Category: Meeting Minutes

by Bill Engberg

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

Attendees:  Jim Fisher, President

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

Newton’s 1st Law of Telescopes: Change the World by seeing the Heavens

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