09 July 2009:

OGM and BFN 27^th June 2009

The main item at the June OGM was Graeme Jenkinson's presentation on Observatories of History, centred around the Third Earl of Rosse's Leviathan of Parsonstown at Birr (Ireland), and the second observatory dealt with the 28 inch Equatorial refractor in Greenwich. Both these instruments have been restored and are major tourist attractions today. After the meeting, about six members assembled at Beanland Street Park and observed the lunar targets described by Tony Dutton during the OGM. Conditions both astronomical and terrestrial were less than perfect, the grass was sodden and barely negotiable, but everyone enjoyed good views of the targets, thanks to expert guidance from Tony.

DSO 18^th July

Unfortunately, the June observing night was cancelled due to the threat of rain, which was vindicated later in the night. However, we have another chance to observe from the new Harrisville OATS site; follow the navigation instructions on the AAQ website by simply clicking on Deep Sky Observing under the ‘Activities' tab. Watch the AAQ Forum for any weather cancellations. Brent Joyce is the usual contact for this DSO site.

OGM 25^th July

The Main Item for the June meeting is a talk by Dr Stephen Hughes (QUT) on Distant Suns. This talk was originally scheduled for May but was postponed until July. Tim Napier-Munn will chair the meeting as I shall be in China for the Solar Eclipse on 22^nd July. The meeting starts at 4pm in the theatrette at the STBP. For meeting details each month, remember to check

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

Brisbane Field Night 25^th July

Variable stars will be the theme of the July BFN, which follows the July OGM and will be facilitated by Roy Axelsen. This is an opportunity to be ‘shown the ropes' by our resident expert. It is a great feeling to be able to observe and then make an estimate of the brightness of these variable stars. Roy has promised to ease members in to the mood with some easy variable star targets. The venue will be the usual Brisbane location at Beanland Street Park, Jamboree Heights. If the weather is dubious, an announcement about cancellation will be made during the July 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 .

Astrofest 2009

It is that time of year again! Peter Bester is our contact person for details of registration and general enquiries about the event. Anybody contemplating attending Astrofest should visit the website at http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/ ; note that there are limited beds available but since it runs over 14^th - 23^rd August, your chance of gaining a booking are good.

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