sunday (12th) 
from 2 to 3 p.m.

3. The lecture at the Ulster Museum on Jan 4 mentioned in previous emails is 
admission by ticket only: they are available at Reception at the Museum.

4. Don't forget to add your support to the petition letter to the Minister to 
prevent the closure of Dunsink, as per previous E/M. Just Email a 'Yes' reply 
to Brian McBreen at the address given. The deadline has now been extended to 
Tuesday 14th. Brian is delighted with the response so far - there have been 
150 signatures received already, which is more than the number of names on the 
original mailing list! - That must be largely due to your goodselves! So, act 
now if you haven't already done so!

Clear Skies,

Terry Moseley

Last Revised: 2004 December 12th WWW contact:webmaster@arm.ac.uk

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