Design and Construction of the new Greenbank RadioTelescope Mr. Felix J. Lockman, Scientist and Former Director National Radio Astronomy Observatory Greenbank, West Virginia Meeting location change by Ken Wilson

The June, 2005 meeting will be held in the SMV Forum room [located to the left as you enter the main rotunda] and the July and August meetings will be held in the Eureka Theatre located on the third floor.

Last meeting by Gary Cowardin

Share table and member observing

The Roanoke Valley Astro Society will host the next VAAS on 11/5/05 at the VA Western Community College in Roanoke. They are looking for RAS members who built their own telescopes to give 15 minute related talks. (at a minium a photo of the scope) Contact: Katharine Hicks Ruth Petrov showed our new RAS photo album and asked for monthly photo donations (with names of those pictured on the back). The Greenbank Star Quest II is on 7/6-10/05 in WV at the National Radio OBS. Jim Blowers discussed his AstroDay photos, his book he's selling and several articles. Jim B discussed his AstroDay photos, his book he's selling and several articles. Another member had a great roll around telescope case he built that held his 8" Meade telescope. He also has the plans for anyone interested in building their own. Sue Brubaker mentioned the Willmann-Bell catalog she just received. Richard Bagwell said Willmann-Bell will ship locally for RAS members free. Gary Cowardin showed some stacked photos he took and printed from the last SMV SkyWatch. Terry discussed the past months RAS SkyWatches. Terry also mentioned he had 26 people come to his driveway for a local SkyWatch he held after passing out some neighborhood flyers. Dave read a great thank you letter from the Indian Guides for the help we gave them with their skyWatch. Ken thanked all who helped with AstroDay. Norm reported 118 rocket launches by 70-80 kids. He also reported one little girl proved you didn't need the water for the rocket to go up! John Raymond reported not only was the sun observed but the moon also. Ken read the names of all those who showed up and had a drawing for many prizes. Next year's AstroDay is 5/6/06. John Raymond discussed observing 2 red stars (#47 and FQ) from his front yard. Roger Rigby introduced and welcomed visitor Pernell Johnson. Pernell discussed his astronomy interests. Sue went over several books from the RAS library and discussed how members can check out books. Terry B will be giving June's book report. Jerry Z reported on the book "Turn Left at Orion". David Clemends gave a short talk showing some slides he had taken with his new camera.

Observatory

Gary Cowardin says the observatory is in good shape. The landscaping (mostly clearing trees has really helped visibility.

Skywatches and other events:

June 2-5, Almost Heaven Star Party, Spruce Knob, more info at www.novac.com/AHSP/index.php June 10-11, Malvern Hill June 13, pre-meeting dinner, 6:00 pm, Pizza Hut June 13 RAS meeting, 7:30 pm, SMV June 17, SMV Skywatch

After the break, Gary Cowardin gave a virtual tour of our Beaufort S. Ragland Observatory with the help of John Barnett. Some of the 1961-2 slides were shown along with current photos and Virtual Reality movies.

Dues are due by Jim Blowers

Your 2005 dues can be paid to our treasurer, Jim Blowers, at any of the meetings, or by mail. Please use the form enclosed in this newsletter.