Editorial

Another successful ScopeX has come and gone - our third on the trot - and it appears to have been a very enjoyable event for both exhibitors and the viewing public.  There are a couple of articles in these pages, as well as a list of prizewinners from the day.  One small change from the original plans for the day is that the raffle for the GPS will now be drawn at the next monthly meeting on 12^th May at the Planetarium.

There was however one unfortunate issue which caused a shadow on what was otherwise a fantastic event.  It appears that someone removed the balance of the old Sky & Telescope and Astronomy magazines which had been available for sale during the day - about 70 altogether.  If anyone knows the whereabouts of these hard to replace magazines, would you please contact Chris Stewart on his phone in the table below.

Venus is still very bright in the evenings and the gas giants are showing beautiful views in our telescopes.  For those of you who are interested, don’t miss the Saturn and Jupiter evenings in May when we will be using the 26” refractor in the Innes Dome to view these magnificent Planets.  It is essential to book your place(s) through Lerika Cross ( lerika@icon.co.za ) or on her phone in the table below.  Pre-payment is essential and deposits can be made into our bank account at Nedbank Park Plaza.  
Branch code:        19 21 42 44.  
Account number:   1921 013761.  
Account name:         ASSA Johannesburg Centre.

Our Chairman Dave Gordon chats about the successful ScopeX 2004 and Evan Dembskey passes on a tip on acquiring the excellent Starry Night Software package.  Brian Fraser has submitted an article about the Roberts Variables project as well as keeping us aware of the next two months overhead happenings.

Don’t forget the Venus Transit on 8^th June - this is a once in a lifetime event and shouldn’t be missed.  To find out more, make sure you attend the next Monthly Meeting which will be held in the Planetarium at the Wits University on 12^th May, where Ed Finlay and Tom Budge will be filling us in on the event.

The Editor - chris @ penberthy . co . za

 The 2003/4 Committee of the Johannesburg Centre