Hi all

Don't forget, the Total Lunar Eclipse is only 5 weeks away! Mark August 28th in your calendar, and read the article linked here for information about the eclipse. And start hoping for clear skies!

I've added a few new links to the IceInSpace Links page, which I hadn't updated for a long time. If you'd like to see a link added, please contact me.

There's 2 great start parties coming up in August, one in Queensland and one on the border of NSW/VIC at Albury/Wodonga.

• The QLD AstroFest is in its 15th year, and is being held from the 6th to the 12th of August. Organised jointly by the astronomical societies of the South East Queensland region, the Astrofest is open to all amateur astronomers.  It is held at Lions Camp Duckadang about two hours drive (170km) north west of Brisbane and provides a unique opportunity for up to six nights of viewing and imaging at a great dark sky site.
• The Border Stargaze 2007 is the inaugural star party hosted by the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga. Held over 2 nights, from the 10th-12th August, the event is shaping up to be a big one. The event hopes to draw amateur astronomers from all areas to the dark skies at The Great Aussie Resort, situated on the edge of Lake Hume.

Both events are still taking registrations so it's not too late to contact them and express your interest! Star Parties are a fantastic place to meet other like-minded amateur astronomers, and enjoy observing through many different sizes and types of telescopes under clear, dark skies.

If you live near either of those 2 events, it's well worth getting along. My family and I will be heading to the Border Stargaze event, so if you come along, make sure to find me and say g'day!

IceInSpace is a proud sponsor of both of these fantastic events.