Four RAC Members, Mike Keefe, Jim McDaniel, Ian Hewitt and Doug Lively volunteered at the NC Museum of Natural Science Museum’s Grand Opening Gala for the Nature Research Center on Fri. April 13, 2012.
Over 1,000 patrons of the museum attended the Gala and the After Party. Guests were able to get a sneak peak at the new wing of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, called the NRC (Nature Resource Center).
The Raleigh Astronomy Club set up 3 telescopes on the green roof terrace. Despite the light pollution of downtown Raleigh, guests were treated to views of a crescent Venus, Jupiter and it 4 Galilean Moons, Mars, the Orion Nebula, several open clusters and other celestial objects. Viewing started around 7pm with some views of sun spots as the sun was setting and continued until almost midnight.
It was truly a festive and enjoyable gala!
