14 November 2009:

It appears to be a good start to the wet season already, which does not auger well for summer observing. The public viewing night at the STBP after the October OGM was seriously compromised by the weather. Although the clouds were supposed to clear early in the evening, the public had obviously decided that observing was cancelled as very few people attended on the night. Many of us departed before 7:30pm as several amateur astronomers had already started to pack up their telescopes. Terry Cuttle reported that he and Cheryl Capra stayed on to help with the visitors who turned up; there were about 30 telescopes in use most of the time.

Assuming sky conditions are favourable, enthusiastic meteor watchers will be up before dawn on the 18^th November to observe the Leonid Meteor Shower. Unfortunately, the predicted peak numbers occurs after sunrise in our skies, but it's always worth observing, in case there is an unpredicted outburst. There is a chance of a second burst on the next day, again pre-dawn. Leo rises around 1am and dawn is just before 5am, so up to four hours of observing are possible, on a moonless sky, depending on your local horizon. More useful information is available on Paul Floyd's website, www.nightskyonline.info .

Astronomy 2010

AAQ members who would like to order a copy of Astronomy 2010 at our discounted price ($20 or $23 posted), please note that orders will be taken at the OGM. There is an order form in the November newsletter.

November OGM & BFN

The November OGM starts at 3pm at the STBP; This month, there are two talks from AAQ members reporting on their ECRF-funded projects: Roy Axelsen will talk on Period changes in Delta Scuti stars, while Tony Dutton will talk on Near Infrared Photometry Of Southern Bright Variable Stars, a joint project with Greg Bond.

The BFN viewing is scheduled for after 6pm outside the STBP, assuming the weather is favourable. There will be an announcement on the likelihood of the observing, during the OGM.

November DSO at OATS Harrisville

The DSO will be held on the 14^th November at the Harrisville OATS site from 4-11pm. At this time of year, storms can disrupt observing plans so always check the website before driving out there, or call the contact person, Jonathan Bradshaw. You can find out about AAQ field nights by navigating from the ‘Activities' tab on the website, http://www.aaq.org.au

Membership

Welcome to our newest member, Diane Hughes.