NZA

NZ Astro Chat reaches over 200+ Members!

Despite the negative comments of only two people, this group continues to grow and attract members. A large number have joined from successful Astronomical societies and want to receive a few e-mails/month on what's happing.
I personally like that idea a lot more than negative post after negative post.
Focusing on news, meetings, events and announcements people seem to be attracted to a friendly group with none of the nasty and personal attacks that seem to happen on another group.

I wonder if that Group Moderator who only seem to be leading everyone else with his latest example of Negativity has the guts to apologies on his group?
I'll be looking to find out.

Thanks to everyone's help and support this group has grown in size and importance offering News and events to Astronomers Around Wellington, NZ and the world. Thanks Edwin

Facebook News

With facebook being the number one place for Photos, Events, Groups, Friends, and everything else I haven't spent much time on this website.
New Photos of the Winter Solstice on Facebook and news and other photos.
You should be joining your friends on there soon.

Pirates of Silicon Valley

Pirates of Silicon Valley

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirates_of_Silicon_Valley


I watched this really good movie today was really good another movie that made me think was On the Edge.

On The Edge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Edge_%28film%29

New Zealand Almanac 2009 and the International Year of Astronomy

New Zealand Almanac 2009 and the International Year of Astronomy

1, Message from Richard Hall Phoenix Society

Thanks Edwin

New Zealand Almanac 2009 and the International Year of Astronomy As you will know 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy and, as part of New Zealand's contribution to this, the Royal Society will be using 'Almanac 2009' as a leading publication. So Almanac 2009 will be a very special issue and probably larger than normal. It will include all of its current features plus the following:- 1) The calendar grid will notify all special events put on for the public by astronomical societies and institutions around the country. This will include all conventions, conferences, observatory open days, special observing programs, and special presentations put on for the public. 2) The Almanac will include a map of New Zealand identifying the location of every astronomical society or institution in the country along with a contact person/s and phone numbers. 3) The main calendar images (12) will be a selection of the visually best astronomical photographs taken in New Zealand past and present. 4) The side images (12) will be a selection of the best or most interesting New Zealand observatories and or telescopes (professional, society, or amateur). Because people add interest and scale to a photograph it would be good to have images which include the owner/operators. 5) Up to 4 additional feature pages on different astronomical topics – if you have a great idea let me know. 6) There will be space for adverts by societies, institutions and suppliers of astronomical equipment. There will be a charge for these. We and the Royal Society would like to see the Almanac 2009 distributed by all astronomical societies and institutions and that at least one copy ends up at every school around the country. How you can helpWe need to start gathering images (thumbnails at this stage) for selection and information that is to be included on the calendar grid.


The deadline for inclusion in the Almanac will be June 30th so the sooner we get the material the better. If you or members of your Society have images or information you would like to see in Almanac 2009 email me at: hamal@xtra.co.nz Richard Hall

Sicko

Sicko

I have just watched the Film Sick from Mike More, was really shocking. Planning a trip to the USA it makes me worried about any health problems or if we have an accident there.

It’s a must see this one, and it make mw glad New Zealand didn’t privatize our health system in the 90s like America has.

Sicko
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicko

Laintal

November Meetings

Hi NZ Astronomers

Wellington and Wairarapa Astronomy Events for November 2007

New Members are always welcome along, including visitors from around NZ and overseas.

Please note the new dates of this Months Phoenix Meetings

Thanks Edwin


Wellington Phoenix Meeting
Thursday the 29th of November
7:20pm @ Science House (Royal Society Buildings), Turnbull Street
http://www.astronomynz.org.nz/society-meetings/society-meetings.html

Wairarapa Phoenix Meeting
Friday the 30th of November
7:20pm @ the Phoenix clubrooms, Ahiaruhe, Wairarapa
http://www.astronomynz.org.nz/society-meetings/society-meetings.html


MARTAIN CHRONICLES

Once every two years the Earth makes a close approach to the planet Mars. At these times Mars becomes a prominent bright reddish star in our night sky. A close approach to Mars will be occurring in December. This program is all about the planet Mars, its history, myths and the latest discoveries



Wellington WAS Meeting
Wednesday the 14th of November
7:25pm @ Science House (Royal Society Buildings), Turnbull Street
http://www.was.org.nz/ The speaker for the November WAS meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 14 is Tim Naish, who will talk on the Milankovitch cycles and climate. It is also the AGM


