The roof leak was fixed by Wade Van Arsdale and Danny Flippo on Saturday.  The heater in the bathroom had ceased to function.  Wade purchased and brought a replacement heater.  Wade will be reimbursed for his expenses.

Membership dues are due in January each year.  Quite a few membership dues were turned in Saturday night.

William Bryden presented some awesome T-Shirt design options.  There was quite a bit of discussion of the designs.  We hope to vote to select a design during the next meeting.

Darrell Heath was nominated for Membership Coordinator by William (Bill) Engberg.  The nomination was seconded by Roger Gudith.  Darrell was unanimously voted in as the Membership Coordinator.

Wade and Darrell volunteered to be the “Info@ Response Team” and answer questions we receive at the  info@caasastro.org email address.

Jim Fisher presented NASA Space Shuttle coins to VP Eric Walker and Carl Freyaldenhoven for their help last year.

The LANTERNS Feb 2,3,4 event at Wildwood will be headed by Darrell/UALR. He is checking to see if they want a telescope (or ten!) set up each night. If so, we have a few volunteers on  different nights (Carl Freyaldenhoven  on Thursday, John Reed on Friday,  and Darrell Heath on Saturday night).  We hope more will sign up for a night as well. 5000 guests are expected.  Show off your scope, make friends, and invite people to CAAS. Once Darrell confirms we are OK to come, he’ll get FREE passes for all attendees from CAAS and get you more info. Contact Darrell.

CAAS Business cards are being ordered by Jim Fisher for all members to give out to guests at star parties…better than writing in the dark.

Ms. Katie McKinney, the youngest person in attendance, drew numbers for door prizes.  Those winning Hubble books donated by Engberg were Roger Gudith, and Jane Hurley.  Those winning NASA Space Shuttle coins were Greg Hurley, Danny Flippo, and Katie McKinney.

Upcoming Programs

We have programs for the months listed above.  However, we still need volunteers to present programs in October, September, July, June, and February.

There were many first time guests at the meeting.

Members and Guests Who Attended The Meeting

Wade Van Arsdale

William Bryden

Jack Dixon

Jim Dixon

Patricia Dodson

William Engberg

James Fisher

Danny Flippo

Carl Freyaldenhoven

Roger Gudith

Darrell Heath

Greg Hurley

Jane Hurley

Chris Lasley

Don Lewis

Cliff McKinney

Katie McKinney

James Bruce McMath

John Reed

Coy Scott

Eric Walker

The next monthly CAAS meeting will be at 7 pm on Saturday, February 11.  Weather permitting, there is normally observing after the meeting adjourns (usually sometime from 8 pm to 8:30 pm).

Observation Planning Data

According to the Sky and Telescope web site almanac, sunset will be at 5:51 pm.  Twilight ends at 7:16 pm.  Twilight begins at 5:35 am on Sunday morning with sunrise at 7:01 am.  The moon is 79% illuminated and rises at 10:24 pm.  Venus sets at 9:09 pm.  Jupiter sets at 11:30 pm.  Mars rises at 7:54 pm.  Saturn rises at 11:00 pm.  The Sky and Telescope web site Interactive Sky Chart shows the constellation of Auriga nearest the zenith at 8 pm.  The great Orion constellation will be beginning to transit at 8 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Coy Scott

CAAS Secretary

• The Board moved to add Coy Scott as secretary and Danny Flippo as Board member to the nominations list.
• All voted and accepted the following lineup of officers for 2012:
•     Officers: President – Bill Engberg       Vice President – Eric Walker       Secretary – Coy Scott       Treasury – Andy Reed       Immediate Past President – Jim Fisher
•  Board: Jim Dixon, Carl Freyaldenhoven, John Reed, and Danny Flippo
• Jim Fisher expressed thanks to the officers from 2011.  As a special thank you, he gave awesome commemorative Space Shuttle coins to John Reed, Coy, Bill Engberg, and Carolaina.  The coins contain metal that was carried into space on a shuttle mission.
• Jim covered highlights from the year: custom Overhangs above doors, new cement drive way entrance, big telescope pad, garden cleanup, MSRAL sponsor (John, Rocky and Jim presented) new computer equipment in classroom, red lights, facebook page, website updated, grounds cleanup, refrigerator
• William Bryden is designing shirts for 2012 with Carolaina helping with info from last order.
• Jim Fisher will buy CAAS business cards and fix the CAAS tax status.
• CAAS authorized Bill Engberg to cut/trim the “anti-astronomy” trees close to the buildings or in the path of the ecliptic.
• A drawing was held for HUBBLE books donated by Engberg, 4 won: Bill Sanders; Scott Bryden; John Reed; Carolaina Ferren

