The Andromeda Galaxy David Thomas Last meeting by Terry Barker

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Ken Wilson had printouts of monthly star maps and satellite timings. He's also teaching a class, How To Use a Telescope, on Jan. 8. Ken also reminded us that the Mars Quest exhibit is leaving the SMV at the end of December. Susan Brubaker, our librarian, had three books from our library available for checkout. Kent Blackwell saw the new comet, Comet Macholz, and said it was surprisingly bright. George Hastings saw some Geminids meteors from the Bahamas last week. Gary Cowardin--the SMV skywatch was clouded out last month. Jim Blowers has been corresponding with a fellow astronomer from Ottawa. He is here in Richmond now, visiting for the Geminid meteor shower. Jim thought it was interesting that this club does not charge any dues for membership. Charlotte Talley greeted five visitors--David Bell, Kent Blackwell, Lawrence Taylor, Roger Wok, and Dave Walton. Kent and Lawrence are visiting from the Tidewater area, and are some of the familiar faces we see wherever there's skywatching going on. It was good to see you guys again, and come see us again soon!

Observatory

Gary Cowardin announced three members have completed their observatory training--John Gruszkos, Bill Jeffries, and David Medici.

Skywatches and other events:

Jan. 7, Chesterfield County Skywatch at Clover Hill, 7:00 pm Jan. 21, SMV Skywatch

Terry Barker gave the main presentation, "Using a digital camera with your telescope" Terry showed how you can use one of two devices that you can purchase from a company like Scopetronix, to attach your digital camera to an eyepiece on your telescope. These two devices utilize either the tripod attachment on your camera, or the threads around the lens normally used to attach filters and telephoto lenses. Since a digital camera is more sensitive to light than a film camera, you can easily take pictures of the moon and planets. With a more complicated process, using multiple exposures and computer software, you can take pictures of fainter objects like double starts, galaxies, and nebulae. Terry showed several examples of what others have done with digital cameras.

 Dues are due by Jim Blowers

Your 2005 dues can be paid to our treasurer, Jim Blowers, at any of the meetings, or by mail. Please use the form enclosed in this newsletter.