RAC Indoor Meeting Minutes
10 December 2021
Co-chairperson Ann Murphy hosted the online meeting using the Zoom platform.
22 participants
Presentation: “Imaging Showcase” led by RAC member/Imaging Group Leader Chris Cole
Business
Astronomy Days update by Doug Lively
January 29-30, 2022 at NC Museum of Natural Sciences. This year’s theme is Venus. Planning for an in-person event. Masks will be required for all staff & volunteers. An associated star party will be held on Saturday February 5 at Prarie Ridge Ecostation. Volunteers needed; request that everyone volunteer for at least one of the five 3-hour shifts. Volunteer apparel will be provided for new volunteers. Exhibit leads, volunteer coordinator, and star party volunteers are needed. Presentation volunteers who prefer to present virtually will be accommodated.
Our first planning meeting will be on Tuesday December 14. Currently planning to have our January indoor meeting at the museum on Friday January 28.
Prairie Ridge star party volunteer registration:
Statewide Star Party Planning by Amy Sayle
Morehead Planetarium will host the RAC indoor meeting on February 11, along with CHAOS. Planning for the Statewide Star Party will be discussed along with a presentation.
ALCOR by Doug Lively
AL Observing Programs: https://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/LevelObservingClubs.html
Good programs for beginners are Beyond Polaris and Constellation Hunter. Dana Bostic awarded the Beyond Polaris pin. The Lunar One program is a good intermediate program.
Observing Alternatives by Ann Murphy
December RACOBS scheduled on December 24 is cancelled. There are opportunities for observing at Big Woods over the week between Christmas and New Years if a keyholder volunteers. The moon will be at 3rd quarter on December 26 so there will be plenty of dark evening hours between December 26 and January 7.
Another alternative observing location is Howell Woods. Whoever observes needs to call/email ahead the day of observing to arrange for the lights to be turned off and the bathrooms unlocked for public use.
Contacts:
- Jordan Astoske <[email protected]>
- Trent Stanford 919-938-0115
Outreach Committee by Matt Lochansky
Upcoming outreach events:
- Dec 11 – Astronomy Merit Badge Class (Mark Gibson)
- January 19 – The Willard
- Jan 29/30 – Astronomy Days
- February 5 – Prarie Ridge
- April 8 – Statewide Star Party at Annie Wilkerson Nature Preserve and Prarie Ridge
- April 9 – Statewide Star Party at Sarah Williamson Preserve
Treasury Report by Steve Izzo
Membership – 406 total (13 new memberships)
- 293 single memberships
- 67 family memberships with 67 secondary members (46 registered)
- 58 renewals (to date)
- 5 cancellations/inactive members removed
Balances
- Business checking: $ 1259.39
- Savings: $ 17645.78
- Special purpose checking: $ 1606.66
Now is the time to renew your RAC membership. A reminder email has been sent to each member. Renewal deadline is March 31.
Upcoming Activities
December 24: RACOBS (cancelled due to holidays)
January RACOBS: TBD
January 20: Imaging meeting
January 28: Indoor meeting at NC Museum of Natural Science (tentative)
January 29/30: Astronomy Days
