Gert Gottschalk captured these images during an observing run at Hidden Hill Observatory on July 18, 1999. The upper photograph was shot using a 16-inch, f/4 Newtonian with a 1.8x Barlow, and a Deep Sky Filter. Gert exposed onto PPF400 film, developed with a slightly extended developer time. His exposure was taken over two hours. The lower image is a high-resolution scan of the central image of this nebula. Both of these photographs can be viewed in color on the club website. (Ed. Note: Your editor, who claims no prowess as a deep-sky observer, estimates that these photos represent the Eagle Nebula (M16). Let's all ask Gert at the barbecue on August 20.)

Board swears, 'The logo contest was not rigged!'

   It certainly was not a "blind test" in the classic sense, but the board was unbiased (and generally uninformed of the designer) when it selected Chuck Grant's entry as the winning logo. See the results below for yourself.

Our new graphic is already in use on page 2, and Chuck is designing a color version for tee shirts, caps, and general observing paraphernalia.

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