The place was packed and almost every seat was taken with new guests, new members, and the usual suspects

Eric Walker opened the floor to the board and attendees to nominate next year’s staff and voting will be done at the 10 Dec Club Meeting and BANQUET!

President – Bill Engberg

Vice President – Eric Walker

Secretary –Jim Fisher

Treasury – Andy Reed

Immediate Past President – Jim Fisher

Board: Jim Dixon, Carl Freyaldenhoven, John Reed, and Coy Scott.

After calling Hollywood, I verified there are no Astronomers, nor Prophets on staff that were consulted before making “2012”. I gave a PPT brief about the Mayan Calendar and how it is very cool how they developed it and that CAAS/Little Rock will be aligned with the Mayan Ball Court at Izapa for the (Friday) Dec 21, 2012 Galactic alignment…front row seats!

I think we should throw a big astro-party at CAAS and invite Little Rock (new membership / huge interest)

John Reed showed/taught about his excellent (and portable) Nikon DSLR Astro Camera rig…nice!

Roger Gudith gave a wonderful presentation on Astronomy.

Jim D gave a great lesson on the Constellation Perseus, its history and the objects of interest in it.

We had many guests Saturday night:

Vikrant Vijay

Amanda Poss

James Lane

David Williams

Nancy Jackman (winner of the Telescope!)

Lorali Brown (?)

Other CAAS members there were

Jim Dixon,

Eric Walker,

John Reed,

Rocky and Carol Togni,

Pat and Sandy Morris;

Coy Scott;

Roger Gudith;

Landon Sanders

Aimee Voisin;

William Bryden;

Allen Lee;

Carl Freyaldenhoven;

John Reed;

Tom and Barbara Walker

…and me, your humble scribe.

The clouds broke at the perfect time and the “Club built 10-inch scope ” was set up by Carl F. and the gang, for viewing by all of our first time guests.

Projects:

Done! Ardent’s new 9’ x 9’ concrete pad was uncovered and unveiled to the club.

Done! New driveway is smooth like….like…new concrete butter!

Hero!: Allen Lee came up with a great idea to work with PMSP or a school, etc, to advertise a L.R. “Set up your telescope Night” at PMSP or downtown, since so many people are asking CAAS members to help set up. A great membership drive to get Kids (  =  Parents!) and young people into CAAS. Contact Allen if you have ideas or wish to help.

—Need a CAAS hero to take care of this small $10 project.

Three…let me emphasize…. THREE different 1^st time visitors at different times said the same thing. When they arrived in the pitch black night, the only light they saw was to the bathroom (I had propped the door open).  They said we need a light above “the door you are supposed to go to, if you’ve never been here before.” For safety/liability reasons, I couldn’t agree more. Recommend a RED “L.E.D. Touch light” / hanging Red L.E.D. Lamp we can reach up and hang on a hook / or some other battery powered (or permanent switch fixture), for people to “home in on” at night, since it is a maze of buildings for 1^st time guests arriving in a sea of darkness. Once we have our 501C status approved, you will get a donation slip for the amount you paid. If you paid $100 for the lamp or permanent switch/fixture, you get a $100  tax write off.  Or, if you can visit some electricians in town, ask if they will volunteer a donation of parts OR labor.

