Editorial

As we approach the Autumnal Equinox, Venus is starting to fade from it's glories of earlier in the month and our attention moves more overhead ( when the clouds permit that is… ). Jupiter and Saturn are both nicely positioned for late evening viewing, and those of you who prefer to check the early morning heavens, Mars is looking good an hour or two before sunrise and is quite close to it's nemesis ( Antares ) at this point in it's orbit.

The February monthly meeting was a "sell-out" and Malcolm Barnfield's presentation on Sundials was very well received, as were the many other short topics presented on the evening. Now we know the theory behind the Sundial and how to construct it - this could form the basis of an interesting project for the Centre. Also, many of us who were previously ignorant of the device, now know what a Herschel Wedge looks like and how it is used.

Some bad news for society members, and for local astronomy as a whole, is that our dear friend and variable star fundi, Danie Overbeek, suffered a stroke a few weeks back. The good news is that he is out of hospital and his doctors are amazed at the rate of his recovery. Get well soon Danie.

Our busiest correspondent, Brian, keeps us in touch with the skies above and is standing in for Danie by presenting the variable of the month. This month he touches on the Mira type variable, S Carinae.

The answer to Gill Stewart's puzzle from the last issue can be found hidden in the depths of this issue and another of her cryptic puzzles finds it's way into these pages. No one was clever (or brave) enough to supply the answer - so no name is being trumpeted forth this month!! However, if you can supply us with the answer to Gill's new puzzle, your name will appear in the next issue in glorious bold type.

After an absence of several months, we find the first in a series on Life in the Universe from one of our favourite writers and a respected author in his own right - Eben van Zyl. I expect that you, like your editor, are really looking forward to his insights on this much thought about and discussed topic.

Have you ever wondered where Stars get their names from??? Our friends at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory supply us with the answer. And finally - check the notices for two of our planned outings for which we now have firm dates. Contact a Committee Member if you are interested in attending.

The Editor - chris@penberthy.co.za

 The 2000/1 Committee of the Johannesburg Centre