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Charlotte Amateur Astronomers Clubwww.charlotteastromers.org
CAAC Scholarship AuctionThis month we are holding an auction to fund a scholarship for a deserving UNCC physics student.This is the second time the club has held such an auction. The first auction was held in 2010 and wasa great success. We have books, telescopes, eyepieces, DVD’s, and many more items just waiting forthe highest bidder. Here are just a few of the items (with the minimum bid) that will be up for auction:
• Meade 114 EQ-DH4 (4.5”) goto NewtonianTelescope ($80)
• Stellarvue F50 2” Finder Scope with Mount Rings($35)
• Laptop computer ($30)• Meade 40mm 5 Element Plossl 2”eyepiece ($35)• One week lodging @ Arizona Sky Village ($300)• Orion 6.3mm Plossl 1.25” eyepiece ($10)• Meade 114 EQ Telescope ($42)• Home made 6” telescope ($10)
So open up your wallets and checkbooks and comeon out and bag some really nice stuff at a bargainprice. You will be supporting a worthwhile cause.Bob Cantu and Tom Blevins will be yourauctioneers for the evening. Note that we will onlybe able to accept cash or checks, no credit cards, inpayment for items purchased.
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March 2012
Next Meeting: Friday March 16, 2012Time: 7:00 PMPlace: Myers Park Baptist ChurchAddress: 1900 Queens Road
2March 2012
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Southern Star 2012 is Almost Here
Our CAAC Southern Star 2012 astronomy convention is next month, April 26 -29, and there are just afew rooms left. Whether you are new to the club, been a member for a long time, or just a friend ofastronomy --- I encourage you to take a look at the invitation and agenda for Southern Star 2012 on ourclub website, www.charlotteastronomers.org
Bringing together astronomy professionals to share information about their research, their knowledgeand ultimately their passion for astronomy is very special. Having the opportunity to hear from fouroutstanding scientists and chat informally with them during the convention, is an event not to bemissed. A nice spring excursion to Wildacres retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains is pretty nice too,along with several alternative program events (hikes, field trip to craft studios and more), all making fora wonderful time. Don’t miss out. Take a look and join a great group of folks at Southern Star 2012. Ihope to see you there!
Be sure to “check out” the information in this newsletter for the club auction this Friday!!
…Mark_____________________________________________________________
FROM THE OBSERVATORY DIRECTOR
CAAC Upcoming Monthly Star Parties:
Saturday March 17, 2012Saturday April 21, 2012
Star parties are held at the club’s Gayle H. Riggsbee Observatory in Taxahaw, SC, weatherpermitting. Contact the Observatory Director, Ken Steiner, for directions to the observatory. Allmembers and their guests are welcome.
Please note that during the winter months the ground at the GHRO is not as solid as in the summer.Please refrain from driving vehicles on the observatory grounds during soft ground conditions.
CAAC Yahoo GroupConsider signing on to the Charlotte Astronomers Yahoo Group site:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/charlotteastronomers
The Yahoo website is used to share information about local astronomical events, star parties, informalgatherings, and general information related to club activities among members. The group is open to allCAAC members.
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3March 2012
FROM THE SECRETARY
New MembersRebecca Almeyda, Willie Arnold, Kate Dickson, Sally Erickson, Richard Megorden, Mark & CarolWebster, Vipul Thakkar
Visitors at the February MeetingKen Dedrick, Jeff Gaura, Jeff Bassett, Larry & Lynda Nester, Mike D’Angelo, Doug Potter, Bob Marcus,Rebecca Almeyda, Willie Arnold, Kate DIckson, Sally Erickson, Richard Megorden
Newsletter questions or announcements? Please contact Skip Copp via email [email protected] or at (704) 568-3732 about newsletter-related matters. Also, if your emailaddress changes, please notify Skip.
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FROM THE TREASURER
CAAC Annual Dues and Fees$35.00 - Family or Individual membership. Dues are pro-rated for new members joining in the middle ofthe year. Membership renewals are due each year on October 1st.
$6.00 - Students up to 18 years of age.
$10.00 - Observatory Fee. Payment of this fee allows the member unlimited access to and use of theclub’s observatory facilities and equipment after being checked out by the Observatory Director.
$25.00 - Observatory Pad Fee. This fee is assessed to members that have a private observing pad orobservatory on the club’s property. Any member wanting to build a private pad or observatory shouldcontact the Observatory Director.
Sky & Telescope and Astronomy Magazine SubscriptionsDiscounted magazine subscriptions can be obtained through the club for the following price:
Sky & Telescope: $32.95 per year Astronomy: $34.00 per year or $60.00 for two years
Please make checks payable to CAAC and give them to Jim Gaiser, Treasurer, at a monthly meeting ormail to:
Jim Gaiser8624 Lenten Rose Court #203Charlotte, NC 28277
Club members are now able to renew their own subscriptions to S&T magazine via mail or phone.Members may mail in the renewal notices with payment or renew via phone using a credit card.Indicate on the renewal notice that you are a member of the Charlotte Amateur Astronomers Club. Thisis only for renewals! The club treasurer must still process new subscriptions and must annually validatea subscriber’s membership in the CAAC. This revised process only applies to S&T magazine. Theclub rate for S&T subscriptions is still $32.95 per year. Subscriptions to Astronomy Magazine, bothnew and renewal, must still go through the club treasurer to obtain the discounted club rate.
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4March 2012
FOR SALE ITEMS
Bring your items for sale to regular club meetings and display them if you wish. To include sale items inthe newsletter, please contact Skip Copp at [email protected] or call (704) 568-3732 no later thanthe second Friday of each month. Ads will run for three months or until the item(s) is sold and may berenewed as desired.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope with AccessoriesThis telescope was seldom used. It is listed on eBay for $1199. I willsell the telescope with the following accessories for $899. Telescopeincludes the following:
• Celestron 1.25” Eyepiece and Filter Kit. Eyepieces included:Five superior grade Plossl fully multi-coated 1.25” eyepieces (4mm, 6mm, 9mm, 15mm, 32mm)Seven filters (Orange #21, Light Blue #80A, Deep yellow #12, Red #25, Light Green #56, Green #58, Moon Filter)
• Omni 20mm & 26mm Plossl eyepieces
• Orion 12.5 mm Plossl illuminated reticle eyepiece
• Celestron Elux 25mm Plossl eyepiece
• Meade Super Plossl 26mm eyepiece
• 2x Barlow Lens, fully multicoated
CONTACT: Roberta Bolduc - [email protected] or 704-999-0053
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CLUB CONTACTS
President: Mark Hoecker [email protected] President: Phil Foust [email protected]: Skip Copp [email protected]: Jim Gaiser [email protected] Director: Ken Steiner [email protected] Master: Ralph Oleski [email protected] Outreach Coordinator: Rob Carl [email protected]