—Officers

Need permission for me to buy this $35 HDMI-to-VGA-converter- box so new laptops can run our old projector

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Converter-Support-1080P-Output/dp/B0057UNQ18/ref=lh_ni_t

—Need a CAAS super hero who will donate an old computer to permanently plug into the projector, for when people want to run a Presentation. I’ll even donate the Microsoft Office / PowerPoint software. Once we have our 501C status, you will get a donation slip for the amount “you paid for the computer back in 200X.” If you paid $3000 for the computer, you get a $3000 tax write off. Nice.  Contact me if questions.
Blue Skies  
Bill
   Club Scribe     

            The Moon took center stage for the October general meeting as Central Arkansas Astronomical Society celebrated International Observe the Moon Night at its October 8^th meeting.   The meeting was called to order by President Jim Fisher shortly after 7 p.m.  There was no business meeting conducted during the general meeting since the Board met earlier in the evening.  Jim gave a Power Point presentation on observing the moon using the Astronomical League’s Lunar Club as the guide.  Jim also explained that InOMN is an astronomy outreach program sponsored by NASA and multiple astronomical organizations. The theme for this year’s celebration is “What does the Moon mean to you?” The goal of InOMN is to instill in the public a sense of wonderment and curiosity about our Moon.  This was the second annual InOMN and CAAS participated in the first 2010 event when it coincided with a Pinnacle Mountain State Park Star Party (PMSP).  So CAAS is now an “old hand” at InMON.

But the highlight of the meeting was after adjournment when everyone hit the observing filed under clear skies and bright gibbous moon as astronomers and sky lovers all around the world had eyes on the moon!

Participants in InOMN activities may download an official Certificate of Participation at the following link:  http://observethemoonnight.org/ParticipateCertificate.pdf

CAAS members in attendance at the meeting:

Jim Dixon

Bill Engberg

Don & Carolaina Ferren

Carl Freyaldenhoven

Tim Hogue

Ray Jeter

Allen Lee

Pat & Sandy Morris

Coy Scott

Eric Walker

Jim Fisher

Amanda Poss, who has attended the last two star parties at PMSP, attended her first meeting at the River Ridge Observatory.  Amanda is a UALR Criminal Justice Major, a student this semester in an anthropology linguistics class for which she is working on a research paper on the linguistics of amateur astronomers using CAAS members as her Guinea Pigs, er subjects.   Welcome Amanda!  We can’t wait to see your research paper. We think.  J

The Constellation of the Month was Cassiopeia, the Queen.

The following upcoming CAAS events were briefed:

• October 29^th – Star Party at Woolly Hollow State Park, 8 – 10 p.m. Come early, bring candy for the Halloween themed event and costumes welcome (But no face paint!).

• November 12^th – CAAS General Meeting, River Ridge Observatory, 7 p.m. Bill Engberg will give what will surely be a fascinating and entertaining a program on “The Mysteries of the Mayan Calendar” at the November 10^th meeting.   Jim Dixon will present the November Constellation.   

• December 10^th – CAAS Annual Meeting, River Ridge Observatory, 5 p.m.

Three door prizes were awarded.  Jim Dixon won TWO! The first was “Voyages Through the Universe” (Second Edition) by Franknoi, Morrison & Wolff, which was donated to CAAS by Larry Sessions and the second was one of two copies “The Heavens Proclaim His Glory: A Spectacular View of Creation Through the Lens of the NASA Hubble Telescope” compliments of Bill Engberg.  Coy Scott won the other issue “The Heavens Proclaim His Glory.”   Bill is donating 22 more copies of this book (2 per Meeting) over the next 11 months, which will be given away as door prizes.

Observing highlights.   Despite its brightness, the moon was absolutely gorgeous!  The terminator passed directly through Strickard crater creating dramatic shadows below the beautifully lit crater rim.  But the bright moon did not stop observations of Jupiter, the Ring Nebula, Alberio, various clusters and galaxies.  Most also witnessed a tumbling booster rocket through Allen Lee’s 11” Cassegain!  Bill Enberg brought his friend “Ardent”, his 24” Dobsonian which at one point trained on a star field that contained Pluto. Carbon stars were also on the observing agenda for Coy Scott and Tim Hogue.  A few meteors were spotted (perhaps way ward Draconids).  The observing even started early when Jim Fisher set up his refractor with a solar filter and early arrivers for the Board meeting got to see an impressive set of sun spots.  Bill Engberg gave a demonstration on mirror cleaning Class at 5:30 pm and people learned how to clean big or small mirrors “in the box” with alcohol.   For Bill Engberg, Tim Hogue and Coy Scott the observing went on all night!  New member Tom Walker arrived around 11 p.m. and stayed with the diehards Bill, Tim and Coy. Welcome, Tom!

