Meetings

October Meeting Minutes

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Richmond Astronomical Society 721th Consecutive Meeting October 13, 2009 —– Jim Browder called our meeting to order, in the Eureka Room. Greeting & Announcements – approximately 36 in attendance at the meeting. This will be a very special meeting! Share table: John brought some books for anyone interested in having them.  He also brought a … Read more

September Meeting minutes

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Richmond Astronomical Society 720th Consecutive Meeting September 8, 2009 —– Jim Browder called our meeting to order, in the Eureka Room. Greeting & Announcements – approximately 34 in attendance at the meeting. Share table: There were a few magazines who want them.  There was also information regarding how far the TV broadcast signals have traveled … Read more

August Meeting minutes

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Richmond Astronomical Society
719th Consecutive Meeting
August 11, 2009
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Jim Browder called our meeting to order, in the Eureka Room.
Greeting & Announcements – approximately 34 in attendance at the meeting.

Share table:
There were free books and magazines donated to anyone who wants them.  An agreement was made to save and donate the star atlas to Tim Streagle and his scouts.
There were also eclipse books and photos, in line with tonight’s presentation.

Observing and Events
Thanks to those who helped with the skywatch at Brandermill on August 3rd.  There was a great turnout.  Someone mentioned that a kid was announcing “Jupiter is here”.  Jim Blowers read an appreciation letter at the meeting, and also stated that a $100 donation was made to RAS from the Brandermill Association.
There were many observers and telescopes at the Science Museum Skywatch, but was quickly clouded out.
Perseid meteor showers peaking tonight, but the weather did not cooperate.

Mini Star party at the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation in Goochland on Friday, August 14.
RAS Board of Direstors meeting at 7pm on August 17th at Extra Billy’s. Open to all memebers.  Come early at 6pm if you wish to eat, too.
SMV Skywatch & Livesky is Friday (August 21) at the Science Museum.  According to Leslie, the special topic of the Livesky is Jupiter.
Bryan Park skywatches:
Wed August 26 (Rain date is Mon August 31)
Thurs September 24 (Rain date is Mon September 28)
Thurs October 22 (Rain date is Mon October 26)

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July, 2009 meeting

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Richmond Astronomical Society
718th Consecutive Meeting
July 14, 2009
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Jim Browder called our meeting to order, in the Eureka Theater.
Greeting & Announcements – approximately 25 in attendance at the meeting.

Share table:

  • Terry Barker brought in articles from Popular Mechanics and Smithsonian Magazine, on the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 (moon mission), Buzz Aldrin, and the SR-71 Blackbird.
  • Terry also gave an overview of the prototype of our new web page. It allows for archival of past articles, easy editing of news articles, and a more uniform look to all pages.

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June, 2009 meeting

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Richmond Astronomical Society 717th Consecutive Meeting June 9, 2009 —– Jim Browder called our meeting to order, in the Eureka Room. Greeting & Announcements – approximately 42 in attendance at the meeting. Jim thanked John Raymond for agreeing to become our Outreach Coordinator! Share table: There were free magazines for anyone who wants them.  Extra … Read more

April and May meetings

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Richmond Astronomical Society
715th Consecutive Meeting
April 14, 2009
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Jim Browder called our meeting to order, in the IMAX Planetarium.
Greeting & Announcements – approximately 23 in attendance at the meeting.
First order of business: Astronomy Day will be Saturday, May 2 at the Science Museum. A listing of probable activities was reviewed for that day includes solar observing through telescopes, making sundials, dark sky information, CCD imaging, mirror grinding exhibit, the always popular soda bottle rocket launch, followed up by an evening skywatch (weather permitting).

Share table:

  • John Raymond had eyepieces for sale. He also had a set of large binoculars and its stand for $500.
  • Tim Streagle used his laptop to display a red screensaver named Dark Adapted. DarkAdapted is an application program, free for downloading from www.darkadapted.com , “controls the amount of red, green, and blue in your screen gamma so that you may . . .preserve your dark adaptation while using your computer.”
  • Jim Blowers displayed maps that had a night view of the world, showing lighted areas.
  • Someone (excuse me for missing your name) put a gift certificate/coupon for a free eye exam.

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