June 2008
We are approaching the prime observing time of the year for our latitude. June, July and August offer the longest daylight hours and the shortest hours of darkness, but you just can’t beat temperatures in the high teens and twenties during the dark hours of the night. Our Astronomy 101 group continues to meet the fourth Friday evening of each month throughout the summer. Meetings begin at 7:00 pm, in the community room, at the Zehrs Laurentian Power Centre, Ottawa St and Strausberg Road, in Kitchener. Anyone is welcome to join the group and attend any session. Wayne Joslin and Brian Hollander offer a varied and informative opportunity for beginners and seasoned observers to share their experiences and check out new techniques, equipment and observing tips. Wayne can be reached by e-mail through the link to 101 on the KW RASC home page.
Steve Barnes, from Hamilton, will be our guest speaker at our June general meeting, to be held on June 13th in the large lecture hall (room 1001) of the Science building (on the corner of Bricker and King Sts), Wilfred Laurier University. Steve will present his material regarding his trip, observing in the Atacama Desert. We start promptly at 7:30pm, and remember to purchase a fifty-fifty ticket from one of our exec. Members.
On July 5th, we will hold our annual members’ BBQ and observing party at David and Corinne Garner’s home in Mount Forest, On. Please e-mail Dave, if you are able to attend. Details are posted on the Events column of our web page.
May 2008 was a busy month for our club. We took part in
Astronomy Day activities, including two daytime displays and a very
successful evening star party in Waterloo Park. A few days later, we
had sixteen members and friends set up at the Christie Digital office,
in Kitchener for a star party for the Christie Digital staff. A
highlight of the evening was the sighting of Mercury, low in the
northwestern sky. Several club members were able to locate this planet
with their telescopes.
Our outreach program has been busy
with presentations at two schools, several scouting events and one
community centre presentation for seniors.
June is looking similarly busy.
This is a great time to get out and observe. Don’t let your scope gather any more dust. Winter will be back, all too soon.
For now, Clear Skies!
Paul Schumacher