RAC Meeting Minutes Jan 10 2020
Co-chairperson Ann Murphy led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts Center 29 members, 3 guests attended Indoor Meeting: “Night Sky: How To Make and Improve Observations” by RAC Co-Chairman Doug Lively. Doug discussed how to choose an observing program, plan the observations, make and log them. Ultimately, one can submit the observations for an award and keep the observations for future reference. Doug was joined by a panel of 4 experienced observers (and RAC members) who contributed their advice and…
RAC Meeting Minutes 09 August 2019
Co-chairperson Steve Blake led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts CenterNote: The secretary thanks Mark Lang for recording the minutes in her absence. 33 members, 5 guests attended. “The Dawn of Modern Astronomy” was presented by Dr Don Ellison, Professor Emeritus, NCSU Department of Physics. Dr. Ellison spoke about the revolutionary contribution to modern astronomy by the 1534 publication of “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres” by Nicolaus Copernicus. Business 1. Treasury report. The report was provided by Treasurer…
RAC Meeting Minutes 12 July 2019
Co-chairperson Doug Lively led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts Center 16 members attended. “Searching for Intermediate Mass Black Holes in Spiral Galaxies with the Help of Citizen Scientists” was presented by Patrick Treuthardt, Ph.D. Assistant Head, Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Lab North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Dr. Treuthardt gave a brief introduction to the Hubble Classification of galaxies followed by a discussion of spiral galaxy structure as it relates to the mass of the galaxy’s central black hole.…
RAC Meeting Minutes 14 June 2019
Co-chairperson Ann Murphy led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts Center 24 members, 2 guests attended. RAC member Barton Meeks presented “Analemmas”. Barton presented some background information about timekeeping based on the sun followed by his experience and equipment for observing and measuring the position of the sun at local noon for a year which produces the famous analemma. He has used information from the Astronomical League’s ‘Analemma’ observing program. There were lots of questions, and perhaps a few attendees…
RAC Meeting Minutes 10 May 2019
Co-chairperson Doug Lively led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts Center 28 members, 1 guest attended. RAC member Chris Cole presented “Observing & Imaging Solar Wavelengths”. Chris presented his experience and equipment for observin and imaging the sun in white light, Hydrogen-Alpha light and Calcium-K light. There were lots of questions. Business The treasury report was provided by Treasurer Steve Izzo: Current membership: 225 (counting 2 per family membership)Single Members: 145Family Members: 40 Balances $454 in business checking $13,219 in…
RAC Meeting Minutes 05 April 2019
[ My thanks to co-chairperson Ann Murphy for recording the minutes in my absence. RAC Secretary, Phyllis Lang ] Co-chairperson Doug Lively led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts Center. 20 people attende Tonight’s Topic: “Refactors and SCT” by Chris Cole and Mike Keefe. They discussed the aspects of refactors and SCTs BUSINESS Business Meeting: • Planned Business: Financials Expunging people that have not paid dues. Please renew. 100 single memberships currently. Last year only 45 single memberships. This is…
RAC Meeting Minutes 22 Mar 2019
Co-chairperson Steve Blake led the meeting at the NCSU Crafts Center 26 members, 10 guests attended. RAC member Phyllis Lang presented “Seeing Green: Are There Any Green Stars”. While eye physiology may prevent seeing green, 7 stars were discussed as appearing green to some observers. Business Jim Michnowicz is organizing a Messier Marathon on March 30 at Big Woods. He discussed optimal observing order to maximize your chance of seeing all 110 objects. It will be very difficult to see…
