News
Local astronomer captures Comet Neowise over Barraduff
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By Sean Moriarty
An amateur astronomy enthusiast captured stunning images of Comet Neowise over Barraduff last weekend.
The comet has been visible over Ireland for the last few nights and will continue in the Earth’s orbit for at least another week.
It is the first comet visible to the naked eye to pass through planet Earth’s solar system since Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997.
Local photographer Trevor O’Donoghue captured the stunning pictures seen here from his Barraduff home last Friday night.
“All pictures were taken with a phone. I should have got the camera out, but I was enjoying the view too much,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “It is visible to the naked eye as the sky darkens, but is a stunning sight in standard binoculars with a golden tail extending out behind it.”
The comet will remain visible until at least July 23 – cloud cover permitting.
“It is fading a slight bit, but it is closest to Earth on July 23, so there is a bit in it yet,” added Trevor. “It is visible above the north western horizon after sunset. Conveniently it is located under the Big Dipper and The Plough.”
Neowise was first discovered by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer in March.
On July 3 it passed the closest point of its orbit to the sun, known as the perihelion, at just 44 million kilometres from the star, a stage that many comets do not survive.
It is also considered unusual for the comet’s ‘tail’ to remain visible after the perihelion.
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage, meeting with Muckross House Research Library archivist Patricia O’Hare.
The couple are the great-great-grandchildren of Charles Herbert (1842-1891), the second son of Colonel Henry Arthur Herbert and Mary Balfour. Following their marriage in 1837, Colonel Herbert and Mary Balfour moved to Killarney and began construction on the current Muckross House, which was completed in 1843.
The family, which included children Eleanor, Henry Arthur, Charles, and Blanche, spent much of the Great Famine years in England. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage,...
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
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