Editorial
Our A.G.M. which was held on the 9th of July was very well attended, and after the various section reports were presented, elections were held for you to choose your new committee for the 2003/4 Johannesburg Centre year. While the votes were being counted, we took a short break from the proceedings to enjoy a few snacks and some of Sharon's delicious Gluhwein ). Dave also had a set of photos on his PC from the extreme dark-sky expedition to Lady Grey and from these we could all see what cold was all about. At the end of the counting, we had some new members joining the committee for next year ( see below ).
Mars continues to grow in size and brightness as the Earth prepares for it's overtaking maneuver on the night of 26th / 27th August. Already some of the surface features are becoming discernable at relatively low magnifications and cameras with a half-way decent zoom lens will be able to record this. Remember to set aside some August Friday nights to join us at the observatory where we will be using the 26" telescope for some "close-ups" of the Red Planet. See "Mars Festivities" in this issue and get more information from the Web-site. We will be having a Cheese & Wine and Viewing evening on the 22nd including two speakers between 20:00 and 21:00
Eben van Zyl continues his "Variable Stars" theme with the next in his current series which covers the interesting lives of Novae, and our Chairman Dave Gordon keeps in touch with another Chairman's Chat which covers the recent visit to Lady Grey. Brian Fraser as always lets us know about some of the interesting events taking place during the next 2 months. Richard Overy's son visited Kitt Peak in the USA a little while back and he gives us a summary of the instrumentation located at this relatively new and very active observatory.
Please remember to pay your annual subs as per the loose insert. This year, the last issue of Canopus to be delivered to those who don't pay on time is the September issue - i.e. if your subs are not received by 23rd of September, you will miss out on at least that issue.
The Editor - chris@penberthy.co.za