Board of Director’s Meeting

            The CAAS Board of Director’s meeting was called to order by Board President Jim Fisher on October 8, 2011, 6 p.m.   In addition to Jim the following officers and board members were present: 

Vice President Eric Walker

Secretary Bill Engberg

Carolaina Ferren, Immediate Past President

Jim Dixon, Board Member 

Carl Freyaldenhoven, Board Member

Coy Scott, Board Member 

Absent were Treasurer Andy Reed and Board Member John Reed. However, a quorum was present.

Non Board members present:  Don Ferren, Pat Morris and Sandy Morris. 

Board Action. The Board voted unanimously to the following:

• 2012 Arkansas Science Olympiad – April 14, 2012.  The Board voted to support the 2012 Science Olympiad by putting out a call for volunteers.  However, the volunteers for the 2011 said that it was a considerable amount of work and one volunteer said he would not volunteer for the upcoming event as a result.  Volunteers should expect 8 + hours of work prior to the event and a half day of proctoring exams the morning of the event.
•  CAAS grounds & building cleanup and excess storage room contents.  Jim Fisher and Jim Dixon gave a report of the clean-up of the classroom and storage room in September.  Jim Dixon said that the following items were identified as excess:  a 15” CRT Monitor; a microfilm reader; a large carrying case, probably for a Celestron C-11; an Astro-Physics Portable Pier; and a broken homemade observing chair.   The board voted to put a notice out that if not claimed within 30 days, the items will be sold.  CAAS members have right of first refusal.  Any funds collected will be donated to the CAAS Treasury.  Note:  During the observing session Tim Hogue expressed an interest in taking the observing chair and repairing it.  Jim Fisher and Bill Engberg agreed to give it to Tim so that he could attempts repairs.  Tim later reported that his efforts were successful.
• December Annual Meeting.  The Board voted to hold the December Annual Meeting at the River Ridge Observatory.  Social hour and observing starting at 5 p.m., pot-luck dinner starting at 6 p.m., and brief business meeting at 7 p.m.  weather permitting, observing will follow the meeting. 
•  Formal policy establishing location, day of month, and time of CAAS monthly meetings.  The Board voted to formally create the policy that all monthly meetings (January – November) of CAAS occur only at the River Ridge Observatory, on the second Saturday of the month, at 7 p.m., unless inclement weather forces postponement or the Board grants an exception.  The December Annual Meeting will remain a “moveable feast” both in its location, date and time.  
• CAAS Brochure.  The Board voted not to publish a re-designed CAAS Brochure.  The Board voted instead to publish new business cards which will contain the CAAS web-site of www.caasastro.org, , the info@ccaasastro.org email address, and the CAAS mission statement.  The web site will continue to serve as the electronic CAAS brochure.  Jim Fisher said he would contact Vista Print, who sell business cards at a reasonable rate and run a design past the Board before purchasing.  Jim said he will pay for the printing.  The Board thanks members Darrell Heath and Nathan James for their time and talents in re-designing the printed brochure.  
• Berrington Trust.  The Board voted to authorize Jim Fisher to re-draft the Berrington Trust documents removing Chris Lasley’s name as trustee and replacing it with a current CAAS member and then writing Dr. Robert Berrington seeking his authorization for such an amendment to the Berrington Trust.    
•  Insurance.   Jim Fisher gave a report on his liability concerns for activities at the River Ridge Observatory (RRO).   Jim said that based upon his legal research and speaking with other attorneys he was more comfortable that the CAAS’s status as registered non-profit corporation with the Arkansas Secretary of State and the Arkansas Recreational Use Statute provides adequate protection for the organization.   However, he recommended that the Board obtain insurance on the buildings and other property at the RRO and also price a liability umbrella to that policy.  The Board agreed.   The Board asks if a member recommends an insurance agent or agents to provide a quote for property insurance coverage for the RRO.
• Tax exempt status.  The Board voted to contract with Certified Public Accountant Mark Rogers to assist in restoring the section 501-c-3 tax exempt status for CAAS.  We were referred to Mr. Rogers by Wade Van Arsdale.  Mr. Rogers told Jim Fisher that he said that for $200 he thought he could determine with the IRS what was needed to restore the tax exempt status.  Mr. Rogers said he needs the past 3 years of CAAS treasury.
• Call for Officer and Board Nominations for 2012 term.  The Board discussed nominations for the officers and Board members for the 2012.  Bill Engberg was asked by Jim Fisher if was willing to be nominated for President.  Jim said that he had spoken to several members who all mentioned Bill would make an excellent president.  Bill said he would be willing to serve as president.  Jim said he was interested in filling the possible vacancy of secretary if Bill is nominated to be the 2012 president.   After serving both as the president in 2010 and on the Board this year, Carolaina Ferren said she did not wish to be nominated to a 2012 Board or officer position.  No formal action was taken.

