The Space Elevator Terry Barker Meeting location change by Ken Wilson

The September meeting will be in the IMAX, but we'll be moving around for the next few months. Here's the schedule:

Sept.--IMAX Theater Oct.--Eureka Theater Nov.--IMAX Theater Dec.--Eureka Theater (Xmas party) Last meeting by Gary Cowardin

Share table and member observing

Don Rosenfield discussed his new star catalog made of dew proof paper. Jim Blowers discussed a new book, Astronomy Hacks, sent him by the publisher. Gary Cowardin announced he had copied the 1962 slides about construction of the RAS observatory and put them on a CD ROM. A copy was given to Sue for the library. Another member had an article that listed ways to find space weather information. (www.spaceweather.com) Terry Barker thanked all the people who came out to help with the Woodlake skywatch--Gary Cowardin, Jim Petty, Jim Blowers, David Credicott, Sue Brubaker, and Larry Rogers. Over 100 folks showed up for the very HOT night. The monthly Skywatch was mentioned for next Friday, 8/19/05, at the SMV. Joe also announced Malvern Hill would be available Friday and Saturday for the Perseids Meteor Shower. Thursday may also be available if wanted. Dave went around the room discussing with the members the past month's observing. Of interest, John Barnett mentioned his Mars watch at the RAS observatory. John said he would try to get out there often over the few months to observe Mars. If John is there he can be reached on his cell at 317-3895, come on out! John and Gary plan to be out at the observatory 2 nights in November: 8 pm on Fri 11/4, 8 pm on Sat 11/5 (rain date for Friday), 8 pm on Fri 11/11, and 8 pm on Sat 11/12 (rain date for Friday) Dave mentioned we should all check out moon.google.com and zoom in all the way. John Raymond said he observed 3 geosynchronous satellites at once! Terry observed a flashing satellite! Dave Credicott completed the double star list - Congratulations Dave! Gary thanked Jim Petty and Randy Tatum for cutting the grass at the observatory. Sue discussed library access. She also requested, and got, a volunteer, Richard, for next month's book report John Raymond gave the book reports for the month: The Backyard Astronomers Guide and Miss Levit's Stars. Terry showed slides from his trip to the Stellafane stargazing party.

For our 'Short Talk' Gary Cowardin demonstrated his new PST. (Personal Sun Telescope)

After the break our speaker, Joe Hetmanski, talked about "Virtual Equatorial Mounts, AKA Poncet Platforms."

Skywatches and other events:

Sept. 2-3, Malvern Hill Sept. 12, pre-meeting dinner, 6:00 pm, Pizza Hut Sept. 12, RAS meeting, 7:30 pm, SMV Sept. 16, SMV Skywatch Nov. 5, VAAS, Roanoke, more info at www.vaas2005.org/ Fall picnic by Terry Barker

Do you know of a facility that would be suitable for a RAS picnic? We need a covered pavilion, with the ability to bring gas grills for cooking. Bathroom facilities would also be highly desirable! We're researching using a public park, but if you have a contact for somewhere else, cheap, maybe you'd like to contact Sue Brubaker, at aviatrix@pipeline.com, or (804) 932-9347, to let her know. We'll be doing it in Sept. or Oct., on a Saturday. The ability to stay part of the night would let us combine the event with some observing, too.

Dues are due by Jim Blowers

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