Richmond Astronomical Society
725th Consecutive Meeting
February 9, 2010
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Jim Browder called our meeting to order.
Greeting & Announcements – approximately 25 in attendance at the meeting.
Please check the link to our RAS blog: http://richastro.org/index.php/category/blog/
Share table:
Several magazines and articles were available for reading.
Several eyepieces were also there for examining and also purchasing.
Reminder: In a recent meeting, Ottewell Astronomical Calendars were on display. RAS members can purchase the Ottewell Astronomical Calendar through a special website, www.Universalworkshop.com/clubs.htm , or call 800-533-5083.
It claims the sale price of $19.95 expires on December 31, 2009, but still displays it. Give it a try. If not, the regular price is $26.95
Upcoming Events:
Annual dues are due and should be given to Jim Blowers. Membership is $30. Observatory memberships and magazine subscriptions increase the amount.
Payment can be made by PayPal at http://richastro.org/ras_payments.htm
Please check the calendar on the RAS website, http://richastro.org/index.php/calendar/ for upcoming skywatches.
The RAS skywatch at SMV is planned for Friday, February 19. Expect a report on the RAS blog page.
See observatory report about an open house for March.
Observatory Report
John Barnette announced that RAS is planning an open house for March 23, starting at 8pm. The moon will be visible during the early evening, and Mars is still visible but will be retreating from the close encounter with the Earth. Saturn will also be visible.
Library Report
Virginia Eckert brought a collection of 5 books to the meeting, available for check-out. At this point, the library is still at SMV, but we will be forced to move it to another site in the very near future. More information later.
Presentation: “Highlights of the 2010 American Astronomical Society meeting
Ken Wilson presented highlights of the recent meeting of the American Astronomical Society in January of this year. Since the meeting was in Washington, DC and close to this area, Ken took advantage of the opportunity to attend the meeting. Ken discussed highlights of recent research and educational efforts presented by astronomers, which included some discussion of outreach work associated with the 2009 International Year of Astronomy. Ken covered some of the hot topics discussed at the meeting and gave us a flavor of what it was like to be there. Thanks to Ken for sharing his experience with us.
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Reminders:
<<The next board meeting will be Monday, February 15th at Extra Billy’s at 7:00 PM (arrive earlier for dinner). Meeting is open to all members.
<<The next RAS meeting will be Tuesday, March 9th at the SMV.
<<Check out the web site at http://www.richastro.org/