Updated 2024-09-21

Recent events:

  • August 14 – The Willard Rooftop (Raleigh)
    • Coordinator: Steve B
    • Volunteers: Dean, Susan, Mark, Benjamin, Jesus, and Steve B
    • Attendees: ~40
    • Recap: Steve B –

Despite some technical difficulties, about 40 participants got to view the Moon, Antares, and a few other southern sky objects through a telescope and binoculars at the Willard last night, and we distributed out several handouts on astronomy. This was a smaller crowd than typical which is a little surprising given the comparatively pleasant weather last night. 

  • August 17 – Artspace Summer Celebration (Raleigh)
    • Coordinator: Steve B
    • Volunteers: Dean, Susan, Dana, Blair, and Steve B
    • Attendees: ~50
    • Recap: Steve B –

We setup a H-alpha solar telescope and a Seestar from 11 AM – 3 PM outside of Artspace in downtown Raleigh today. Most of that time the sun was visible and we had at least 50 people stop by to get a view of the Sun and discuss astronomy. There was one prominent sunspot group and some small prominences visible. Like other sidewalk astronomy events it was a good reminder that while many people are excited about astronomy, there are others that are indifferent.

  • August 25 – East Regional Library (Knightdale)
    • Coordinator: Doug L
    • Volunteers: Doug L
    • Attendees: 16
    • Recap – Doug L
On Sunday 8/25 I presented: Beyond The Flames: Astronomy Amidst Forest Fires at the East Regional Library in Knightdale, NC. 16 members from the community were in attendance for this event. We had a great discussion on how forest fires affect astronomy and how to provide affective programming despite the atmospheric effects from fires. Plus, I got to tell my own story of what it was like to be sandwiched between two forest fires and still deliver effective astronomy sessions.
Many thanks to Rebecca Wade from East Regional Library for advertising, event coordination, and equipment setup. Thanks also to Steve Blake for setting up the meeting with Rebecca.

 

Upcoming events:

Notes:

The Outreach 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. We will train you! To volunteer for an event, register via the RAC Calendar event entry.

Event coordinators: please send an email after the event to [email protected] indicating:

  • How many RAC members volunteered.
  • Estimate of how many attendees were present.
  • Brief synopsis of the event: what interesting things were observed, attendee reactions, host impressions, etc.