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NASA reveals details of entire new solar system that could support life

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NASA held a press conference today announcing further discoveries in the field of exoplanets (planet in orbit around other stars). In the conference, NASA provided details of an exoplanet system located around a relatively close star. The star, Trappist-1, is an ultra-cool red dwarf, much smaller than our Sun and located 39 light years from Earth. The star plays host to a remarkable planetary system.

NASA has discovered seven planets in orbit around the star. All of them are rocky or earthlike planets and three of these planets are found in the habitable or Goldilocks zone. The habitable or Goldilocks zone is the region around a star where the temperature is just right to allow liquid water to exist. These three planets are all earth-size rocky worlds and the scientists have announced that one of them is likely to have a water-rich composition. What is remarkable about this discovery is that the star plays hosts to so many rocky worlds, and that so many of these worlds are earth like or rocky, and also that three of the worlds might have liquid water on their surface.

That NASA was able to discover these worlds at all is testament to the speed at which the science in this discipline is advancing. Next year will see the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. This telescope will carry instruments on board that will allow us to probe the atmospheres of these planets, if they have atmospheres, and ascertain what they are made of. Scientists will be looking for oxygen, ozone, methane and other gasses that serve as biosignatures hinting at the presence of life on other worlds.

For the moment, we can just speculate on what the planets may hold. So, what about going out tonight and having a look. Trappist-1 is located in the constellation of Aquarius, but unfortunately the star is much smaller than the Sun and consequently much dimmer. It is impossible to see without a really large telescope.

For all those thinking of little green men, the scientists who look for extraterrestrial life (SETI) have already pointed their radio telescopes at the system, but have found nothing. Even if we sent a signal to the planets, we would have to wait almost 80 years for any response!
See http://www.trevorodonoghue.com for more information on science topics.
 


 
This illustration shows the possible surface of TRAPPIST-1f, one of the newly discovered planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. Scientists using the Spitzer Space Telescope and ground-based telescopes have discovered that there are seven Earth-size planets in the system.
PICTURE: NASA/JPL-CALTECH

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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