The Board of Director’s meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.

Miscellaneous notes.    

Concrete work for “Ardent’s” pad.  Bill Engberg wants to know a CAAS friend or family member that does concrete work and would like to get hired by Bill to enlarge a 3ft square pad to 9ft diameter circle pad. Taking bids, contact Bill directly billengberg@hotmail.com

Lost and found.  A small motor belt was found on the observing field.  It looks like a vacuum cleaner belt, but we think it may be to a telescope motor drive or a large Crayford focuser.  Also found on the shelf next to the restrooms was the primary objective to an Orion 6 x 30 Correct Image, Right Angle focuser.  The optics, once cleaned of dust, are in good condition.   Jim Fisher has both items.  Write him at jrfiaher7@gmail.com to claim.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Fisher

President (acting as Secretary and using notes compiled by Secretary Bill Engberg)

Meteo-rites of Passage

The first right of passage was the “physical challenge” by making it through the telephone pole chicanes of Hwy 300. Done!

Then was the “intro challenge” with 5 new members here for the first time last night .and since most of them were college students, Dean Wormer made them pledge ΔTX  ”Erik Stratton, Rush Chairman.darn glad to meet you.”   Done!

We even had macho door prizes. The full color illustrated astro-photo book “Astronomy” by Chaisson & McMillan was donated by Larry Sessions and was won by a first time guest, new member.Thank you Larry, that book is excellent!

A great evening across the board and 21 people were able to enjoy it. If you weren’t there, you are square. Sublime presentation on meteorites by Bill Sanders and Rocky Togni, even had a lot of actual big iron.humongulous samples for people to see. Shooting stars …you could hold in your hand!  We watched a great presentation covering the history of ancient sightings and interpretations; also how to do data collection, and cool science related to big impactors, some very close to Arkansas. The one impact at Meteor Crater Park in Arizona is 4000 feet across and 40 stories deep.   .and it just missed a house and highway leading to it   ;)

Thank you for presenting~!

After the presentation we all headed out to see the sky through everything from binoculars to telescopes. It was a clear and perfectly cloudless night and there were FIVE (!)  1^st time guests and new members. You don’t need a scope to enjoy CAAS. There are always a dozen people happy to show the universe to you through their excellent equipment. A great way to learn about all the various types of telescopes and how to get started…without spending a penny!

Thanks to everyone who helped me roll out Ardent (the 24″ Dobsonian) and set up. John Reed is a super hero for helping me put the right settings into my Argo Navis computer, so it became fully functional again.

I was about to rename it HAL:

Me:  ”Take me to Messier 57, the Ring Nebula.”

HAL: “I’m sorry Dave, I can’t allow you to do that.”

