GAC February Meeting with Ivan Merrick (Midlands Astronomy Club)
February 9 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Galway Astronomy Club are pleased to announce details of our February club meeting, which will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday the 9th of February in the Ardilaun Hotel, Taylors Hill, Galway.
Talk: ‘The Herouni Antenna’
The Orgov Radio-Optical Telescope, also known as ROT54 or the Her0uni Mirror Radio Telescope, is a radio telescope in Orgov Armenia. It was built between 1975 and 1985 and was active between 1986 and 1990 before its use was halted. It was again operational until ceasing in 2012. Subsequently, many attempts have been made to restore and restart the ROT54.
The paragraph above, though an accurate description, hardly does justice to the fascinating tale behind this telescope and the intriguing connections that will be revealed in the story that unfolds in this presentation. A story of history, politics and science.
Speaker: Ivan Merrick (Midlands Astronomy Club)
Ivan currently lives in Athlone though he is originally from Cork City. He owns a small engineering company specialising in providing clients with solutions to fluid handling problems (liquids and gases). He has qualifications in Natural Science and Chemical Technology. Ivan is an active member of the Midland Astronomy Club and past Club Chairperson. The Club is focused on outreach to the community, particularly young people, with the aim to inform and educate people on the wonders of the Cosmos. With bi-monthly meetings in Tullamore and monthly meetings in Athlone they are kept busy. They are frequently requested to give talks to community organisations which affords them the opportunity to instruct people in the use of telescopes and conduct observations using the club’s telescopes. With BBQs and Meteor Showers events it is a wonder how everything gets done. Ivan does a monthly astronomy slot in his local radio station Athlone Community Radio. MAC’s annual COSMOS Star Party is extremely popular (in existence since 1992) with many people attending from other clubs around the country. Ivan’s astronomical interest is in Solar science and specifically how the sun’s activity impacts the Earth. He particularly enjoys talking to groups where he can share what he has learnt and the follow-up questions and discussion.
All are welcome and we look forward to your company.