Minutes, April 9 2008 meeting
In attendance:
The meeting was opened at approximately 7:00 pm by Scott Busby. Attendees introduced themselves.
In the Treasurer's absence, Glenn Holliday (Secretary) presented the Treasurer's report.
Scott brought the club's new Coronado Personal Solar Telescope to the meeting. Glenn asked to check it out to support an astronomy event at Potomac Elementary School. He and Bart will work out the first uses of the telescope, and Bart will bring it to the next star party.
Glenn asked about contacting Tom, who still owns the raclub.org domain registration and mailing list on m31.us. Other members believe the domain was registered for a 10 year period. James suggested combining all the club's communications at one location.
None were presented.
Scott Busby described the upcoming celebration of the 400th anniversary of the telescope at the National Air and Space Museum Dulles Annex.
Discussion of a date to teach about equipment owned by members produced the date June 7, which is a regular star party date.
Laura Carreno described her plans for Conway Elementary School's Space Day on May 2. She suggested May 10 as a backup date. That day is also Astronomy Day. There was a general consensus to make no other plans for Astronomy Day in order to avoid conflict if Conway Elementary needs to use this as a rain date. (No vote was taken on this decision.)
Members expecting to support Space Day include Mike, Glenn, Jon, Scott, and Stephen. Stephen suggested that a JPL Solar System Ambassador would be a good resource for the Space Day event.
James will be unavailable because of business, so any items for the Web site need to come to him early.
Prince William Soil and Water District asked for support for an event on July 26. We don't know a location yet.
Leigh asked if reminders from the Yahoo calendar can be sent earlier. Scott will look into this.
Stephen announced the Northeast Astronomical Forum (NEAF) April 25-27 near New York City.
Stephen described his work with the Remote Rapid Response Telescope on Fan Mountain near Charlottesville. This facility will track gamma ray bursts. The University of Virginia is looking for volunteers to operate the telescope, and projects to occupy the scope during times in between gamma ray bursts. The club will discuss with Stephen a possible field trip. We may be able to bring our own telescopes and use the field house at the site.
Scott Busby demonstrated setting up and using a German Equitorial Mount. He also covered the right ascension/declination coordinate system and polar alignment.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 14 2008, 7:00 pm, at Headquarters Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
Glenn Holliday, Secretary