[The background above is part of an image by the Hubble Space Telescope of the Crescent Nebula.]

on MONDAY AUGUST 12, AT 8:30 P.M.

WHERE: Fairfield Elementary School, Road 32, Davis.

HELP SAVE OUR CLUB! - VOLUNTEER(S) NEEDED!

Dennis is stepping down as "Host" of the Explorit Science Center's Astronomy Club. So, for the Club to continue (and we DO want that don't we?), a volunteer (or more) will be needed to keep things going! This is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in astronomy and at most a few hours per month to make a real difference in the community's appreciation of astronomy.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet some really nice people, and you certainly don't need to be an "expert" in astronomy. You can get a general idea of what the club is all about by viewing the internet site at: http://www.explorit.org/astronomy.html#club.

Your role can be very flexible, and you can get more information by contacting Dennis at d2smith@pacbell.net or (530) 756-7006 or Explorit's Tom Wickersham at tomgwick@explorit.org or (530) 756-0191. Please help keep the Astronomy Club an important part of Explorit and our region!

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Good Prospects for Meteor Viewing.

The Moon will set early in the evening, so the sky will be dark for meteor viewing on Monday August 12th, The maximum number of meteors are expected to streak across the early Tuesday morning sky. Be aware that you will need a very dark site for such a good view, however.

Take Russell Blvd (Road 32) west 4 miles beyond the Highway 113 over crossing until you come to Road 96. Watch for the school crossing sign; the school is on the right side corner. There is a big grassy area (for chairs and blankets) and an area of asphalt (for telescopes, etc). Avoid automatic sprinkler systems!

What to Do There? Maybe you will want to just lie on a blanket, soak up some starlight, leave with–out saving anything to anyone--it's OK!. Or maybe this occasion would be a great opportunity to stay up all night with a special friend watching for shooting stars. Or, you might be puzzled by what you see, ask an anony–mous question in the dark, and someone will attempt to supply a correct answer.

What to Bring? There are some items you'll want to bring with you to observe regardless of where you decide to observe. Binocu–lars are optional but fun. Warm clothes, some–thing relaxing to sit or lie on that will protect you from the heavy dew, mosqui–to or gnat repel–lant, a flash–light in a paper bag or with a red filter (to keep lights dim) are more important. A warm non-alcoholic drink can be helpful (alcohol will cause drowsiness and reduce visual acuity) If you are joining us at Fairfield School please remem–ber that the school's restrooms are not available.

How to watch? Try to lay or sit so that you can see as much of the unobstructed sky as possible-the direction you are facing is unimportant. The darker the sky, the more meteors you will see. You can expect to see a bright meteor approximately every 15 minutes from our site. Certainly Fairfield School is not what astronomers consider a "dark" site favored by amateur astronomers.

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Davis Star Show a big success! The Club's table was perhaps the busiest activity center at the July 20 Star Show. Many thanks to Jeff Granett and Larry Brown and Christal Waters who each spent 6 hours helping around 100 kids build planispheres --despite the 100 degree heat! You are true heroes!

To Receive These Bulletins via E-mail Contact Dennis Smith at: d2smith@pacbell.net

The Astronomy Club is hosted by Dennis Smith with the assistance of Tim Feldman and other eager astronomy buffs. The club is for everyone - adults, children, knowledgeable or ignorant. Come to listen, look and learn, or to share your expertise or experience.