Joint Department of Physics and University Group for Astronomical Sciences Seminar

The University Group for Astronomical Sciences and the Department of Physics will be organizing a seminar dedicated to the Sun on Thursday, 22^nd May, 2008 at 18:00 in Room 216 (1^st floor) in the Mathematics and Physics building at the University of Malta. The details are found below:

Seminar about the Sun

Date: Thursday, 22^nd May 2008
Time: 18:00
Place: Room 216 in Mathematics and Physics building

Abstracts for the seminar session

Title: "The Solar Section of the British Astronomical Association (BAA)"

By Mr Norman Rogers

Abstract: The Solar Section of the BAA provides valuable information related to the various observation modes available to record solar activity and appearance. Among these are naked eye observation by special filters, observations in the H alpha line to view prominences, filaments and flares, Calcium (K) line observations of active solar features and also radio observations. The BAA also encourages the sharing and publication of these observations.

Biography: Norman Rogers, who hails from Middlesex, UK, is now in his 70's and has been a long time active member of the BAA. Most of his solar observations are carried out using a 4" refractor telescope. He is also a regular visitor to Malta.

Title: "SOHO- everybody's solar observatory in space."

By Professor Frank Ventura

Abstract: The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is a joint project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to study the sun from its deep core to the outer corona and the solar wind using 12 instrument packages. SOHO was launched in space in December 1995. Although it was expected to last only two years, the project has been extended and is still providing valuable data. Some of the data can be accessed freely on-line. The talk will show how interested members can use the observations to pursue specific interests in solar activity.

Biography: Frank Ventura has been making observations and recording sunspot activity since 1978. He has contributed observations to the Solar Section of the British Astronomical Association (BAA) in London, UK and to the Sunspot Influence Data Centre (SIDC) in Bruxelles, Belgium. He has published three papers on the quality of sunspot activity in the Journal of the British Astronomical Association.

Title: "Solar Journey"

By Mr. Leonard Ellul Mercerrs

Abstract: The presentation will involve an animation which has been created from original, still images. The animation begins at the outer reaches of the solar system and the Kuiper Belt and takes the viewer on an inbound journey visiting Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Earth, Venus and Mercury until finally reaching the sun. Here, the viewer will be regaled with the November 8, 2006 Mercury transit, solar prominences and a total solar eclipse. The animation concludes with a sequence showing the death of a sun- like star and the formation of a planetary nebula within our galaxy. The screen score "Chariots of fire" by Vangelis has been synchronized with the animation.

Biography: Leonard Ellul Mercer is an amateur astronomer specializing in astrophotography using his own dome observatory, computerized telescopes, latest CCD's and photographic equipment. In the last 3 years, he presented three TV weekly series on Channel 22 (Education Channel) dealing with astronomy in general and astrophotography. Currently, he is co-producing and presenting a 6 part astronomy series entitled Inharsu l-fuq (Looking Up) and being aired during the programme 22PM on Tuesdays (fortnightly) between 5.30- 6.30pm (repetition at 10.30pm) on the same channel. During these last three years, he has also given a number of talks accompanied by animated presentations of astro-images he captured.

Download Poster