Co-chairperson Ann Murphy led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts Center
27 member, 5 guests attended
Speaker: Shannon Morgan, RAC member and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador
Shannon gave an excellent talk entitled “Mars! Dust Storms, Opposition and Observing”. She explained the history and future of Mars oppositions, the dust storm that is affecting the planet during the present opposition, and some pointers the help observe Mars.
Business
Treasurer Steve Izzo gave a treasury report:
$527.19 in business checking
$12,521.39 in savings
$0.74 in special purpose checking
Dr Patrick Treuthardt at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences needs some volunteers to participate in a citizen science project. See https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/astro-lab-ncmns/spiral-graph for project info.
RAC conducted outreach sessions recently at Meredith College for the Governor Morehead School East (300 people) and Girl Scouts (60 people). Our next bg out reach event is a Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh on 12 August 2018 for the Perseids.
Doug Lively reminded us that planning for Astronomy Days will begin in mid-September. If you have an idea for a new exhibit please contact an officer.
Mike Keefe is working on a RAC Volunteer Apparel program. Details have not been finalized, but the general idea is to award a special t-shirt to members that volunteer at our official outreach events. Please stay tuned for details.
RACOBS has been very hard to ‘call’ for weather in the past year or so. Going forward, we will announce RACOBS on the week of the event, and post a go-no go weather statement by 5 pm on the day of RACOBS. Our next RACOBS is scheduled for 10 August 2018.