Me:  ”My name’s not Dave, and you’re not supposed to be able to talk..help!“

Some of us stayed until sunrise because the skies were so clear! Things we saw:

• The ISS flyby happened at the same time as an Iridium Flare!! Double Flare action.whooo hooo!
• THE MOON   (all CAPS because I’M YELLING) we still have that image seared into our retinas. Anyone who stepped away from Ardent (even with the 13% Filter) went night blind in one eye for a ½ hour. I just ordered a polarizing filter that is variable down to 1%. My new seeing eye dog is typing this letter. Woof.
• Dumbbell nebula
• Little Dumbbell nebula
• M57 the Ring nebula
• Saturn nebula
• Stephan’s Quintet (could only see 1)
• Wild Duck Globular Cluster
• M31 Andromeda galaxy
• The Blinking Planetary nebula (the core star was so bright, John Reed said he’s never seen it like that before. Agreed.eye candy.Awesome!)
• Blue planetary nebula
• Blue Snowball
• Cat’s Eye nebula
• Neptune
• Uranus
• Mira, a variable Red super giant star.
• M42 the Orion nebula.eye candy
• Alberio (fantastic gold and blue double star)
• Multiple bright and long tailed Perseid Meteors after midnight.
• Perseus Double Cluster / NGC 869.eye candy
• Alcyone the triple star / Pleiades
• Mars
• The sun.as it rose.

-Who else was at the Meeting?

Jim and Kathy Fisher
Pat and Sandy Morris
John Reed
Ray Jeter

Britt Jeter  (1^st time guest / New Member – He studies black holes and other compact objects at the University.  Too cool!)

Carl Freyaldenhoven

William and Scott Bryden (New Member + 1^st time guest!)
Roger Gudith
Allen Lee

Josh Thornburgh (New Member/1^st time guest!)

Landon Sanders (New Member1^st time guest!)
Don and Carolaina Ferren

Wade Van Arsdale

Rocky and Carol Togni

Bill Sanders

Bill Engberg .your humble club scribe.

 -Upcoming Programs and Events  (as always, see CAASASTRO.org for updates)

Aug 20^{th -} Public Star Party – Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Aug 21^st – Star Gazing Cruise – Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Sept 10^th    12-5pm (time TBD ?)   Grounds/building clean-up day and “Star” B- Que

• 7pm Regular CAAS Monthly Meeting / Program: Mayan Calendar (explaining the 2012 event…very cool!)
  

Sept 17^th – Public Star Party – Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Oct 1^st - Public Star Party – Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Oct 8^th - Regular CAAS Monthly Meeting/International Observe the Moon Night

• 6pm Board Meeting

Oct 29^th – Public Star Party – Woolly Hollow State Park

Nov 12^th – Regular CAAS Monthly Meeting

     Dec?? - Annual meeting, time, location TBD
Blue Skies 
Bill
Club Scribe, Galactic Concierge, Bard of the Bolides

Mars Attacks!

I have to say that the presentation on Mars by Darrell Heath was one of the best I’ve seen at CAAS, and the best presentation on Mars I’ve ever seen.  We intently watched his multimedia presentation covering everything from weather and seasons; to its history of discovery and interpretations by the ancient astronomers of the day; to computer graphic video of the various methods of penetrating and decelerating the different mars landers; to the types of exploration and results; photos galore; geology and discovery of ancient oceans; chemistry of the soil; famous novels written about Mars…wow. If you were there, you have a night to remember. Darrell, thank you for sharing!

Wade Van Arsdale and others have been doing a lot of volunteer work in clearing the west garden… and it is starting to really take shape. Beautiful. Thank you!

After the presentation we all headed out to see the sky through everything from binoculars to telescopes. You don’t need a scope to enjoy CAAS. There are always a dozen people happy to show the universe to you through their equipment, from beginner to advanced. A great way to learn about all the various types of telescopes that exist. It was a marvelous night and there were many 1^st time guests.

-Who else was at the Meeting?

Jim Fisher
Pat and Sandy Morris
John Reed
Coy Scott
Nathan James

Tim Nutt  (1^st time guest  - Welcome!)

Darrell Heath

Ray Jeter  (1^st time guest  - Welcome!)

Mike and Brandon Earnest

Don and Carolaina Ferren

Mark Cochran (1^st time guest  - Welcome!)

