OGM 18th April 2009

The April OGM saw an amazing attendance (at one stage I counted 46 people), with many people sitting in the aisle of the STBP theatrette. I thank Peter Marples for his beautiful presentation and our many friends from other societies who also attended to hear this special talk.  As usual, the images and reports presented by members in Items of Astronomical Interest were a highlight of the meeting and roundly appreciated by all.  Please do not hesitate to display your images, no matter how inexperienced you may be.  It is not a competition and all efforts are worthy contenders.  Thank you to those members who provided excellent company at an impromptu post-OGM dinner at the Raun Thai restaurant, Toowong.

16th May Brisbane Field Night

The May BFN immediately follows the May OGM and is hosted by Tim Napier-Munn at his Bellbowrie Observatory. This is a great opportunity for new and experienced observers to learn about multiple stars from a world expert.  If the weather is dubious, an announcement about cancellation will be made during the May OGM.  You can check each month's planned Brisbane Field Nights (LPOs) on the website at:

http://www.aaq.org.au/cms/index.php/activities/meetings.html .

May OGM

There is a change in the Main Item as originally noted on the website. Stephen Hughes (Senior Lecturer in Physics QUT) cannot deliver his talk this month as he is overseas. Instead, Peter Bester and Allan Gould will talk about their imaging experiences with the Meade DSI camera. The meeting starts at 4pm in the theatrette at the STBP. Remember to check http://www.aaq.org.au/cms/index.php/activities/meetings.html for meeting details of each month.

May DSO

The Jondaryan Woolshed DSO weekend is on 23/24 May;  Graeme Jenkinson's article describing the event appears in the May newsletter. In addition, his article is on the website; in the ‘Activities' tab click on ‘Special Excursions'.

Remember if you are particiapating in this DSO weekend, bring your $85 payment to the May OGM.

Combined Societies Meeting

Each year, the astronomical societies of southeast Queensland host a combined societies meeting. This year it is on the 5^th June at Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Room 0.05 Science 2 Building (N34); see their map at http://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/49536/nathan-buildings.pdf .

STBP Technical Officer

Mark Rigby, Curator of the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, advises that there is an advertisement on Seek for a new position at the STBP: Planetarium Support Officer - Technical.  The direct link is:

http://www.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=30&PageNumber=   Applications close electronically on May 17.