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Location: Chemistry/Physics Building, MUN
Time: 8:00 pm
Present: 14
Chris covered the usual introduction topics. In addition, Chris noted today is the solstice and that the Centre is celebrating 40 years this year (as of January). Star-B-Que will be on July 28-30. Nova East bookmarks from Halifax Centre were passed around. Ken Freeman of Mt. Stromlo and dark matter fame will be having a seminar at MUN tomorrow.
Robert reminded us about SBQ. The Perseids will be on the 12th, so we may have an event for them (Friday night into Saturday morning). Robert talked about the summer sky, in particular what might be visible in Sagittarius and Scorpius. Jupiter will be prominent over the next few months. The sun is at minimum, so there is not much activity.
There seems to be a good interest in week night observing, even at Butterpot, judging from those present.
Robert showed us a video of the recent meteorite strike on the Moon. This is something rare to capture: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/13jun_lunarsporadic.htm . We also visited the Solar System Simulator at JPL to see Jupiter: http://space.jpl.nasa.gov .
Randy gave an overview of our Centre's history since we formed. Randy joined about 1968, when meetings were held at the old Fisheries College. Luminaries of the time included Capt. J.J. Strong and Dora Russell. During the early years, there were several eclipses and comets to keep members busy, particularly from 1970-72. Garry Dymond remembers Comet West and Kahoutek. Members got involved when an outside expert wanted some help for a grazing occultation. Halley's comet was the first large public event our group conducted. Unfortunately, we did not anticipate the huge interest, and the volunteers present were swamped. It took Garry 1-1/2 hours to arrive at the event because of all the traffic, only to find self-appointed experts pointing in all directions! The Centre moved up to the new Marine Institute and stayed there for a while. In the early 90's we moved to our present haunts at the University. Peter Broughton's book "Looking Up" has a chapter on our history.
Garry gave us a bit of history on the Planetarium. The Planetarium was used at the old Fisheries College as part of a course on Celestial Navigation, beginning in 1966. In 1986 it was moved under a dome at the new Marine Institute, which later became part of MUN. At this point, Celestial Navigation began to fall into some disfavour, thanks to modern technology. The Planetarium fell into disuse. Our Centre entered into an agreement with the Marine Institute to rehabilitate the Planetarium around 1990. We discovered such things as $792 motors can be fixed with 25-cent gears -- rather than buying new ones every few years. Garry has used the Planetarium for outreach with the school system since the late 1970's. Currently, from September to June he runs 4 shows a week (2 per night, 2 nights total). There are many different types of groups, including some adult groups, but in the main our visitors consist of Guides and Scouts and similar organisations. In addition, time is available on the next Wednesday after our monthly meeting if members want to use the Planetarium (contact Garry to set this up).
Doug and four other members visited the General Assembly. Doug was our official representative. All motions for which members filled out proxies passed fairly easily. The number of national council representatives will use a new formula. Fees can rise on Jan. 1, 2007, if Council decides it is necessary. The proposed fees:
Doug showed us some pictures from the GA. He used a strange thing called a film camera.
The IAU is trying to have 2009 declared the year of Galileo, and the RASC is supportive of this idea.
Promotion for SBQ was briefly discussed. There will be a link on our site with information. Brochures/pamphlets will be done up and put in various places around town, and some sent to the Park Interpreter at Butterpot. We will advertise a scope workshop, where any member of the public can bring their scope and be given some help. There will be a members-only BBQ on Saturday. This will not be advertised. Members with cards can get in for free (will we have a list at the gate?), but non-members will have to pay $5 to access the Park. The dates, again, are July 28-30.
Randy generously provided both!
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