Bill Engberg

-Upcoming Programs and Events (as always, see website for updates)

arkansasstateparks.com

caasastro.org

• 23 July    Star Party     Pinnacle Mtn State Park
• 24 July   Star Gazing Lake Cruise    Pinnacle Mtn State Park
• 30 July   Star Party     Woolly Hollow State Park
• Aug 13 CAAS Meeting/ Program: Comets
• Sept 10 CAAS Meeting/ Program: Mayan Calendar (2012)
• Oct 8 CAAS Meeting/ Program: Int’l Observing the Moon

Blue Skies
Bill
Club Scribe

Eric Walker, Vice President

Bill Engberg, Secretary

Andy Reed, Treasurer

Coy Scott,  Board member

Jim Dixon, Board

Carl Freyaldenhoven, Board

John Reed, Board

Excused:  Carolaina Ferren

Non Board member attendees;  Samantha Dixon and Darrell Heath (at the beginning of the meeting.  Other members filtered in at various points during the meeting).

1. Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Soc. reimbursed to CAAS $100 as seed money for MSRAL Con.  MSRAL finances ended in the red $56.17.  The Astronomical League and AOAS agreed to split the $56.17 debt (or $28.09 each).  Jim F. moved and Bill seconded that CAAS split that part of the debt with AOAS and reimburse AOAS $14.05.  Passed unanimously.

2.  Web domain fees are currently paid by Chris Lasley (approx. $40).  Jim F. moved and Coy seconded that CAAS reimburse Chris the fee and Jim D. be listed as the domain owner in his role as CAAS web master. Passed unanimously.

3. Roger Gudith asked the Board for Observatory Status now that he has been a member for 6 months.  Jim F. moved and Bill seconded that Roger be granted OS status. Passed unanimously.

4.  Jim F. will investigate if Red River Astronomy Clubs wants our help in starting a public star party at Daisy State Park to help RRAC generate new members for its club.

5.  Jim F. reported that basic liability insurance through the Astronomical League’s umbrella insurance policy would be $265.  But we have questions as to whether that is enough insurance.  Jim F. will continue to investigate procuring liability insurance.  Dave Grimmer volunteered to assist by contacting an insurance sales agent that he knows.

6.  Darell Heath reported that UALR has telescopes that it does not currently use and asked through Darrell if we would be interested in using them.  Jim F. said he would speak with Prof. Tony Hall.

7. The CAAS Board discussed the Berrington Trust and it appears that two of the named Trustees – Robert Berrington and Chris Lasley – are no longer CAAS Members and the Trust instrument requires trustees to maintain CAAS membership.  John Reed agreed to speak to Mr.s Berrington and Mr. Lasley.

–

Clear skies!

Jim Fisher

President

Central Arkansas Astronomical Society
www.caasastro.org

by Bill Engberg

Another excellent night at CAAS with a great meeting and great people.

Jim Fisher and John Reed gave an amazing Presentation with historical pictures and instructions on how Newton created the first “Newtonian reflector” telescope and how it impacted Science, History and even the designs of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and modern amateur telescopes. The discussion further went into John Dobson and his taking of the Newtonian to the next level by creating the “Dobsonian” telescope that was easy to build which made bigger telescopes “attainable” by the general public. Then, they brought out the Club’s 10″ Dobsonian (a Newtonian Reflector) and showed the design elements of it, how to take care of it, how to align the mirrors and gave further hands on demonstrations to include discussions of how easy it is to use and to take “iPhone photos” through the eyepiece (becoming a big hit with visitors at the star parties at PMSP!)

Great lessons and images. Thank you both!

Wade Van Arsdale showed off the incredibly generous donation of having the East Observatory building sealed with paint and then professionally overlaid with high quality siding. It looks amazing and will last for generations! Wade is so generous to CAAS and he supports our grounds/efforts/outreach in so many ways. This project/donation cost him $2000, and we are so grateful.

Eric Walker and his dad ( a professional builder in construction ) have donated much of their time and assets to come on site and design, fabricate and custom build 2 incredible awnings that will soon be installed over both doors on our Classroom. You guys are superheroes! We can’t wait to see them as soon as they are installed.

ALL: If you have a talent/business/personal skill and would like a tax write off, any “board approved” project you do for CAAS and our grounds will generate

1) much appreciation from all members,

2) public recognition for you and/or hopefully more customer traffic for your business

3) a nice tax write off when we provide you the valuable donation receipt for your annual taxes.

