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.
Observing and Events
- Tim Streagle was able to catch views of a recent ISS pass, through…an 8 inch reflector, no less. An amazing feat. He said he could see some “ghost” images to either side of the ISS, but couldn’t identify what they were.
- Terry gave an overview of the Green Bank Starquest, in West Virginia.
- SMV Skywatch–rained out last month.
Observatory Report
- John Raymond reported that the grass has been cut.
Visitors
- We had 1 visitor, Cal Pletcher’s dad.
Presentation:
Chris McCann gave a talk on Archeoastronomy. He presented examples of ancient structures, like Stonehenge, which scientists believe were designed to help them identify astronomical events.