Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc.	Member Astronomical League	Member International Dark-Sky Association
	FirstLight's First Ten Years
	29°39' N,  82°21' W Altitude: 50 Meters (more or less)		Updated Jan. 17, 1999
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Through The Eyepiece

by Gilbert Bernardo

May is usually a grand month for star watchers. The air is cool and pleasant, not yet saturated with moisture. Our summer "friend" the mosquito has not yet arrived in force, and late night observing sessions bring a preview of summer nights to come. May is also the best month for those of us in the southern U.S. to catch a glimpse of that massive globular cluster, Omega Centauri. You will need an unobstructed view of the southern horizon, a very clear moonless night, and at least some 7 X 50's. Toward the end of the month and the early part of June, Spica, in the constellation Virgo, will be near the meridian at about 9 PM. About 350 due south of Spica, (use your yardstick crossbow) just above the horizon, will be Omega Centauri. In 7 X 50's it looks like the fuzzy head of a comet. In 11 X 80's it's better. Some of you guys with light buckets see what you can do. Have fun!

Come and lend a hand. We have a big day planned for May 16. First there will be activities at the Florida State Museum of Natural History starting at noon. There will be many things to share and explain to the public. That evening, a star party will be held on the grassy knoll south of the ball fields at SFCC. Everybody come.

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