CAAS’s June meeting was the place to be to get the latest news on light pollution and to find out ways you can help! It was like going to a baseball double-header! First, Jim Fisher gave a presentation entitled “Protecting the Night Environment” to give the latest information on light pollution and the International Dark Sky Association. Then, special guest Arkansas Representative Stephen Meeks spoke to the attendees about his plans to re-introduce the “Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act” legislation in the 2013 session of the General Assembly. All agreed that CAAS members need to support Stephen’s efforts and rally around his legislation. Once the legislation is introduced, Jim and Stephen will draft a model email/letter that all cansend to their representatives and senators.
On a related note, Stephen and Jim have been invited to speak at the Arkansas-Oklahoma Astronomical Society meeting on July 13th to promote Stephen’s legislation.
Constellation of the Month: Jim Fisher gave a presentation on Bootes and its bright star Arcturus.
Business (both old and new):
This week, James Bruce McMath filed the application and supporting documentation with the IRS for reinstatement of CAAS’s 501-c-3 tax exempt status. Thank you Bruce!
- Jim Dixon ordered new CAAS t-shirts based on the outstanding design by William Bryden. Thank you Jim and William!
- Jim Dixon also ordered and installed a new sign for the front drive that reads “Open to the public second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m.” along with the CAAS web site and email contact information. Thank you, Jim!
- All agreed that the CAAS Venus Transit public watch party at Pinnacle Mountain State Park was a huge success. The weather was perfect and a huge crowd of watch party guests turned out. Jim Fisher appeared on KARK on Monday and Rep. Stephen Meeks appeared on KATV during the actual event and promoted the CAAS event. Jim Fisher reported that KARK meteorologist Greg Dee promoted the event on several broadcasts and not just the news broadcast onwhich Jim appeared. An estimated 150 folks turned out. Thank you to the Pinnacle Mountain State Park for hosting the event. By the way, the transit was awesome! Thank you Venus and Sol for the great show.
- Rocky Togni outlined the plans for next month’s Star-B-Que and River Ridge Observatory Open House. Volunteers are needed to help with events and cooking. Events will be aimed at guests and new members. There will be a scavenger hunt with telescopes and an open air planetarium show.
The clouds rolled in soon after dark, but those that stuck around had a great time nevertheless.
(1st time visitors – ALL THREE ABOUT TO BECOME MEMBERS)
Gancalo Gamboa
Thomas Rea
Tajwanna Hudson
Also in attendance
Jim, Jack and Samantha Dixon
Jim Fisher
Danny Flippo
Carl Freyaldenhoven
StephenCaldwell
Roger L. Gudith
Pat and Sandy Morris
John Reed
Rocky and Carol Togni
Greg and Jane Hurley
Stephen Meeks and his 3 year old daughter Rebecca
James McMath
Chris Lasley
Edward, James and John Swaim
WilliamEngberg
Hubble Astrophotography books were won tonight by:
Gancalo Gamboa and Stephen Meeks
Complete List of who have won the Hubble Astrophotography books:
Coy Scott
Jim Dixon
Bill Sanders
Scott Bryden
John Reed
Carolaina Ferren
Gancalo Gamboa
Stephen Meeks
Roger Gudith
Jane Hurley
Chris Lasley
Danny Flippo
David Reynolds
Ray Jeter
Meeting notes by William Engberg, and Jim Fisher
Editing by Coy Scott
Respectfully Submitted,
Coy Scott
CAAS Secretary