RAC Indoor Meeting Minutes

November 17, 2023

Co-Chair Naveen Malik hosted the meeting in-person at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as virtually using the Zoom platform.

26 meeting participants attended in-person, 9 attended via Zoom.

Presentation: “Astronomy at Glacier National Park” by Doug Lively

Business

Nominations and Elections by Co-Chair Naveen Malik

  • Nominations for Co-Chair are open.
  • Dana Bostic has been nominated.
  • Nominations open until elections.
  • Online voting opens December 8, closing at the December 15 indoor meeting.
  • Election will be held December 15.

Milestones by Co-Chair Naveen Malik

  • Annelies Gentile – shared enjoyment and several items from Staunton River Star Party.
  • Naveen Malik – shared his experience at Staunton River Star Party.
  • Stefan Will – was notified about a 12 meter asteroid (2020WA) passing close to earth and was able to capture it.

ALCor announcement by Dana Bostic

Outreach Committee Update by Co-Chair Naveen Malik

Previous Event updates

  • August 31 – The Willard
  • October 4 – The Willard
  • October 23 – The Cypress
  • October 25 – The Willard
  • October 26 – Salem Elementary School STEM Night
  • November 1 – Eva Perry Library
  • November 16 – Morrisville Community Library

Upcoming Events

  • Nov 18 – Astronomy On Tap Star Party
  • Nov 20 – James Webb Space Telescope – A Year of Discovery
  • Nov 27 – Full Moon
  • Dec 2 – Public Skywatching – Spanish Speaking Support!
  • Dec 8 – RACOBS
  • Dec 12 – New Moon
  • Dec 13 – The Willard
  • Dec 14 – The Hartwell
  • Dec 15 – Indoor Meeting: Imaging Showcase
  • February 3 and 4 – Astronomy Days – Email went out for presentations and leading an event.

Treasurer’s Report by Steven Izzo (presently by Dana Bostic)

Membership – 541 total.

  • 336 single memberships
  • 123 family memberships with 82 secondary members

Balances:

  • Business checking: $1,270.63
  • Savings: $22,309.69
  • Special purpose checking: $0.95

Loaner Scope Report by Rob Parsons

  • Total of 26 scopes (two are in for repair, preparing two others to be added)
  • Successfully moved scopes to new storage unit 10′ x 15′ (cost is $138 / Month)
  • Suggested they need is a class on using the GoTo, getting tracking to work. (looking for videos anyone may have or suggestions).
  • Spent $536 for parts and supplies.
  • There are three large scopes in storage that are looking for a purpose.
    • 16″ Meade Newtonian
    • 14″ Celestron SCT
    • 20″ Starmaster with Zambuto Mirror (needs eyepieces)

Key Holders Report by Naveen Malik

  • Naveen Malik is committee head.

Social Media Report by Naveen Malik

  • Multiple videos uploaded.

 

All First Friday Under the Stars with TLC events in 2023 will be held at Three Bear Acres, until further notice.

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. To volunteer for an event, register via the RAC Calendar.