General Interest

Location: NCSU Crafts Center (directions) Date: May 18, 2018 Time: 7:30-9:30pm Imaging Showcase For this months meeting, some of our club’s imagers will show their latest work in photographing the night sky.  Imagers will talk about what cameras and equipment were used and the software for which to acquire the images. RAC Business: After the presentation, we will discuss additional RAC business. We will then adjourn for dinner at a Sammy’s Tap and Grill on Avent Ferry Rd.

The Raleigh Astronomy Club holds several public observing sessions each year where we provide the telescopes and kids of all ages join in the fun. These events are free of charge – just come on out. Sometimes a blanket or lawn chair are useful for hanging out with us! Our Next Public Observing Session: Dorothea Dix Park Big Field 101 Blair Drive Raleigh, NC 27603 Date: June 15, 2018 Time: 9:00pm – 12:00am NOTE: Always check back close to the…

Members, it’s time to renew your membership!  We’ve made it as easy as 1-2-3.  Individual memberships are still $25 and family memberships are $35.  Please LOG IN to the website Renew Your Membership through Paypal (contact the treasurer to make other arrangements) Ensure your contact information is up to date.      

The presentation for ‘Getting Started in Astronomy with Kids’ can be located at the following link; click >> HERE

Astronomy Days RAC partners with the Museum of Natural Sciences and NASA to help you see the big picture — of the Universe! From comet crafts to solar observing, lectures to rocket launches, space enthusiasts of all ages will find something to do at Astronomy Days. You don’t want to miss this year’s theme: Space Telescopes and Missions! Where: NC Museum of Natural Sciences: 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 When: Saturday January 27 9am-5pm Sunday January 28 12pm-5pm…

Understanding & Measuring Light Pollution Astronomy Days 2018 Citizen Science Links Globe At Night project: https://www.globeatnight.org/ Loss of the Night project: http://lossofthenight.blogspot.com/ Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cosalux.welovestars&hl=en iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/loss-of-the-night/id928440562?mt=8 Studies/ Governance International Dark Sky Association: http://www.darksky.org/ Raleigh Comprehensive Plan https://www.raleighnc.gov/content/PlanDev/Documents/LongRange/ComprehensivePlan/CompPlanUpdate/Draft/CPUSection05EnvironmentalProtection.pdf Paper on Increasing LED Lighting http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/11/e1701528 Measurements Skyglow file definition http://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/measuring-light-pollution/ Sky Quality Meter http://unihedron.com Light Pollution measurement maps http://www.myskyatnight.com/#map http://www.knightware.biz/community/public/sqmmap/sqm_map.php http://cires.colorado.edu/Artificial-light

The Raleigh Astronomy Club, along with CHAOS, Morehead Planetarium, and Raleigh Parks and Rec will be out at Dorothea Dix park for skywatching!  Come out for a great night enjoying the night sky.   Tickets are FREE!! When:   October 28, 2017, 7:30-10:30pm Where: Dorothea Dix Park Big Field, 101 Blair Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603 Over 1000 guests are expected. More Details and Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/explore-dorothea-dix-park-skywatching-tickets-37250223421 Details: This is an informal session, so you can arrive and leave any time during the two hours of the program. However,…

We had an awesome time doing Solar Observations for the public at Marbles kids museum! Roughly about 100 people looked through our scopes to view the Sun and see the giant sunspot on the Sun’s western limb. Thanks to Matt L. (for organizing), Jacks L., Mike K. & Doug L., and Phyllis L. for answering questions and operating telescopes at today’s event. Additional thanks goes to Hardin from Marbles Kids Museum for arranging parking, carts, and cold water during the…