Co-chairperson Doug Lively led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts Center
34 members, 7 guests attended
Indoor Meeting: “Beginning Astronomy at RAC” by RAC member Ann Murphy. Ann gave an overview of getting started with astronomical observing. We had lots of new faces in the audience!
Business
- Treasury report. The report was provided by Doug Lively for Treasurer Steve Izzo. Account balances are:
- $740 in business checking
- $15,782 in savings
- $4.66 in special purpose checking
- Outreach. Report provided by Doug Lively for Outreach coordinator Matt Lochansky.
- Planned Outreach Requests – need volunteers:
- May 2, 8:30pm, Girl Scount Camporee
- May 30, 9pm, Skywatching at Dix
- Planned Statewide Star Party – will need volunteers, would be nice to have event leads:
- April 24 @ White Deer Park
- April 25 @ Wilkerson Nature Park
- April 25 @ Williamson Preserve
- In Planning Phase:
- May 15 (tentative), Morning, Special Needs students at Leesville HS. We need to figure out what activities make sense, confirm a few volunteers, and put a plan in place.
- Fall: Museum of Art – Aiming for September…. will avoid October.
- Prairie Ridge Ecostation – They were left out of SWSP, so we need to figure out a date with them.
- Still trying to find a date to support NC School of Science & Math (had to cancel two or three in a row)
- Registration for “Beginning Astrophotography Part 2” class is now open. The class will be on Saturday March 14 at Cameron Village Public Library from 1:30pm to 3:30. Please register for the free class at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beginning-astrophotography-part-2-tickets-96709924989
- Messier Marathon. No local Marathon is planned but the Staunton River Star Party is being held on dates favorable for attempting a Marathon (Mar 23-29). RAC members interested in attempting a Messier Marathon are encouraged to attend the SRSP.
- Next month’s indoor meeting should be on Friday, March 13. NCSU is closed for spring break so we need to verify that we can meet at the Crafts Center. Please monitor the raleighastro groups.io page for a scheduling announcement.
