"Virtual Equatorial Mounts" AKA Poncet Platforms Joe Hetmanski Meeting location change by Ken Wilson

The July and August meetings will be held in the Eureka Theatre located on the third floor.

Last meeting by Gary Cowardin

Share table and member observing

Ken Wilson had some info he brought back from the recent SkyWatch he and Betty attended at Greenbank, WV. Terry Barker passed around some current sky maps from skymaps.com. This is a free site, that allows you to print monthly sky maps, with observing information on a 2nd page. Terry requested permission to pass out more than 100 copies monthly at skywatches and meetings from the site, and permission was granted. All thought it was is a good idea. Gary Cowardin showed us a new spectroscope from SurplusShed. Terry discussed the SkyWatch in Jamestown for 150 4-H members. Because of the cloudy sky conditions, they looked across the James River to some buildings on the other side. David Credicott also brought his telescope, and assisted with the viewing. Ken discussed the July 3rd special comet SkySwatch at the SMV. More than 75 people showed up for the late watch ending after 0200 on 7/4. Randy Tatum reported on being out west (New Mexico) to see the actual collision. Gary Cowardin discussed observing the sun through his new PST. (Personal Sun Telescope) Sue discussed library access and requested and got a book report for volunteer, John, for next month. Dr. Casson donated 3 books to the library. Gary Cowardin rGary Cowardin reported the RAS Observatory would be having a clean up day on Tuesday, 7/19.

For our 'Short Talk' Ken Wilson showed a video about Thomas Jefferson's astronomy interests.

After the break our Speaker: David Medici discussed the many achievements of amature astronomers.

Skywatches and other events:

Aug. 5-6, Stellafane, more info at www.stellafane.com Aug. 8, pre-meeting dinner, 6:00 pm, Pizza Hut Aug. 8, RAS meeting, 7:30 pm, SMV Aug. 11-12 Perseids Meteor Shower Aug. 19 SMV Skywatch This year's Perseids Meteor Shower by Terry Barker

This year's shower promises to be a good one, and with the peak occurring in the middle of the day on the 12th, we should get good views on the evening of both the 11th and the 12th. And the best news is that there's no moon either night! As always, you'll want to get to the darkest site possible--the darker the site, the more you'll see. Joe Hetmanski has arranged for viewing at Malvern Hill on the 12th and 13th--however, we don't want the general public to know this, as the park can only accomodate small groups.

Dues are due by Jim Blowers

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