20150314ACATHMin

The Astronomy Club of Augusta met for their monthly star gaze, the Messier Marathon. Twelve attended.

The evening started out without much expectation that we could get a very high count on Messier Objects, as it was rather cloudy. We enjoyed checking out the 43 goat kids and measuring their growth in numbers and size.

John W. asked us all to come in for his surprise announcement:

The Televue Genesis in the past has served the Club as an excellent hunt-find-chase telescope. John and Daniel White have made a generous donation to the club which will significantly upgrade it: a new Orion, EQ-G Sirius Equatorial Telescope Mount with GO-TO capability and associated tripod. This will allow club members to access the computer catalogue of stellar objects, push Enter to go to that object, and track it for study and/or photography. The old Televue mount is still operational and can also be used with some of the Club’s other telescopes. The Club has authorized the purchase of a 12 volt battery to operate in the field. Please make your list of sky objects (not with red ink) and at the next Star Gaze, we will see if we can dial up your slice of heaven to your satisfaction.
Thank you John and Dan.

By that time, the skies were dark and had cleared mostly, and we had nice views of the Winter Hexagon, Venus and Jupiter, the Big Dipper. Pat N. focused on some clusters in Monoceros. The club 12”MeadeLX200 seemed to be properly balanced, and tracked fairly well. Pat R. was pleased to handle some scopes after a seven year hiatus.

We came in for soup with chips, coffee, and Maryglenn’s delicious German Chocolate cake.

Kenneth and Tedda worked on a map and directions for our Road Trip, which we handed out. Kenneth provided final details, asked that we check the website, Calendar of Events page, and email him ahead if needed. About 15 people are signed up for our March 28, Sat. 7:00 AM all day trip to Georgia Southern University Planetarium and Statesboro area. We have plenty of room for more, so come and have a great day! It our MEA3: Most Excellent Adventure 3. Kenneth plans to copy off more directions for those arriving at the Lowe’s parking lot before 7:00 AM. Come and get yours.

We went out to observe again.

Respectfully submitted,

Tedda Howard