Hi all

It's the end of June, half way through 2011 already. Wow, how time flies. This is a bit of a 'round the traps' update of what's been happening and what's coming up.

1. The June Total Lunar Eclipse was Great!

On the morning of the 16th June 2011 we had our first total lunar eclipse of 2011, and it was a great event seen by most of Australia who got lucky with cloud cover that morning.

The IceInSpace Article about the eclipse got some great coverage and had over 20,000 views - most of them on the day and night before the eclipse. Hopefully the one in December will generate just as much interest.

2. Australia's Astro Imaging Conference - FLI AAIC 2011

It's only just over a week until Australia's first major astro imaging conference, the FLI AAIC 2011, is on. It runs from the 8th - 10th July 2011 and is being held at Crown Plaza Hotel, Sufers Paradise, Queensland!

It's not too late to register - hit the link and follow the instructions to reserve your spot!

Check out the AAIC2011 article for more information, or visit the AAIC2011 website.

3. Entries are closed in the CWAS "David Malin Awards" for 2011

Last Friday, entries closed for the 2011 CWAS "David Malin Awards". The David Malin Awards is Australia's premier astrophotography contest, with hundreds of entries each year from the cream of Australia's astrophotography talent.

Winners will be announced soon and presented at the Awards Dinner on the 16th July 2011.

4. IISAC2011 is less than 4 months away

IISAC2011 is getting closer now, just over 3 months away so it's time to start getting organised. The IISAC2011 page now has information about prices, guest speakers and workshops, and a booking page will be available in the next 2 weeks.

We hope to see you there!

5. Our Facebook Page is Growing Strong!

We're forming a great extended community on our IceInSpace Facebook page, with almost 1600 'Likes'.

We invite you to Like our Facebook page, we share news and information about upcoming celestial events, star parties etc. We also showcase our Image of the Week as well as other and other interesting news in the world of Astronomy.

It's a great way to get in touch and interact with the extended IceInSpace Community. We also would love you to share the love of IceInSpace with YOUR friends! Facebook is great for that - when you Like or Comment on an article on Facebook, your friends see it.

So please, come and Like our Facebook page at:

IceInSpace on Facebook

6. Review of SolarMax II 60mm Solar Scope

For those looking to invest in a high quality solar telescope for the Transit of Venus in 2012, or the Total Solar Eclipse in 2012, you might be interested in this review of the Coronado SolarMax II 60mm Solar Telescope by John Wilkinson.

Coronado SolarMax II 60mm Solar Telescope Review