RAC Indoor Meeting Minutes

October 14 2022

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

16 participants in-person, 15 participants via Zoom.

Presentation: “Astronomy at Glacier National Park” by Doug Lively, RAC ALCOR and NASA Solar System Ambassador

Business

RAC Announcements by co-chairperson Anastasia Vail

Upcoming meetings/events:

  • October 20 – RAC Imaging Meeting
  • October 20 – Public Night at Morrisville Library
  • October 24-30 – Staunton River Star Party
  • October 28 – RAC Observing Meeting (RACOBS)
  • November 2 – The Willard rooftop lounge
  • November 4 – First Fridays Under the Stars with TLC (Three Bear Acres) – cancelled due to weather
  • November 11- RAC Indoor Meeting
  • November 17 – RAC Imaging Meeting
  • November 19 – Skywatching at White Deer Park
  • November 25 – RAC Observing Meeting (RACOBS)

Astronomy Days by ALCOR Doug Lively

  • Saturday January 28 – Sunday January 29 at NC Museum of Natural Sciences.
  • Official planning with the museum starts next week.

ALCOR Report by ALCOR Doug Lively

  • Rob Parson earned the “Basic Outreach” certificate and pin.
  • Barton Meeks earned the “Stellar Outreach” award.

Outreach Committee Update by co-chairperson Mike Keefe

Upcoming outreach events:

  • October 15 – North Regional Library – Doug Lively speaking on JWST
  • October 20 – Morrisville Library
  • November 2 – The Willard rooftop lounge
  • November 4 – First Fridays Under the Stars with TLC (Three Bear Acres) – cancelled due to weather
  • November 7 – NC School of Science and Math
  • November 19 – Skywatching at White Deer Park
  • December 3 – First Fridays Under the Stars with TLC (Three Bear Acres)
    • Kids activities planned starting at 4:00PM.

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 – 457 total (14 new members, 1 canceled – inactive members)

  • 299 single memberships
  • 92 family memberships with 65 secondary members

Balances:

  • Business checking: $ 656.07
  • Savings: $ 19549.65
  • Special purpose checking: $ 245.56

Membership:

  • 117 members in spring 2020; 456 now.
  • Survey email coming next week. Feedback important.
  • Random giveaways for survey participants (e.g., Amazon $25 giftcards).

Loaner Scope Report by co-chairperson Mike Keefe

  • New scope in loaner pool: Meade C4 10″ SCT

Keyholders Report by co-chairperson Mike Keefe

  • Application window has closed.
  • 3 new keyholders

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