Editorial

March 21^st, a Public Holiday here in South Africa, and the Autumnal Equinox - how many realise that we're officially half way to Winter? The weather has still been acting a little strange, but the observers among us are still getting some really good views when the clouds disappear. Mercury has dropped out of sight and Venus is following at a gallop and it won't be too long before it reappears in the East as our morning "star". Saturn and Jupiter are following at a more leisurely rate and Mars is trying to catch up, but is still a few hours adrift.

Have any of you been watching Delta Scorpii lately - it is really changing the whole look and "feel" of the head of Scorpius and is appreciably brighter than most of the nearby stars that were up to a few months ago, it's superiors. No-one really seems to know what's happening here but many theories abound - far to many to mention here, but we will report on them as and when they are formalised.

Barbara Cunow's "Galaxies" presentation was very well received and caused quite a fair amount of discussion, especially after the meeting was officially over. Chris Stewart's mini-Bateman lecture was also very interesting and we now all have a good idea of what's in the bag - or should I say, what should be in the bag. A lot of thought and practicality has gone into the collection of astronomical paraphernalia and I think we should all say a thank-you to Chris for the good ideas he has supplied.

Brian supplies the Heavenly Happenings as per usual and also gives us information and a chart on the very easily observable T-Centauri. This is always a good variable to visit and if you have a CCD Camera, you will be able to create a series of images covering the whole variation in about 3 months. Eben van Zyl supplies episode number 2 in the fascinating saga of Life in the Universe. It is really a privilege having a writer of his skill to explain this subject to us in terms that most of us understand.

The answer to Gill Stewart's puzzle from the last issue can be found next to a new puzzle supplied by an occasional correspondent, Isa da Rocha-Chomse. She has supplied a series of puzzles which will be inserted ( alternating with Gill's ) over the next few months. Thanks Isa.

According to recent reports, Danie Overbeek is getting better in leaps and bounds and is once again mobile. Our hopes and good wishes for your full recovery remain with you Danie.

Remember to contact Brian Fraser if you wish to fly to Lusaka for the June 21^st Eclipse.

The Editor - chris@penberthy.co.za

 The 2000/1 Committee of the Johannesburg Centre