Minutes, June 11 2008 meeting
In attendance:
The meeting was opened at 7:00 pm by Mike Masters. Attendees introduced themselves.
Treasurer Tim Plunkett presented his report.
None were presented.
Mark DeVito said he will give a program on observing in Alaska at the next meeting.
Steve Price from Westmoreland State Park came to discuss an astronomy event at that park. We selected 2 Aug, a Caledon backup, as a date for a Westmoreland visit. 4 October and 1 November are possible backup nights.
Jon Neasham raised concern over salt in the air near the Potomac River. Steve Price said we can set up in field away from river if we prefer.
Mark DeVito perfers to caravan to Westmoreland from a common rendezvous point.
Nokesville Soil & Water Conservation District will have their astronomy event 26 July. Myron will support the event. He would like to have the solar scope and brochures.
We reserved the picnic shelter at Caledon Saturday 30 August for club picnic. Caledon waived the fee, but we need to provide advance notice of our start time.
Mark Slade asked last month for member names & addresses from Tim to renew our club membership in the Astronomical League. Tim reported that he provided the requested info to Mark.
Some members report that they have never received Reflector magazine (the Astronomical League publication). Tim agreed to contact Mark directly to verify that he received member contact info from Tim. Tim also agreed to ask Mark if he would try to find out why people have not received their magazines.
Tim has emailed Scott to inquire about the expiration date of the rebate check for our PST.
Discussed a new date for the previously cancelled Collegiate School star party. Possible dates are 4 Oct (weekend after BMSG, backup date at Caledon) or 22 Nov (RAC star party).
Mark DeVito agreed to explore possible roles and activities for RAC during International Astronomy Year. He has been in contact with an astronomer at the University of Southern Illinois who is organizing events. Possible opportunities include the 100 Hours of Observing and the Galileo Telescope Project.
Tom reported that a USNO database for The Sky 6 is available for private use, but is very large.
Joe Francis suggested altering the meeting schedule so visitors see more program and less business.
Mike Masters discussed collimating Newtonian reflectors. Following this, Joe Francis demonstrated a collimation.
Joe Francis demonstrated cleaning mirrors.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 9 2008, 7:00 pm, at Headquarters Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
Glenn Holliday, Secretary