Building a Dob Jerry Zaun Meeting location change by Ken Wilson

The November meeting will be in the IMAX Theater, but we'll be moving around for the next couple of months. Here's the schedule:

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

Share table and member observing

Dave announced the new "New Members Handbook." As a result there were question as to how older members could get the handbook. Answer: the board will have to work on that... Sue introduced John Barnett, who discussed rescheduling the picnic at the RAS observatory on 11/12/05 at 3 pm. This date was selected because the observatory would already be open for MarsWatch on 11/4, with a rain date of 11/5, and 11/11, with a rain date of 11/12. Saturday, 11/5 couldn't be used due to VAAS already scheduled in Roanoke for that day, thus leaving 11/12 (with no rain date). A show of hands demonstrated the group liked the Saturday, 11/12/05 date. Sue will restart the web sign-up process again. John and Gary will put together a restroom location list for the area. Dave will put a map to the RAS observatory on the web. Sue wants phone numbers on the sign-up list so she can contact all if necessary. She has put up a web page where you can see what's been provided so far. It's at www.pipeline.com/~aviatrix/RASpicnic.htm. Don Rosenfield showed some photos of telescope parts he and his wife made when they were very young, in the 1950's. Keith Mottas showed his sextant, used in WW II aircraft. He's looking for any help in its operation. He also discussed the software package put out by National Geographic called Red Shift V he purchased from COSTCO for $30. John Raymond brought in and showed a scope mount he is trying to sell. John Barnett and the club gave Norm Guenther a get well card - he was there! John Raymond discussed the last SMV SkyWatch. (about 50 people showed up). The next SMV SkyWatch will be on 10/21. On 10/29/05, Mars will be only 43,000,000 miles away. This may cause a large number to show up at the SMV for the SkyWatch. Dave announced that the National Radio Astronomy Observatory open house is scheduled for Sunday, 10/23/05. (RSVP's need to be in by Tuesday, 10/18/05.) RAS will be hosting the VAAS (Virginia Association of Astronomical Societies) next year, 2006, here in Richmond (date and location not set yet). Gary Cowardin announced the graduation of Preshant Reddy from the observatory class that just finished. We are also going to have an observatory cleanup day before the picnic. The new Kuegel is now in place and was covered by warranty. There are many new exhibits with 8 new astronomy exhibits. On Saturday, 11/12/05, Ken Wilson will be holding a class on "How to Buy a Telescope". In January of 2006 he will be teaching "How to Use a Telescope" Sue Brubaker discussed library access and how to get a book using the RAS web site. Richard Bagwell gave three book reports: "Atlas of the Moon," "Moon Observers Guide," and "The Moon Book." Dave Credicott discussed a new children's book "Pieces of Another World" that was donated to the club by the author. Sue showed 3 new books bought for the library. A visitor, Raymond Burr, was welcomed. He discussed his interest in astronomy. Jim Blowers mentioned RAS dues are due. For our "short talks," John Raymond discussed some slides from the last SkyWatch at the SMV and the last RAS observatory training session, and Terry Barker demonstrated 2 web sites he found. One showed the ISS location and the other a dynamic view of the sky from Sky and Telescope.

After the break Jerry Vaughn talked about "Astrophotography as far as I know--So Far." Jerry explained the different ways you can attach a camera to your telescope. Since he has an SLR digital camera, he can remove the camera lens, and take pictures using the prime focus and eyepiece projection methods. The more common fixed lens cameras cannot do this. He also showed some samples of things he has photographed so far, like the moon.

Skywatches and other events:

Nov. 4, Mars observing at observatory Nov. 4, Skywatch, Clover Hill, 6:00 pm Nov. 5, VAAS, Roanoke, more info at www.vaas2005.org/ Nov. 5, Rain date for Mars observing at observatory Nov. 11, Mars observing at observatory Nov. 12, RAS picnic at observatory, 3:00 pm Nov. 12, Rain date for Mars observing at observatory Nov. 14, pre-meeting dinner, 6:00 pm, Pizza Hut Nov. 14, RAS meeting, 7:30 pm, SMV Nov. 18, SMV Skywatch Fall picnic by Terry Barker

We're having it Saturday, Nov. 12, at 3:00 pm, at the RAS Observatory. Susan Brubaker is coordinating the food, and she has all that information on her web page, www.pipeline.com/~aviatrix/RASpicnic.htm.

2006 board nominees by Terry Barker

We'll be voting on the following people at the November meeting.

Terry Barker John Barnett Jim Blowers Jim Browder Gary Cowardin David Credicott Jack Fox Joe Hetmanski Jim Langley Jim Petty Roger Rigby Jerry Zaun VAAS 2005 Dave Credicott

I'd like to remind you that The Virginia Association of Astronomical Societies (VAAS) holds a convention every year to allow Astronomical Enthusiasts in the State of Virginia and surrounding areas a chance to meet, talk, exchange ideas, and listen to leaders in their fields speak on Astronomy and related topics.

This year, VAAS is being hosted by the Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society (RVAS). You are cordially invited to visit the Roanoke Valley next Saturday and attend VAAS 2005. The convention byline this year is "amateur built telescopes".

For information on the convention, speakers, prizes, and directions, please visit: http://www.vaas2005.org/

Next year the Richmond Astronomical Society (RAS) will host the 2006 event. I'd like to encourage all our members, families, and interested guests to take advantage of the opportunity, and bring back ideas and suggestions for our convention for next year. Please pass the word to all your friends who might be interested.

If you're interested in going, but not thrilled about driving alone, I suggest you use the Yahoo group to setup car pools.

Clear skies to all,

Dave

Dues are due by Jim Blowers

Your 2006 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.