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Re: The Virgo Diamond<BR>
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I am not sure why I have become so interested in this five star asterism. One reason is the fact that it is very unique and that there are so few amateurs aware of its existence. It is difficult to locate and observe, a true observing challenge. I like challenges. I would like to offer the LVAS an original sketch to be given away at your next meeting. The officers of the club should decide who should receive this sketch...a raffle or drawing? <BR>
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Give me a few weeks to get it completed. The reason is I am doing this is in appreciation of the inspiration that I have been able to achieve due to the correspondence on the forum. I have always had a desire to communicate and discuss deep-sky with others; especially beyond my backyard.<BR><BR>Each original copy will be numbered and I will attach a hand-written letter explaining the Virgo Diamond. The list at current: <BR>
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1. Dennis di Cicco (<EM>Sky & Telescope Magazine</EM>)<BR>
2. Tom English (my astronomy friend and mentor of almost 18 years)<BR>
3. Jim Mullaney (in appreciation of his 1st book, <EM>The Finest Deep Sky Objects) </EM>and also his willingness to correspond with me for almost fifteen years)<BR>
4. Paul Webb (the founder of the Cleveland County Astronomical Society)<BR>
5. Fred Rayworth (in honor for his completion of the H-400 List, something I have been unable to achieve) <BR><FONT face=Verdana size=4></FONT>6. Las Vegas Astronomical Society (recipient unknown at this time)<BR>
7. Brian Skiff Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Arizona (in appreciation of his book <EM>Observing Handbook And Catalogue Of Deep-Sky Objects)</EM> This book brought me to a higher level as an observer. The thought of having a framed picture of my sketch in his cabin which was previously occupied by Robert Burnham, Jr. would be quite an honor for me.<FONT face=Verdana><EM><STRONG> </STRONG></EM></FONT><BR>
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Best Regards, Roger Ivester <BR><BR><BR><br /><hr />Rediscover HotmailŪ: Get e-mail storage that grows with you. <a href='http://windowslive.com/RediscoverHotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Rediscover_Storage2_042009' target='_new'>Check it out.</a></body>
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