by Bill Engberg
The Apr meeting was a really good time. Many folks showed up for the meeting…standing room only! Rocky Togni made a great presentation about Variable Stars that go from dim to bright over the course of hours or days, what causes it and showed many examples. Educational, interesting and beautiful pictures and explanations.
“There are over 30,000 known variable stars that have been catalogued with many more suspected. With modest equipment any amateur astronomer can make observations that are a valuable scientific contribution. Not only is Rocky a long time member of CAAS, a variable star observer for 20 years, he is also the Variable Star Club Coordinator for The Astronomical League. True Star Power right here at the River Ridge Observatory!” –Jim F.
Wade, Eric and I arrived early and worked on some volunteer projects to improve the grounds and buildings. Eric took photos for the awnings he will hope to have built over the entrance ways. Wade and I pressure washed the chairs and power stripped paint in preparation to repaint the observatory building. Check out the website so you can volunteer to mow the grounds just one time (CAAS has the mower etc) and you will be a CAAS Volunteer Super Hero! Volunteers make CAAS a home run! 🙂
We had 9 awesome guests:
Ken Z., Bruce K., Leonard L., Mike & Dawn E., Alan & Lei P. & their 2 kids.
Hope to see you back!
-Who else was at the Meeting?
A bunch of people were here tonight:
Eric Walker
Wade Van Arsdale
Rocky & Carol Togni
Chris Spotts
Coy Scott
Bill Sanders
John Reed
Pat & Sandy Morris
Darrell Heath
Roger Gudith
David Grusvold
Carl Freyaldenhoven
Jim Fisher
Dave Grimmer
Tim Hogue
Susan Staffeld
Don and Carolaina Ferren
Jim Dixon w/ Samantha and Brandon
and me…your humble scribe.
-Want to Join CAAS -or- buy a CAAS TShirt -or- make Tax Deductible Donations?
Download the membership form from our website. People can mail a check + form to our treasurer:
Andy Reed, 312 Maranes Circle, Maumelle, AR 72113
TShirts are $19 for Large and $20 for XL. $8 shipping if we have to mail it…come to the meeting and no ship fee 🙂
-Upcoming Events ( caasastro.org calendar LINK )
Apr 16th – Arkansas Science Olympiad at UALR, PHYS 101, “Astronomy” event, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and the “Solar System” event, 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Apr 29th – Star party for Japanese science students’ tour group at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Stuckey Field, 7 p.m. (the field WEST of the highway, opposite Pinnacle Mtn.)
May 7th – National Astronomy Day at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Visitors’ Center, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. ( pinnacle mountain s.p. LINK )
May 14th – Boy Scout’s Merit Badge University astronomy merit badge class, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
May 14th – CAAS Monthly Meeting at River Ridge Observatory, 7 p.m.
May 20th – 22nd – Mid-States Region of the Astronomical League conference and star party at Mulberry Mountain Lodging and Events resort, Ozark, Arkansas (aoas.org LINK )
June 11th – CAAS Monthly Meeting at River Ridge Observatory, 7 p.m.
June 25th – Star Party at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Visitors’ Center, 8 p.m.
Blue Skies
Bill
Club Scribe