ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF ALBURY-WODONGA, AUSTRALIA AND CAPE FEAR ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF WILMINGTON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA January 25, 2005 NEWS RELEASE – IMMEDIATE Two amateur astronomical societies, one located in Australia and the other in the United States of America, have recently adopted a “Sister Society” relationship to establish a comprehensive program of joint astronomical activities. Both societies are enthusiastic about building a meaningful and continuing interaction program that will benefit astronomy in general as well as the members of each society. The Cape Fear group, located in Wilmington North Carolina, was formed twenty-one years ago and now has a membership of sixty with a very active program using a large array of telescopes and observing equipment. It is a member of the Astronomical League of the USA. The Albury-Wodonga society is located on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, Australia and was formed in 1974. It now has more than thirty active members who have an impressive array of telescopes and specialized equipment. One of the members, Robert Price, is a notable Australian amateur astronomer with a domed observatory and an extensive collection of observing and photographic equipment. In September 2004, Robert Price, Albury-Wodonga, suggested to Sam Bissette of the Cape Fear Society that the possibility of creating a “Sister Society” (informally called a Sister Club) relationship be explored by their two organizations. Bissette and Price have been friends since they collaborated on an astronomical research project in 1995 consisting of a photographic survey of the Northern and Southern hemispheres, using Bissette’s unconventional observing method called astromicrosopy. When the “Sister Society” idea was presented to both societies, the response was very positive and preparations began to quickly establish the program that is now functioning. Attached is a copy of the program plan that will be used to maintain the “Sister Society” relationship. For further information please contact the Societies at the addresses below: The Astronomical Society of Albury/Wondonga Lavington NSW, Australia Allan Henderson, Secretary Cape Fear Astronomical Society Wilmington, North Carolina, USA Sam Bissette, Sister Club Chairman