Dear CAAS Members and Friends:
CAAS members are bound together by a love of astronomy and a desire to reach out to the community and share our passion. Now we have a great opportunity to provide space for a research-grade robotic telescope at the River Ridge Observatory. This joint venture by CAAS and Arkansas Tech University will not only provide a scientific platform for ATU professors and students; it will also allow Society members to conduct their own research programs, learn the basics of astrophotography and provide an exciting tool for outreach to schools across the state.
Arkansas Tech professor and CAAS member Jeff Robertson is providing the telescope and equipment plus the software to automate the system. CAAS needs to provide an observatory to house the system. We’ve set a budget of $3,500.00 to build a sturdy permanent observatory at the River Ridge Observatory.
I would like to extend an invitation to you to contribute to this exciting venture. An anonymous CAAS member has pledged to match donations dollar for dollar up to $1,000.00 for donation pledges made through December 31, 2013. Any amount will be appreciated. All pledges are voluntary, and of course all donations are tax-deductible.
Pledging to this endeavor is easy. Pledges may be sent to Stephen Caldwell at sa.cald@gmail.com. Use the phrase “RRO RRT Pledge” in the subject line. Please include your name and the amount you would like to pledge.
If you prefer to make your donation now, you can go online to the CAAS Donation page.
Checks can be sent to: Jim Dixon, CAAS Treasurer, 11805 Birchwood Dr., Little a Rock AR 72211. Please use “RRO RRT” in the “for” line on your check.
If you make a donation through the website or by check, please email me your name and amount so I can keep track of the contributions and pledges.
Remember, in order for us to get the maximum matching amount of $1,000.00 pledges need to be made by December 31.
Thank you,
Stephen Caldwell, CAAS Project Manager,
River Ridge Observatory Robotic Research Telescope
If you have any questions about this project, please feel free to email me.