Simply contact any of our board members if you would like to help. Anything from repainting our picnic tables, TShirt printing, to donating your CPA / lawyer / professional skills are greatly appreciated.

-Who else was at the Meeting?

Jim and Kathy Fisher
Carl Freyaldenhoven
Roger Gudith
Allen Lee
Pat Morris
Andy Reed
John Reed
Coy Scott
Wade Van Arsdale
Eric Walker

Rocky and Carol Togni

Bill Engberg…your club scribe.

-Upcoming Programs and Events (as always, see website for updates)

· May 20th – 22nd – Mid-States Region of the Astronomical League conference and star party at Mulberry Mountain Lodging and Events resort, Ozark, Arkansas

· Jun 11 CAAS Meeting/ Program: Double Stars

· July 9 CAAS Meeting/ Program: Meteors

· Aug 13 CAAS Meeting/ Program: Comets

· Sept 10 CAAS Meeting/ Program: Mayan Calendar (2012)

· Oct 8 CAAS Meeting/ Program: Int’l Observing the Moon

Blue Skies
Bill
Club Scribe

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 16^th – 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 29^th – 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 7^th – National Astronomy Day at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Visitors’ Center, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.    ( pinnacle mountain s.p.  LINK )

May 14^th – Boy Scout’s Merit Badge University astronomy merit badge class, 9 a.m. – 12 noon

May 14^{th –} CAAS Monthly Meeting at River Ridge Observatory, 7 p.m.

May 20^th – 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 11^th – CAAS Monthly Meeting at River Ridge Observatory, 7 p.m.

June 25^th – Star Party at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Visitors’ Center, 8 p.m.
Blue Skies
Bill
Club Scribe

—- All lock Combos have been changed !!! —-

Contact Andy Reed andy.reed72@gmail.com and if you’ve paid 2011 dues, you’ll be given the new gate/bathroom combo.

Photographing Diamonds in the Sky

A great night at CAAS was had by all. John Reed gave an amazing Presentation with a ton of pictures and instruction on how to use a regular camera to do Astrophotography! It was an AMAZING lesson and images. Thank you for sharing such a great and teachable talent!
Andy Reed our heroic Treasurer has built a Google Checkout function that will soon be implemented on the website by Jim Dixon, to receive donations, dues and payments…waaaay faster than mailing checks!
Sandy Morris garnered many accolades when she recommended we have our new Mailbox put up next to our gate… in case Guests/Emergency/Green Martians are ever looking for our property address.
Wade Van Arsdale is putting up the mailbox and leading the spring clean up with Juan’s Lawns who will do the annual “heavy” grounds keeping on Monday. Please come up and help them, Monday.

-Who else was at the Meeting?

Visitors: Susan Staffeld (our heroine from PMSP!), Roger Gray (first time visitor)…welcome!

Paul Deeter
Jim and Samantha Dixon
Don and Carolaina Ferren
Jim Fisher
Carl Freyaldenhoven
Roger Gudith
Ernie & children William and Ayla Justice
Allen Lee
Don Lewis
Pat and Sandy Morris
Andy Reed
John and Carol Reed
Coy Scott
Chris Spotts (first time visitor and New Member…welcome!)
Wade Van Arsdale
Eric Walker
Bill Engberg…your humble club scribe.

-Upcoming Events (as always, see website for updates/directions)

· Mar 25th, (Friday) West field of PMSP is having an impromptu Star gazing event. Telescopes are welcome! Check the website for some other great events coming up in the next 2 weeks www.arkansasstateparks.com/pinnaclemountain/

· Mar 26th – Woolly Hollow State Park Star Party, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. – our first public event of 2011!

· Apr 9th – CAAS Monthly Meeting at River Ridge Observatory, 7 p.m.

· Apr 29th, (Friday) – Star party for Japanese science students’ tour group at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 7 p.m.

· May 7th – National Astronomy Day at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

· 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

Blue Skies
Bill
Factotum of the Interstellar Medium, Club Scribe, Bard of the Bolides…