Our President Tedda Howard welcomed everyone to the meeting. She reminded everyone to see John to pay their monthly dues and to see Ray to sign the attendance sheets. She then introduced our first speaker Michael Swan who is the Director of the Library.

Michael gave us a short talk on the different things the library has to offer. He first mentioned the hours which are 10-6 MWFS and 10-9 on TTH. Michael also mentioned that the other libraries in the region work with each other to make sure if a book is needed at one library and is available at another, a currier goes from branch to branch 2-3 times a week to deliver books where they are needed. He showed us the web site that is available and has tons of information, videos, references, and library schedules and special events. The library enjoys hosting any non-profit groups that need the space to meet and the contact information is on the web site. Michael also mentioned that all Astronomy related books are usually in the 523 section of the DDS. He showed us some of the books he has and had a whole table set up with books and pamphlets and flyers on the subject of Astronomy. Although it was a short talk a lot of information was given and everyone seemed to enjoy the speech.

After Michael was finished, Stan made a quick announcement that if anyone would like a copy of the Russell R. talk at N. Augusta High School, he had additional copies to give away. Thanks Stan!

Our next speaker, Mark Mark Moffatt gave us a little talk about the Moon and its current phase and what can be seen tonight and the next several nights. With a nice big picture of the full moon on the screen, Mark started out by pointing to and naming the Maria on the Moon. He noted that Mare Tranquillitatis was the landing point for Apollo 11. The Maria used to be considered as oceans. Now we know they are ancient lava fills or “traps” of lava. Mark also spoke of the Terminator, where astronomers like to look the most.   This is that line between sunlight and dark, where the shadows of craters and mountain ridges are longest and can be seen with clarity.  Mark answered a few questions, one of which was about the awards Astronomers can achieve by observing the moon. The Astronomical League gives an award for identifying a list of 100 items on the Moon. For more information on this you can go to our web site and look under Mini Clubs: Lunar.  John White mentioned that the way the Moon looks to us tonight, or any given night, will not look the exact same way for 96 years. Wow!  That concluded Marks speech. Thanks Mark.

John gave a brief treasurer's report. The 201406 treasurer's report is shown at our club member Archives.

Next up was the Induction of our New Officers for 2014-15.   Tedda inducted, introduced, and presented new business cards to all the new officers:   Mark is our new President, Stan is VP of Observing, Kenneth is VP of Programs, John is Treasurer, and Ray is our new Secretary.  Mark thanked Tedda for her service, and Ray thanked her for inspiring him.  There was a hardy round of applause. 

Many thanks to Mike and Michelle Moyer and family for the great refreshments.  The pretzels disappeared quickly, the moon pies and milky ways were so apropos and yummy, the cheesies were bright and festive, and the canned drinks were easy.  Also many thanks are due to our members and the Moyer boys for helping clean up the meeting room chairs, tables, signs, etc. Thanks guys!

Afterwards, we all gathered outside for some observing and fellowship. Stan with the help of the “little ones” set up the Genesis Televue refractor scope, and John set up his homemade binocular stand with seat.  Even though clouds prevailed, we were still able to view the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, and even Saturn during breaks in the clouds. The kids really enjoyed it and hopefully we will see them again soon. People began leaving around 9:30 and by 10pm we were all ready to leave.

Our next meeting will be our monthly Star Gaze at NMR-DSO on June 21 at 7:30pm. John White will be there at 5pm to show those who are interested how to clean, adjust, and collimate a telescope. Hope to see everyone there!

You can click on our draft 2014-15 Calendar of Events page at the bottom of the Calendar of Events page.  Please note these dates in your personal calendars.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Owens





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Our newest member, Susanne, came to NMR-DSO for Observing on Friday night instead of Saturday. It was all for the good: Stan and Tedda enjoyed observing with her and helping her get oriented to the night sky in SC versus in Washington State. Stan set up the 4” Genesis refractor near the bonfire and focused in on Saturn. Tedda used Stellarium and then a laser pointer so Stan could pinpoint and zoom in on the Whirlpool Galaxy near the Big Dipper. We all saw it, even better with averted vision. The Pinwheel Galaxy eluded us. Respectfully submitted, Tedda Howard





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The Astronomy Club of Augusta met for its monthly stargazing on June 21 at NMR-DSO. Nine members attended, and began arriving at around 5:30pm.

Refreshments were served by our hosts Stan & Tedda. An excellent soup with chips and drinks were very good. Ray noted the he simply must have that soup recipe. Some discussion about our picnic was brought up, and Mark is still trying to see if we can use an alternate site (ORA ballfield) that has been used in the past. Mark said he would have an answer for the club by our next club meeting. Tedda suggested sooner so that notices could be sent out.

Afterwards in the kitchen, John set up and collimated one of the 4" reflectors that were donated by RPSEC. This scope is being lent out to our member Lisa Harkins. John gave out instructions on assembly, breakdown, storage, cleaning, collimating, and later in the evening, its use. Lisa was really excited about the scope, and Ray suggested to her that it may be a good time to start on her Lunar Certificate.

Some of the things we all observed that night included a magnificent fly-by of the ISS.

As dusk began to fall, some members noted that the skies were very cloudy. Ray and Stan drove out to the field, Kenneth joined up, and they all began looking through Ray’s brand new 15x70 Orion Astronomy binoculars. Saturn was observed. Stan pointed out several constellations including Scorpius, and the Corona Borealis with its crown jewel, Alphekka. Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn could be seen as well as a few stars, including Vega, Deneb, Spica, and Arcturus.
John, Mark Mo., Lisa, and David P. stayed back to help Elisabeth set up the 4” scope at the carport.

Tedda brought out homemade ice cream and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Some members stayed out a little longer than others but a good time was had by all. Members began leaving around 10:30-11:00pm.

Our next meeting will be our monthly club meeting on July 11, Friday at 7pm at GRU. Hope to see you all there.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Owens
ACA Secretary 2014-15