Tedda gave a very informative talk on the Moon, Moon-Made for You, which included a look at the lunar surface and maria, astronaut landing sites, and an explanation of the different phases of the moon. The audience was encouraged to participate through questions and answers, and one young man, perhaps six or seven years of age, seemed eager to interact with Tedda and showed a great deal of enthusiasm for Astronomy.  Over 40 people were in attendance, filling the room to capacity and required a few extra chairs to be brought in to meet the demand.

At the end of the talk Kenneth presented Tedda with the ACA Certificate of Appreciation. 

Everyone was then made their way to the front lawn for Moon Observation.

Approximately 10 telescopes were set up on the front lawn with ACA members nearby to help show the public different features that could be observed on the moon. Each member had been given an area and craters on the moon to identify to the public.  Mild temperatures, and clear sky’s made it a great night for observing the moon.  We had a large number of public guest moving from station to station.  Later into the evening Mars and Saturn became visible and some of the telescopes were pointed in that direction. Clear views of the rings of Saturn were pointed out to a few young astronomers, with at least one budding astronomer suggesting that they could make out Saturn’s largest moon Titan.  Even Antares made an appearance, while the rest of Scorpius remained hidden behind the lights of the parking lot. 

ACA member, Mark Roberts, now also a representative from the RPSEC, thanked the ACA for its help.  He said that approximately 150 guests showed up for the event and suggested that the meeting might have beaten previous attendance records for the RPSEC.

Special appreciation goes to Courtney M for bringing cookies and very tasty and beautiful blue sky starry cupcakes to the meeting, and to Gary Senn for soft drinks.

By the end of the night the ACA family had grown by 15 new members.  The meeting rapped up around 10pm, and all of the gear and equipment was put away by 10:30pm

Respectfully submitted,

Shane Sherwood



20160924ACASHMin

The ACA met to prep for S.E.E.D and Star Gaze on September 24, 2016, Saturday night at NMR-DSO. It was a dark and clear opportunity with temps in the high 60's - an almost perfect night for the 16 club members, and 1 guest, who set up their observing systems in the freshly mowed hayfield.

The early evening from 5-7 PM was reserved for next Saturday's S.E.E.D. preparations at RPSEC in Aiken. Thanks to all of you who attended to help prepare and repair posters, planet hangers, displays and support equipment. After plans and presentation rehearsals, members met for a light supper of hot dogs and brats with chili, fresh veggies and dip, homemade pear jello, and soft drinks, courtesy of Stan and Tedda, and AJ's boxed yummy chocolate chip cookies.

John W. introduced the possibility of a venue for the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse.

The club now has at least 5 proposed possible locations where members may meet for the Total Solar Eclipse Event. As time goes on, we anticipate getting more definite plans for some of those locations. Our club is well prepared for the eclipse event, with several types of equipment for direct and indirect viewing methods. Stan counted 73 ACA owned cardboard solar glasses for safe viewing.
Some members may want to witness the event at different locations to maximize the chance that at least some of us will get to see the 2 minute 30 second event in case of local inclement weather. Everyone has a vision of the perfect location and situation for the event. Some would like to provide guidance to the uninitiated, some would like to be in company with more knowledgeable viewers and some would like to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event with friends and family. On the day of the eclipse, the weather may ultimately dictate the best location.

At the evening Star Gaze, we enjoyed a pleasant night of viewing individual stars and planets, deep sky and wide field views. Items such as the Andromeda and Milky Way galaxies were especially popular, as were the Ring Nebula, Venus, Saturn, Mars, Albireo, and various M and NGC objects. Pat N. had his large refractor in operation for deep sky objects, while Steve M. had his digital camera system to capture and display several wide field views to interested groups. Mark M. was able to find and obtain good viewing of some long-sought objects on his list. Several had binoculars that were effective in finding and viewing many of the brighter objects. Several viewers used their scopes to sharpen their skills, while others identified needed items and repairs to obtain optimal viewing.

Everyone enjoyed the night until the call for bedtime and/or preparations for Sunday services led them to return to their homes. Kenneth B. graciously helped Stan put the 3 goat herds to bed in their respective enclosures for the night.
Few stargaze nights have offered such cooperative clear weather conditions.

Respectfully submitted,
Stan Howard,
ACA VP Observing