IT'S ALL IN THE STARS FOR COUNTY SOCIETY.

Byline: Jean Russell Vogel Community Columnist

A lunar eclipse, the discovery of Comet Tabur, and other recent celestial events have probably created new sky-watchers and in turn new members of the Ventura County Astronomical Society, said Rick Williams, president of the 130-member group.

VCAS historian Jim Sumstine of Ventura said that the 35-year-old group shows steady growth since 1991, when many locals viewed a total solar eclipse from Cabo San Lucas.

When Moorpark College opened its facilities for public viewing of the comet crash on Jupiter in 1994, the offer drew crowds and a VCAS growth spurt followed. Sumstine says the group's leadership promotes outreach events such as Astronomy Day in April. It attracted 1,000 participants and won the group a national award.

The Astronomical Society's display at the recent Ventura County Fair featured Sumstine's comet nucleus, composed of ``dry ice, water, ammonia, soda pop and dirt.'' Comet heads have been described as ``celestial snowballs.''

The nonmember public was included in a series of summer star parties presented by VCAS with the cooperation of Moorpark College and held at the school's observatory.

Do other stars have planets: Decades of searching by astronomers finally produced some amazing discoveries last year, said Chris McCarthy of the faculty of the University of California, Los Angeles. He will speak at the next VCAS meeting, 7:30 tonight in Room 202, science building, Moorpark College. Everyone is welcome, Williams said.

Most VCAS members are amateur astronomers whose interest in the hobby began in childhood, as did his, Williams said. A minority have a professional connection with the subject: astrophotographers, telescope makers and educators. Coordinator for the club's frequent joint activities with Moorpark College is faculty member Hal Jandorf.

Members with special interests, for example, are planetary observers concerned with the planets of our own solar system and ``deep sky'' observers who focus on galaxies, nebulae and other features of ``the great beyond.''

All are anticipating the sight of ``The Comet of the Century'' next March, said publicity chairman Jim Cassou of Moorpark. Comet Hale-Boggs, discovered about two years ago, is expected to be the brightest one in 100 years.

VCAS owns some equipment which members may use on special occasions, such as the group's monthly star parties, usually held at Mount Pinos, where light pollution is minimal.

Through junior memberships and classroom programs VCAS reaches the younger generation. Sumstine is a volunteer lecturer through the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office, which schedules talks by those with specific expertise. VCAS ``Starline'' 529-7813, handles requests for programs and other information.

The generosity of a donor enabled VCAS to be one of the first California astronomical clubs to have a Web page. Currently Webmaster Tim Robertson has assembled a photo gallery of work by members and astrophotography experts. The VCAS Web Page address is http://www.serve.net/vcas/vcas.html

VCAS also may be reached at Box 982, Simi Valley, CA 93962.