20140906ACAROMin
The Astronomy Club of Augusta met for its monthly meeting
on September 06, 2014 at the RPSEC. Attendance: 9.
Members began arriving a few minutes before
six. Tonight’s meeting coincides with the Observe the Moon Night (OMN) event on
the Lawn that we host annually at RPSEC.
Stan and Ray set up the computer and sign in table. At 6:30 our meeting started.
Our President Mark Moffatt spoke to us
about the moon. He began by welcoming those who were there at the
meeting. Mark showed us a model of the
Saturn V rocket. He displayed a map of
the locations of the Apollo moon landings along with the satellites from the
USA and Russia that were sent to the moon first to make sure we wouldn’t sink
when we landed. There were a total of 6
landings with 12 men that walked on the moon.
Apollo 15 introduced us to the Lunar Rover which allowed for farther
exploring from the landing site. All
missions left behind equipment and some were even thought to have produced
bacteria and other contaminates on the moon.
However, with no atmosphere and extreme temps, ranging from -250f to
250f degrees, it was thought not to be a problem. Even after the first couple
of missions the quarantine procedures for the astronauts were practically done
away with. It is thought, after viewing
close up photos of the moon, that water is a possibility along the South Pole.
There were a few question and answers. John White spoke of how the Moon is an
excellent celestial object to explore and observe for those amateur astronomers
who are just beginning. He mentioned the Astronomical Leagues list of 100+
items to find in order to receive the Lunar Award. He also suggested moon
filters when viewing the moon, especially when it’s full or in its gibbous
stages. John informed everyone that the moon as it appears tonight will not
appear the exact same way for another 96 years.
A most interesting fact!
Next up was John’s treasury report. John also spoke of the
LX200 and its repair job by DanW. The scope seems to
be working fine and will be on display at the next star gaze. John suggested that the scope be left out at
least a day or two before placing it back in the case to assure all moisture
has been evaporated. This may have contributed to its problems in the first
place. It was brought up and approved by the members to draw up a Certificate
of Appreciation to give to Dan for all his work and time he spent on getting
the LX200 back functioning again. Thanks a bunch Dan!!!
Stan and Tedda wore their Star Fest t-shirts and were up next to talk about their experiences at Star Fest in Canada, but time was running short and there were a few kids
outside waiting to see our scopes and to look at the moon. So, at our next Star
Gaze on Sept. 20, Stan will give us a show and possible video of their
trip. Looking forward to it Stan!
We also need as many members as possible to help get
organized for SEED on October 11. Please come and come early so that we make
sure we all know what our parts will be in making this another successful
event!
By 8:00 we were setting up scopes outside.
At 8:30 there were only approx. 25 people who had showed
up. This didn’t discourage any of the members who had set up scopes. RayO and MarkM had their 8”
reflectors, JohnW had a 30mm refractor, StanH set up the Genesis scope, and JimC
had his refractor set up as well. Several binoculars were also on hand. There
were lots of clouds, but with sizable breaks everyone was able to see the moon
through different scopes. Ray had colored pencils and pics of the moon to color
for those who could answer questions about the moon and astronomy in general.
Several kids walked away happy with their new prizes. Everyone walked away a
little smarter and amazed at how the moon looks through good telescopes. Some
of the scopes were even pointed to Saturn and Mars from time to time. Even
though there were not as many people as was hoped for, there was a good
atmosphere and great fellowship throughout the evening.
Again I would like to put an emphasis on the number of people to attend this big event. Cloudy weather could have been some of the reason, but we cannot control the weather. We can however do a better job at putting the word out before these big Astronomy Events. Last year there were many people at this event compared to this year. We don’t get this opportunity very often to attract and teach the youngsters about Astronomy. Please show up at the next Star Gaze and
24 people signed the Club’s interested sheet. Six families became
new members. The RPSEC reported that around 40
people total showed up for the Event.
Respectfully submitted,
Ray Owens – ACA Secretary
20140920ACATHMin
The Astronomy Club of
Augusta met on September 20, 2014 for its monthly stargazing at NMR-DSO. Sixteen
members attended, and began arriving at 5:00pm. We missed our secretary Ray,
who was out of town to help his Mom.
To prepare for SEED,
Kenneth and Michael made another New Horizons' model spacecraft. They went to work cutting and glueing, and enjoyed good conversation along the way. Cathy took a look at our finished posters
about Ceres, and agreed to present this info at SEED. She also showed Maryglenn
the volunteer list. Maryglenn
was happy to man our welcome table and help people sign up for emails. Lalit confirmed
that he would man the Televue with mylar solar filter.
Everyone else seemed to know what they would be doing at SEED from
previous years' experience. We enjoyed
talking, new and older members together.
Some decided to watch a new Sci-Fi movie called "Gravity" in
the den. Some enjoyed checking out the
memorabilia displayed on the breezeway table of Stan
and Tedda's August trip to Canada for StarFest.
John went to some
trouble to bring the newly repaired club Meade 12" LX200. Unfortunately, it was humid, and clouds
hindered our view, so we decided not to get out the scope for "first
light". However Stan made a
presentation to credit Tedda, John, and Dan for their
parts in getting this scope for our club.
We have a framed certificate of appreciation for Dan for his time,
effort and expertise in getting this scope running again without much expense. John said he would get it to him.
During all this, we
enjoyed a light supper of hotdogs, veggies/dip, pickles, and a delicious
assortment of desserts: John's Chocolate Pudding Cherry Pi,
MikeA's Fudge Brownies, and Maryglenn's
Chocolate cake with Peanut Butter frosting.
Yummy, yummy!
Although it was foggy
around the perimeter, as the evening wore on, the sky above us seemed to clear
up some. The temperatures was pleasant. We started with naked eye observing. Tedda told new
members the story of Cassiopeia and Andromeda, Perseus
and (the Great Square of) Pegasus. Suzanne remembered some of the stars that
form the Teapot, and reminded us that Herschel's garnet star is also called the
doormat. There was lots of triangulation
with laser pointers to find the Andromeda Galaxy. Finally, Stan got out the Televue. We looked at Andromeda, and also spent some
time testing new members on their color views of double stars.
Everyone seemed to have
a good time. Most began to leave by 11:00
PM. Some others continued interesting
conversation around the table. Suzanne
told us how much she enjoyed going to Space Camp when she was in high school.
We will be finishing up
some preparations for SEED, getting out props we've used before, and packing
everything in the truck on October 10, Friday at 10:00AM at NMR-DSO.
We will all arrive at
RPSEC for SEED on October 11, Saturday at 8:30AM to put on our t-shirts, get registration
stickers, take our pictures, unload the truck, pound the T-posts, put up our
posters, and practice our presentations for many new students and their
families.
Respectfully submitted,
Tedda Howard
ACA Immediate Past
President
for Ray Owens, ACA Secretary
