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We Observe - by A. Mallama

Update August 10, 2007

August 2007 Edition

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm on August 4, 2007 at the Indian Hill Observatory. 18 members and 1 guest were present.

Officer Reports

Secretary:

Minutes from the July meeting are on the CVAS website. No additions or corrections were noted by the members present .

Treasurer:

Steve provided the following financial data:

Cash in Bank - $1,000.05, Petty Cash - $45.00, Total Cash - $1,045.05

For the month, we paid the insurance premium in the amount of $30.00, telephone in the amount of $52.00 and electricity $7.26.

Approval was given to reimburse Marty $42 for new lawn mower tires.

Vice President:

Dan provided an update on the 12.5” telescope project. The tube is being stored by suspending it from the ceiling of the North observatory. Dan replaced the skirt that goes around the rack & pinion, and will have the rest of the optics in place within a month or so. The pier for the telescope is located right outside the North observatory and is ready for the tube to be mounted. .

Observatory Director:

Marty reported that the new North observatory in now in operation. The 2 telescopes inside the building are mounted. The wiring is complete, and interior outlets and lights are working. Thanks to all who contributed time & energy to make this happen.

Indian Hill is experiencing an increase in imaging activity by the members. While this is good to see, we would like to send a friendly reminder to everyone who brings a laptop to the hill for telescope control and to capture images. The light from a laptop is amazingly bright on the observing field. Even when the “red” background function is employed, and the screen dimmed as much as possible, the light can often prevent nearby observers from acquiring their night vision. Please be considerate to others that are observing on the hill by properly dimming your laptop. A good method is to use a large red filter that completely covers the screen.

A warning to all entering the property: there is a huge hornet nest near the tree recently cut just to the northwest of the North observatory. It is advisable not to park near the nest, or disturb it. The nest will be removed once the cold weather comes around

Editor:

Tom provided the July/August 2007 edition of the Valley Skywatcher.

Visitors

Patrick (apologies for not learning his last name) attended our meeting, and stayed later to observe from the hill with his telescope.

Old Business:

1. Vickie reviewed the commitments CVAS has made regarding the Pen Glen star party set for 8/18. .
   
2. Ron reported that the new astronomy discussion group will meet again tonight with Bob leading a discussion about observing Jupiter. We decided to postpone until October the astrophotography/imaging discussion originally set for September. Historically, attendance at the September meeting has been on the low side due to coinciding with Labor Day .
   
3. Tom suggested we follow through on modifying CVAS’s brochure.
   
4. Several members are of the opinion that the price range for selling the club’s 14” scope is too high. We decided at tonight’s meeting to attempt to sell the scope by placing an ad on AstroMart for $1,200.

New Business:

1. No new business .

Director of Observations:

Bob reviewed his monthly report for August. For his complete observation report, please visit the Monthly Sky Calendar on our website.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. Bob Modic led an after-meeting discussion about observing Jupiter and it's 4 Galilean moons.