Charlie Elliott Chapter Meeting Minutes
 Saturday, December 15, 2007

See photos and additional information about the meeting here.
 

Thanks to Steve Bieger for taking the minutes during my absence.

ATTENDANCE:

In company with one Mascot, twenty guests and members attended the December meeting at the Charlie Elliott Visitor’s Center.
 

BUSINESS:

Director, Larry Owens, gave a brief update on the chapter projects and the upcoming events. Steve Bieger gave a quick update of the CE DOB project - the aluminum is on order and the construction of some of the assemblies will commence over the next few weeks. He promises an update next meeting. Larry proposed a January program on Observing the Moon and Theo Ramakers volunteered to have a go at the presentation. Theo Ramakers brought up the idea of using our known list of people who have attended past events at CE and use that to send updates and calendar reminder emails. This would be a proactive way to let people know in advance of programs that might be of interest. Larry will follow up on this to gather the emails addresses to use.

SUNSET ALERT was given – not that it mattered (obscured sky).

2008 schedule for the CE Meeting is:

Jan. 19, Feb. 9, Mar. 8, Apr. 5, May 17 (JAKES DAY & Election of Officers), Jun. 7, Jul. 26, Aug. 30, Sep. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 29, Dec. 27.

FEATURE PRESENTATION, part One:

POT LUCK – MANY thanks to the hands that prepared the food – and to all for the good company! As always, CE member Alesia Rast of the CEWMA was organized, very accommodating, and a wonderful host!

FEATURE PRESENTATION, part Deux:
Planetary Imaging Workshop: by Larry Owens.  Larry's presentation was a comprehensive look at planetary imaging. He started with the basics and had some great tips and tricks to get the most from the hardware and software. Larry's main point was to use the right tool for the job and then to experiment to get the best performance. Indeed, his experience covers a wide range of issues. He went into detail to on both the acquisition and processing phases of imaging. He showed how to use stacking software with real data from his recent Mars images. Larry was able to describe some more advanced techniques for data optimization and color processing methods.

OBSERVING SESSION:

The weather was certainly not anything to stand outside in much less observe, so the whole group had a chance to sit back and chat and take our time.

MEETING DATES AND PROGRAMS:

January 19,  3:00 p.m. – the winter schedule

LUNA by Theo Ramakers & Steve volunteered to run our annual Post Christmas Astronomical Telescopes talk. This will be done along with a hands-on demo of various telescopes and accessories. Please check our Web-site, listed below, for details.

Place: Charlie Elliott Visitor’s Center

February meeting: TBD

For Meeting updates, Directions, Links, & Live broadcasts: PLEASE check the CEastronomy website for the most current information !

http://www.CEastronomy.org

Submitted:

Clevis Jones, CE Recording Secretary  Secretary@CEastronomy.org

 

Last Updated Wednesday, January 30, 2008