We will be asking Dr Nicholson of HartRAO to present a lecture at one of our meetings.

On the Saturday nearest New Moon at Tom Budge’s Farm in the Magaliesberg. Remember that this is by arrangement only as most observers will be following specific viewing programmes and if you don’t have your own ’scope, you should contact one of the observers ( e.g. at the monthly meeting ) to arrange some viewing time with them.

Jo'burg Centre Outings for 2000

Your Committee is making arrangements for several outings during the year. Amongst these are some old favourites as well as a couple of new ones which should prove interesting. The annual jaunt to Swinburne in August will be replaced this coming year with a trip to Nylsvlei around June/July which should be more Astronomically beneficial and less financially draining. We will also be trying to arrange 2 trips to Boyden as well as trips to Hartebeeshoek, the Tswaing Crater and the Science & Technology Museum. We will also be looking at the possibility of arranging visits to other ASSA Centres during the year - more information to follow. We are also trying to set up an outing and braai at the Aloe Ridge Observatory.

Committee Meetings

After discussions amongst the committee members, it has been decided that committee meetings will revert to the old time of 17:30, the day will still be the Monday before the monthly general meeting. Please remember that any member who has something to ask or contribute, is welcome to attend the committee meeting. The only stipulation is that you should please inform the Chairman of your intention in order to allow the committee members to prepare for your proposal/contribution.

Suggestion for this year's AGM

Last year we held a braai as part of our AGM and the smallish turnout notwithstanding, it was a quite successful. One of the reasons for this was of course the fact that it was held in the middle of the week when many bodies would rather be snuggled up in bed than out late with a normal workday to follow.

The committee suggests that we move the A.G.M to the Friday ( 14^th July ) instead in the hopes of attracting a larger crowd of members. The domes would be opened later for whomever is interested in viewing the wonders of our Winter night sky.

Other Talks

Tony Voorvelt will be giving a talk on the last Friday of February titled "From Candle to Laser" in the 26" telescope building. There is a charge of R10 for adults and R5 for children/senior citizens and the talk, which starts at 19:30, will last for approximately 45 minutes.

These Friday Month-end talks are presented regularly by Tony, and we will try to give notice of them, with titles, whenever they are scheduled.

ASSA Parent Body

We have been given an internet home page address for the ASSA parent body.
This is:- www.assa.za.org.   ....................... Try it out and tell us what you think.

Telescope Making Classes

Would you like to make your own telescope?…or finish off a partially finished one? Well your opportunity has arrived (once again). Join the Telescope Making Class being held under the guidance of Brian, Evan and Chris. Contact Brian on 803-8291 if you are interested.