Club Reports

<strong>Telescope Loaner Program</strong> Telescope loaner program continues to be updated.  John S. is weeding through good scopes, those in disrepair, and those which might be better used outside the loaner program.  He is also putting together “kits” to make the scopes more complete and easier to loan out. The 17″ dob (which was donated to the club a long time ago) was sold to one of Fred’s friends, Michael Searle.  This was a difficult decision, but MIchael built a similar…

August 27, 2015 28 members and guests attended the meeting Lecture: Dr. Blondin, professor of physics at NC State, spoke about modeling the gas disk around X-Ray binaries The talk was recorded and available on YouTube.

July 23, 2015 About 30 members attended the meeting Lecture: Dr. Becker, a scientific historian, gave a wonderful talk on “Unraveling Starlight” which went through the life of William Huggins and his rise from an uneducated silk merchant to President of the Royal Society.  The talk was recorded and available on YouTube.

Mark Lang filled in as secretary since Ann Murphy was on vacation this week. He took the meeting minutes. Business meeting: The business meeting opened approximately 7 pm with elections the first item on the agenda.  It was announced we now had a full slate of candidates.   Nominees for co-chair were Chris Cole, Mike Mantini, and Phyllis Lang.  Steve Izzo was nominated for treasurer, and Matt Lochansky was nominated for secretary.  All nominees had been seconded via the email list.  Initially, there was…

Volunteers are needed for the listed events.  Please consider volunteering and bringing your scopes.  The link to volunteer is: https://raleighastroinfo.wufoo.com/forms/rac-events-registration-form/

Apr 18th (Sat), Howell Woodstock Successfully held despite marginal weather. Thanks to the volunteers. Apr 21st (Tues), New School Montessori in Holly Springs Quick recap on how it went and thanks. Apr 24th (Fri), SWSP Prairie Ridge and Annie Wilkerson Park Last call for volunteers. Doug and Matt answered questions.  There was a weather call at 12pm on Friday. Apr 25th (Sat), GS Camp Mary Atkinson Have 1 volunteer, could use 1 more. This was rained out for Saturday Apr…

Term Limits As a practical matter, this means that both Ann Murphy and Mike Keefe must take a year off.  This opens up the secretary position and a co-chair position.  If anyone is interested in either one of these offices, please let Mike or myself know.  Both Mike and I can train you in the position. RACOBS moved to 1/16/2015 for this month only Due to Astronomy Days, RACOBS will move to January 16, 2015.  This will happen only for…

Term Limits The Term Limits vote is to change the RAC Constitution to limit officers to a max of 3 consecutive, one year terms in any elected office. Anyone reaching their 3rd consecutive term in office must sit out a term before they can hold office again. Term limits, if passed, will be active for current office-holders. Current officers feel that term limits will be a good thing for the club by forcing regular turnover in club leadership and giving…

Observing Sessions 12/11      Voting on the terms for Officers. Regular Meeting. 10/13     Apex Library – Observing sessions.  7:30-8:30pm 10/15      Garner Library – Observing Session               7:30-8:30pm 10/18      ASTEC – Observing Session 8-11pm 10/21      Solar Observing – During the day.  Send Ian H. an email if you are interested in volunteering. Tuesday, October 21 – This is museum open house day and the attendees will be able to spend the day at the NCMNS. I know this is a school/work day, but…

Astronomical Observing Awards Astronomical League observing awards were presented to: Doug Lively and Brian Reasor.  Congratulations to both! Public Observing and Events

June 25, 2014 Attended: Ian Hewitt, Mike Keefe, Chris Cole, Ann Murphy, Chuck Jaynes, Brian Reasor, Danny Marbell, Jr.

Elections The business portion of the meeting covered recent club officer elections.  Mike Keefe and Chris COle are returning as club co-chairs. Ian Hewitt is stepping down after many years of outstanding service as a RAC co-chair.  Brian Reasor is elected to his co-chair position. Ann Murphy returns as RAC Secretary, and Chuck Jaynes is stepping down after several years as RAC Treasurer with Danny Marbell elected as the new Treasurer. The club thanks Chuck for his able service as…

Elections The new officers were voted in.  Here is the tally of votes. Co-Chairs – Chris Cole, Mike Keefe, Brian Reasor 15 Yes votes at the meeting, 14 Yes votes on line, 29 Total Yes votes Treasurer – Danny Marbell 15 Yes votes at the meeting, 14 Yes votes on line, 29 Total Yes votes Secretary – Ann Murphy 15 Yes votes at the meeting, 14 Yes votes on line, 29 Total Yes votes

February 24, 2014 Attended: Ian Hewitt, Mike Keefe, Chris Cole, Ann Murphy, Chuck Jaynes

Public Events Statewide Star Party – Part of the NC Science Festival – 4/4 – 4/5 This was a big success.  The 4/4 day was cancelled, due to weather.  Annie Wilkerson Nature Preserve could not make up the day on 4/5.  This will be made up in the fall. Prairie Ridge and Howell Woods were able to have the Star Party.  There was at least 100 people at the Howell Woods location.