JOHN DOBSON, the “MACGUYVER OF ASTRONOMY” IS GUEST SPEAKER AT THE CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY CENTER’S ASTRONOMY FAIR. On Saturday, September 24, 2005, The Cincinnati Observatory Center will celebrate the hobby of astronomy with our annual ScopeOut Astronomy Fair. ScopeOut 2005 is an opportunity for families and people of all ages to look at the latest and greatest astronomical equipment offered by local and national vendors. Other activities include: •Lectures on how to buy a telescope •Telescope making demonstrations •Space art and astrophotography exhibits •Educational materials for teachers •Science career information from UC, Xavier, NKU and other local universities •Kids’ crafts, art contest and activities •Ask the Astronomer Booth •Safe viewing of the sun •Evening stargazing through our 101 and 160 year old telescopes •Tours of this National Historic Landmark •The public is encouraged to bring their telescopes for expert help •Door prizes include telescopes, binoculars, and all sorts of astronomical goodies. ScopeOut 2005’s evening’s dinner/lecture features Mr. John Dobson. Mr. Dobson is well known to the astronomy community as the father of “Sidewalk Astronomy” where amateur astronomers set up their telescopes at shopping malls, parks and other unexpected venues to bring the heavens to the public. His lecture title is “Cosmology, the fall of the Big Bang and its Replacement”. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Noon to 5 PM for the Fair 6 PM to 8 PM for the dinner & Keynote Lecture 8 to 10:30 PM celestial viewing of the Moon and Stars (weather permitting) ADMISSION Adults, $5.00 Children $3.00 Keynote Speaker and Dinner Reservations, add $15 After 4:00pm, Donation Requested. Tours & evening viewing (weather permitting)

The Chicago Astronomical Society Presents Astrofest @ Vana's Farm

Sioux Empire Astronomy CLub hosts Star Party at Hodgson Observatory in Beresford SD. Overnight camping, Astronomers breakfest, laidback type atmosphere.

The Oregon Star Party provides a remote high desert location for 800-1000 amateurs to gather for a dark sky treat. This year it is held during the Labor Day weekend. Food, espresso, showers, vendors, and dark transparent skies are the norm. Please join us, and volunteer if you are interested. Online registration starting in March.

Rain date, Monday.

At Antlers Beach, rain date Monday following.

One night event with Monday the rain date.

Come join us for a delightful weekend under the stars. A full slate of talks, demosntrations and workshops start Friday evening. Our featured speaker will be Phil Harrington, well known author and astronomy popularizer.

Dark, clear skies at 8800 feet in the Rockies about 50 West of Colorado Springs, CO in the Pike National Forest. Pre-registration is $20 pp or $35 per family on or before 5 June 2005 $30 pp $50 per family after. No additional charges for camping. Childrens activities, door prizes, catered meals, vendors ATM walk-about, demos and presentations. Set and observe up by your camp site.

Green Bank Star Quest II Combining Optical and Radio Astronomy at One Event! Come join us July 6th-10th, 2005 under the very dark skies of West Virginia for the 2nd annual Green Bank Star Quest at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, WV . By day checkout all the NRAO has to offer, like the new multi-million dollar Visitor’s Center, and free tours of the facilities: including the 100 meter GBT – which is the world’s largest fully steer able radio telescope. Star Quest will have 4 days of lectures, imaging classes, vendors, raffles, kids activities and nighttime optical observing on over six acres of camp sites at the low price of $ 75.00 for a party of two or $ 100.00 for a family. For more information contact Joe Gonzalez at (304) 626-5012 or visit our web site at www.greenbankstarquest.org