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Johannesburg Centre,
Astronomical Society of Southern Africa
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Editorial Welcome to the first issue of 2004 – the year is off to a good start, what with the twin rovers successfully landing on Mars and some teething problems notwithstanding, seeming to be set for some good science. The first rover - Spirit - seems to be recovering from it’s problems, and the second - Opportunity - is at this early stage, still viewing Mars from the comfort of its lander. The ESA’s Beagle 2 lander seems to have fallen prey to some sort of accident, but efforts continue to try to establish communications with it. Saturn is looking really good in the late evenings with rings well presented and Venus is especially bright in the early evening. On the 24th January, it presented a beautiful picture together with the fairly new Moon. Orion and its attendants, as well as Taurus, are quite magnificent when the clouds are not forming a barrier between Earth and the skies. In the early mornings Jupiter reigns supreme and looks big, bright, bold and brilliant with tonnes of detail in a moderate to large ‘scope. The Southern Cross and pointers are also nice and high in the South at the same time - try to find the Jewel Box -. Our Chairman Dave Gordon submits his first Chat from the Americas and Eben van Zyl has submitted a piece on the Spaceguard Survey which will be of interest to all of us. Several articles relating to the flurry of Mars activities have been gleaned from the ESA and NASA web sites to keep you all in touch with the happenings on the Fourth rock from the Sun. Brian Fraser has, as always, supplied us with the items of astro-interest over the next 2 months as well as a short insight as to the origins of words and Trevor Gould has submitted a set of Astronomical Questions and Answers which could really tickle your funny-bone. Members - how about letting us ( the committee that is ) know what you'd like to have presented at the monthly meetings, or the kind of articles that you would like to see appearing in Canopus. These requirements should be of an Astronomical bent or at least something of a scientifically related nature. If it is in our power to do so - we will try to meet your request(s). The Editor - chris@penberthy.co.za |
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