RAC Indoor Meeting Minutes
Date: October 10, 2025
Co-Chair: Susan Herring hosted the meeting which was held at the NCMNS in Raleigh.
Action Item: Need comments from club members about any updates to web pages or if a webpage is obsolete and needs to be deleted. See Webmaster Report for more details.
Important Announcement:
The room will change due to the elevator being repaired. Be on the lookout for a room change.
Meeting Presentation:
- Meeting Topic:“Glacier National Park After Dark: Connecting People with the Cosmos”
- Meeting Description: Discover how interpretive astronomy can transform observation sessions and star-parties into meaningful connections—linking science, story, and stewardship beneath the night sky.
- Speaker: Doug Lively, RAC Member, NASA / JPL Solar System Ambassador
- Bio:
Doug Lively graduated from North Carolina State University (Go Pack!) with a BS in Computer Science. After graduation he developed Aerospace Communications devices for the space / aeronautics industries and then moved into the medical devices industry. He has over 25 years of biotech-pharma experience, 14 years’ experience as a certified Project Management Professional, and is based in the RTP area of North Carolina.
He has been an avid Amateur Astronomer since 1996. He has previously served as a Raleigh Astronomy Club (RAC) co-chair, Public Information contact, and Astronomical League Coordinator for RAC. In 2019, He was invited to become a NASA / JPL Solar System Ambassador and was recently awarded the Title of Master Observer by the Astronomical League (2021). In 2022 he was selected by the National Park Service to become an Interpretive Astronomy Ranger at Glacier National Park.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Debbie, camping, fishing, and likes engaging young and old alike in astronomy and space science. He also enjoys volunteering at the NC Museum of Natural Science or North Carolina State University, and can often be found giving astronomy lectures, presentations or leading events at local parks and public venues on weekends.
- Summary:
The presentation was exceptionally good. Doug Lively delivered it well and relevant stories. There were quite a few questions. The audience was engaged.
- Vote on Budget
The budget was presented. It was on the screen and a handout. A PDF was sent out with the meeting reminder. The vote was 18 yes and 0 no. The budget passed.
Treasurer’s Report:
Memberships:
- RAC memberships: 534
- Admin memberships: 1
- TOTAL memberships: 535
Financials:
- Checking: $1130.00
- Savings: $25,527.55
- Special Purpose: $0.54
Astronomical League Report:
- Mark Stevens – Binocular Messier OP, Outreach (Basic) Certificate
- Adnan Asif – Solar System OP
- Doug Lively – Sun Spotter OP
- Hubble 35th Challenge Certificates: 10
Outreach Report
- October 15 – The Willard Rooftop (Raleigh) – Coordinator: Susan Herring
- October 18 – Stargazing on Tap Star Party (Cameron) – Coordinator: Steve Blake
- November 13 – The Hartwell (Raleigh) – Rescheduled from September – Coordinator: Steve Blake
- November 15 – Boy Scouts@Camp Campbell (Clarksville, VA) – Coordinator: Matt Lochansky
- December 3 – The Willard Rooftop (Raleigh) – Coordinator: Steve Blake
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. Full report on RAC website!
- https://raleighastro.org/blog/2025/09/06/rac-outreach-committee-report-september-2025/
Loaner Scope Report
|
Category |
Checked Out | In for Repair | Available |
| Cassegrains | 6 | 1 | 4 |
| Dobsonians | 6 | 0 | 5 |
| Maksutovs | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Refractors | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Reflectors | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Binoculars | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Big Telescopes | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Accessories | 9 | 0 | 25 |
| Outreach | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Donation:
Reviewing Meade LX90 EMC Telescope – To be added to the loaner scope program.
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://raleighastro.org/loaner-telescopes/
Astronomy Days:
- Date: January 24-26, 2026
- More information coming soon from Chris Cole
Education Committee Report:
- Next Class – November 22, 2025
- Topic: A “Getting to Know your Telescope” session
Webmaster Report
From Web team:
- Action Item: Need comments from club members about any updates to web pages or if a webpage is obsolete and needs to be deleted.
- Please send all comments to [email protected]
Committee Reports
- Safety – First Aid Kits are ordered.
- Social Events – December Social – Details to follow.
- Social Media, A/V, Imaging & Key-Holders – No updates
Socialize after the meeting at Sammy’s.
