Co-chairperson Ann Murphy led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts Center

31 members, 3 guests attended.

Indoor Meeting: “The Edge of the Visible Universe: High-Redshift Galaxies, Quasars, and Gamma-Ray Bursts” was presented by Dr. Michael Shull, University of Colorado Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences. Dr. Shull spoke about our current understanding of the size and age our universe, and the new ideas that may come from the James Webb Space Telescope once it becomes operational.

Business

  1. Treasury report. The report was provided by Treasurer Steve Izzo:

Current membership: 208 (counting 2 per family membership)
Single Members: 128
Family Members: 40

Balances

  • $709 in business checking
  • $12,376 in savings
  • $172 in special purpose checking

The Treasurer has been  sending invitations to new members to join the Club’s groups.io mailing list.  The list is the primary way of communicating with Club members, but many are not accepting the invitation.

 

  1. Observing awards.

 

Jim Michnowicz received the Astronomical League’s Lunar Observing award. Jim explained that he used telescope, binoculars and naked-eye observations to complete observations of 100 lunar features.  Congratulations to Jim for this achievement.

 

  1. Astronomy Days planning has commenced. The theme will be Earth Day this year. If you have an idea for a new exhibit, please contact one of the officers.

 

  1. Observing Committee report. The report was provided by Observing Committee chair Matt Lochansky. If you are interested in participating in outreach events, please join the [email protected] subgroup of the raleighastro mailing list.

 

Upcoming public observing sessions:

  • Oct 12: Family Camping at Bond Park, Cary.
  • Oct 13: Girl Scouts at Archer Lodge.
  • Oct 18: Campout at White Deer Park, Garner. Telescopes are needed for this event.

The big public observing event scheduled for Oct 5 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh was canceled due to weather. It will be rescheduled.

 

  1. Upcoming astronomy class.

 

Nov 3 – “Reflecting Telescope Clinic”, 4-6pm at the NCSU Coliseum Parking Deck. Please register for this class at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/76436494613

 

Bring your telescope so that an experienced user of reflecting telescopes can help you with adjustments such as:

  • Stablizing the mounting.
  • Aligning the finderscope with the telescope.
  • Collimating the primary and secondary mirrors.