2001 October 20 - the SAGAS (Southern Area Group of Astronomical Societies) autumn 2001 meeting was held at the Sir Patrick Moore Building - home of the South Downs Planetarium at Chichester High School - West Sussex.

The meeting was hosted by the South Downs AS with about 100 attendees from more than a dozen SAGAS societies for the inaugural opening of the Planetarium by Sir Patrick Moore.

The normal SAGAS formalities were kept brief to make way an impressive presentation by Dr John Mason of the planetarium facilities using the star projector formerly at the Armagh Planetarium - Northern Ireland.

The lunch and tea-breaks allowed attendees to view the excellent foyer display, a book signing by Patrick with funds going to the Planetarium Trust and distribution of  Nightlife.   A great time was had by all.  Maurice Gavin

Footnote: During the tea-break discussion ensued with Neil Bone over the reliable prediction of aurora from solar satellite info.  By chance an aurora over London  was recorded from Worcester Park - Surrey 30 hours later after a tip-off-call from Ron Johnson<g>.  MG