RAC Indoor Meeting Minutes

May 13 2022

Co-chairperson Ann Murphy hosted the meeting in-person at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as virtually using the Zoom platform.

23 participants in-person, 27 participants via Zoom.

Presentation: “Where Do Galaxies End” by Dr. Mike Shull, Univ. of Colorodo, Dept. of Astrophysical and Planetary Science, and UNC-CH

Lecture summary: Observational and theoretical evidence for the enormous sizes of galaxies, some extending 1 million light years in radius, is discussed. What we “see” in the visible light of the Milky Way is only a small portion of the structure of what we call our home galaxy.

Speaker: Dr. Shull is a faculty member in the Dept. of Astrophysical and Planetary Science at Univ. of Colorodo, and is also affiliated with UNC-CH.

Business

Raffle by co-chairperson Mike Keefe

A raffle was held to celebrate the return to in-person meetings. Two items were raffled:

  • “New Frontiers of Space” to Dana Bostic
  • Zhumell Laser Collimator to Steve Blake

RAC Announcements by co-chairperson Ann Murphy

Upcoming meetings and events:

  • Officer Elections at the next indoor meeting on June 10
    • Nominations end on May 13. There is currently a complete slate of nominees for all offices (co-chair, secretary, treasurer).
    • On-line voting will be announced (see https://raleighastro.org/voting) and will end at 5:00PM on June 10.
  • May 15 – Skywatching at Dorothea Dix – Lunar eclipse (note: was cancelled due to weather)
  • May 19 – Imaging Meeting
  • May 27 – RAC Observing Session (RACOBS)
  • June 7 – The Willard Rooftop (note: rescheduled to July 6)
  • June 10 – RAC Meeting: Indoors at NC Museum of Natural Sciences. More details to be announced.
  • June 15 – Stars for Ft. Bragg – rain date June 21
  • June 16 – Imaging Meeting
  • June 24 – RAC Observing Session (RACOBS)

Other committees (outreach, webmaster, etc.) need volunteers. Reach out to [email protected] if interested.

ALCOR Update by ALCOR Doug Lively

  • Dana Bostic received the Moon Binocular Observing Award and the Moon Observing Award.
  • Jim Michnowicz received the Mercury Transit Award, the Messier Award (Honorary Level), and the Sunspotter Award.

Outreach Committee Update by Matt Lochansky

Upcoming outreach events

    • May 15 – Skywatching at Dix for Lunar Eclipse (9:30pm-Midnight). A telescope clinic will be held from 7:00 – 8:00PM prior to the event to help anyone with equipment issues and questions (note: cancelled due to weather).
    • June 7 – The Willard Rooftop (note: rescheduled to July 6)
    • June 15 – Stars for Ft. Bragg – rain date June 21
    • August 28 – Skywatching at NC Museum of Art

The observing committee is looking for volunteers to coordinate events and assist at events with or without a telescope. To join the committee send a blank email to [email protected]. Any club member is welcome, regardless of experience level.

Treasurer’s Report by Steve Blake

Membership – 385 total (110 emails removed – inactive members)

  • 259 single memberships
  • 74 family memberships with 74 secondary members (52 registered)

Balances

  • Business checking: $ 933.53
  • Savings: $ 23064.47
  • Special purpose checking: $ 259.05

RGAS Meeting – Sammy’s Tap & Grill, 2235 Avent Ferry Rd., Raleigh, NC 27606 – 919-755-3880