I created this as a new thread so that people will see it appear as a "New Topic" rather than an append to an existing thread. That way no one (well, serious lunar observers) will miss it!

I've upload the list of lunar occultations visible from IRELAND for 2004 as a flat text file to the FILES section. Look in the OBSERVING subfolder for the 5k document. A magnitude limit of 6.5 has been taken.

note 1: Mars will be occulted after Moonset in March except for the very southwest of the country. However, both will be extremely low -- barely above the horizon.

note 2: the daylight occultation of Venus later in the year needs extreme care. The planet is at about 27° elongation from the Sun but there is a real danger that you may accidentally sweep across the Sun while searching for the planet. Therefore, exercise the utmost caution when planning to observe this event.

regards,

John Flannery,
SDAS
[/b]

Thanks for posting that John.

THe file can be found here: www.irishastronomy.org/user_resources/fi...074189844-occult.txt

Good stuff John. Saw my first occultation late last year...after missing TWO earlier in the year. On both occassions, a perfectly timed cloud popped in front of the moon for a few seconds....fustrating!!
I thought it was nice to see though and you really see it disappear, like a light switched off. Also saw a moon disappear behind Jupiter but it sort of faded gradually due to the effect of Jupiter's atmosphere.
BTW, I was wondering, would IFAS be interested in setting up a scheme where observers are rewarded for achieving observational milestones. Say, a person is awarded a star for each milestone and on the payement of a nominal fee can get a nice little certificate from IFAS to acknowledge their level of competency.
Various systems exist in the larger clubs in north america...anyone interested in getting involved in something similar here? Personally, I reckon it would provide an incentive to get out and start observing.

Michael

Observing certificates and awards for checking items off a list are just for vain and self-absorbed people. Myself for instance! I think it's a great idea, and just like the Astronomical League does it for its member clubs in America, I'd ike to see the IFAS do it for its member clubs. (I's like to see the IFAS become more than just a talking shop with a website and a magazine, but that's for another thread/late night pub talk)

I was hoping to propose something similar regarding double star observations. I've proposed a series of articles to John F for Arcturus highlighting certain doubles in each issue, and at the end of the year I thought it would be nice to offer certificates to people who observed them all.

I'm all in favour of a scheme like this and it could really add to the dinners at Cosmos or Whirlpool if the certificates or whatever where awarded there.

..... What? Lunar Occultations? Oh yeah, very much in favour of them (just trying to keep on thread )

Speaking of occultations etc., I went to www.calsky.com today. This site is amazing! It can even predict when the ISS will occult the Sun, Moon and planets! Apparently I'm on the central track for a crossing of Jupiter shortly after midnight early Sunday morning. Hopefully it'll be clear. Even if you're not on the central track, it'll tell you exactly how far and in what direction u need to travel to see such an event. Loads of other stuff there too.
Michael

BTW, I was wondering, would IFAS be interested in setting up a scheme where observers are rewarded for achieving observational milestones. Say, a person is awarded a star for each milestone and on the payement of a nominal fee can get a nice little certificate from IFAS to acknowledge their level of competency.
Various systems exist in the larger clubs in north america...anyone interested in getting involved in something similar here? Personally, I reckon it would provide an incentive to get out and start observing.

Michael

A nice idea! It would encourage new guys, like myself, to plan a nights observing and go out with a a goal. The wise sages in IFAS could draw up a list of increasing difficulty. How could this be rated for scope size? Also each item could come with tips , (Eyepiece, Filter etc.) This sounds better and better.

Good Idea Michael :idea:

Conor

conor,
i proposed that very idea on the ifas mail list about 4 years ago. it died like a lead ballon. i think it is a good idea, maybe there could be ones for group projects say to encourage people in same/different societies to co-operate in observing.
stephen.

It is a good idea but as with most things the problem is finding people to put in the work.

To get it off the ground some one will have to draw up a detailed proposal for discussion at the IFAS meeting at Cosmos and then, if it is approved, carry it through and put in the work to implement it. I'd offer to help but I have my hands full with the ongoing work on this site.

Bart B.