Phoenix Observing Evening
Saturday the 10th of November
Phoenix Observing Evening
With Master Observers Ian Cooper and Chris Picking
7:30pm @ the Phoenix clubrooms, Ahiaruhe, Wairarapa
Please book by contacting Chris Picking by email: picking@attglobal.net
http://www.astronomynz.org.nz/observing/observing.html



Wellington Spaceflight Meeting

Cancelled – Due to the redevelopment of Carter Observatory Spaceflight meetings will resume later in the Year.

http://www.nzspace.org.nz/meetings.htm


The Galactic Circle Kids Space and Astronomy Club

Galactic Circle: Wednesday the 19th September @ The Thomas King Observatory 4:30PM. The Thomas King Observatory is located next to Carter Observatory. The Galactic Circle is WAS's junior astronomy club and meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

For more details, contact
Marilyn Head at (04) 389 0882 (w), email marilyn@actrix.gen.nz or web www.galaxy.wellington.net.nz



Pauatahanui Star Party
TBA
Observing will start after dark. Contact John Field
john.field@paradise.net.nz
The Phone number at Pauatahanui is 021-102-6056.

Gifford Star Party
TBA
This Saturday Duncan Hall will open the Gifford Observatory behind Wellington College from 8 pm to 10 pm. The observatory has a fine 130mm Zeiss-Rumsey-Nankivell refractor and a flat area should you want to bring your own telescope or binoculars.

Contact telephone numbers are 474-5350 or PH 021-615-905
Contact Duncan Hall duncan.hall@ieee.org


November Astrophotography Targets from John Drummond

1. Lens - The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC)

2. Telescope/Easy - NGC 362 in Tucana (an often overlooked globular cluster next to the SMC, not far from 47 Tucanae).


3. Telescope/Hard - NGC 1313 in Reticulum. Type: SBcd galaxy. RA: 03 18 16.0, declination: -66 29 45. Magnitude: 9.8. Major axis: 9.20 arcminutes, minor axis: 7.2


Carter Observatory e-Newsletter

The November edition of the Carter Observatory e-Newsletter can be found at :-

http://newsletter.carterobservatory.org/2007/Nov07/

Regards

Brian.


NZ Almanac 2008

The Almanac is a beautiful calendar with wonderful photographs taken by New Zealand astronomers. Every year the photographs seem to get better - and this coming years edition is no exception! The Almanac is also packed with information on various astronomical events occurring through out the year that is presented in an easily accessible calendar format. Almanacs make wonderful Christmas presents, so consider giving them as christmas stocking fillers.If you would like to be sure of receiving your Almanac in time for Christmas, then fill in the order form below and post back to us, with your cheque, as soon as possible.

Almanac Info
http://www.astronomynz.org.nz/almanac-2007/almanac-2007-2.html

Order Form
http://www.astronomynz.org.nz/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=57

Contact person
Kay Leather hellfa@xtra.co.nz



Stardate 2008

Stardate will be held at Tukituki, near Havelock North from the 10-14 January, 2008.

We have yet to confirm some of the costs, and details will be published in the newsletter as soon as possible.

http://www.astronomynz.org.nz/stardate/expression-of-interest.html



Astro Reminders put together by

Edwins News and Reminders page
http://tinyurl.com/jb6oj

Paul Moss
http://www.astronomy.net.nz/

Edwin Rod
http://laintal.screenrevolution.co.nz/

Halloween

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

On Halloween night in present-day Ireland, adults and children dress up as creatures from the underworld (e.g., ghosts, ghouls, zombies, witches and goblins), light bonfires, and enjoy spectacular fireworks displays, despite the fact that such displays are usually illegal. It is also common for fireworks to be set off for the entire month preceding Halloween, as well as a few days after. Halloween was perceived as the night during which the division between the world of the living and the otherworld was blurred so spirits of the dead and inhabitants from the underworld were able to walk free on the earth. It was believed necessary to dress as a spirit or otherworldly creature when venturing outdoors to blend in, and this is where dressing in such a manner for Halloween comes from. This gradually evolved into trick-or-treating because children would knock on their neighbours' doors, in order to gather fruit, nuts, and sweets for the Halloween festival. Salt was once sprinkled in the hair of the children to protect against evil spirits. The houses are frequently adorned with turnips carved into scary faces; lights or candles are sometimes placed inside the carvings to provide an eerie effect.



Anthony Scally

Beebo + My Space

Yes I must confess to spending too much time on theses websites lately!

I have just signed up for them and have been browsing through.

Must be one of the last people to join up on these things.