RAC Indoor Meeting Minutes

September 9 2022

Co-chairperson Mike Keefe hosted the meeting in-person at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as virtually using the Zoom platform.

22 participants in-person, 23 participants via Zoom.

Presentation: “The Milky Way, Our Home Galaxy” by Dr. Patrick Treuthardt

Dr. Patrick Treuthardt is an astrophysicist and current Assistant Head of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Lab at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on the shapes, structures, and underlying physical processes of galaxies.

Business

RAC Announcements by co-chairperson Mike Keefe

Upcoming meetings/events:

  • September 15 – RAC Imaging Meeting: Summer nebula images
  • September 23 – RAC Observing Meeting (RACOBS)
  • October 14 – RAC Indoor Meeting: Astronomy at Glacier National Park
  • October 20 – RAC Imaging Meeting
  • October 24-30 – Staunton River Star Party
  • October 28 – RAC Observing Meeting (RACOBS)

RAC is looking for more options for communication beyond the website and groups.io mailing lists. If you have suggestions or are willing to volunteer please contact a co-chair (Naveen, Anastasia, Mike).

Member Milestones by co-chairperson Mike Keefe

  • Chris Cole: 15 years of amatuer astronomy

ALCOR Report by treasurer Steve Izzo

  • Dana Bostic and Anastasia Vail awarded the “James Webb Telescope Special Observing Challenge” award.
  • Rob Parson earned the “Basic Outreach” certificate and pin.

Imaging Group Report by Chris Cole

  • Integrated Flux Nebula (IFN) Workshop – September 18 at 2:00PM.
    • IFN: dust in the Milky Way illuminated by all of the stars
    • Follow-up to August’s IFN imaging meeting. Naveen Malik will lead.
  • “Silent Sky” is a play being produced by Burning Coal theater, based on the life of early 1900s astronomer Henrietta Leavit, who studied Cephied variable stars.
    • Burning Coal is interested in having RAC participate in an image contest. Any RAC member may submit a single photo for the contest. There is no restriction on when the image was taken.
    • Burning Coal will select one winning picture which will be featured on the show’s posted and printed promotional material. The winner will receive two free tickets to the show.
    • Other entries may be selected and be projected in the lobby while “Silent Sky” is running (in December).
    • Burning Coal Theater has posted an image submission form on their website. Submission deadline: October 9 11:59PM.
    • Images that relate to Henrietta Leavitt’s work on Cepheid variable stars are preferred. This may include widefield Milky Way images, galaxy images, and images directly related to Cepheid variables.

Outreach Committee Update by co-chairperson Mike Keefe

Recent outreach events:

  • August 3 – The Willard rooftop lounge
  • August 5 – First Fridays Under the Stars with TCL (Three Bear Acres)
  • August 12 – Perseid Skywatching at Dorothea Dix
  • August 12 – Perseid Skywatching at Howell Woods
  • August 28 – Stargazing at the NC Museum of Art

Upcoming outreach events:

  • September 16 – First Fridays Under the Stars with TLC (Three Bear Acres)
  • September 21 – The Willard rooftop lounge
  • October 1 – Skywatching at White Deer Park
  • October 7 – First Fridays Under the Stars with TLC (Three Bear Acres)
  • November 2 – The Willard rooftop lounge
  • November 4 – First Fridays Under the Stars with TLC (Three Bear Acres)

The observing committee is looking for volunteers to coordinate events and assist at events with or without a telescope. To join the committee send a blank email to [email protected]. Any club member is welcome, regardless of experience level.

Treasurer’s Report by treasurer Steve Izzo

Membership – 442 total (11 new members, 1 emails removed – inactive members)

  • 291 single memberships
  • 89 family memberships with 62 secondary members

Balances:

  • Business checking: $ 550.79
  • Savings: $ 19731.04
  • Special purpose checking: $ 269.76

Loaner Scope Report by co-chairperson Mike Keefe

  • New scope in loaner pool: Meade 10″ 2120

Keyholders Report by co-chairperson Mike Keefe

  • Re-assigning Keys for RACOBS keyholders

RGAS Meeting – Sammy’s Tap & Grill, 2235 Avent Ferry Rd., Raleigh, NC 27606 – 919-755-3880