The January 8, 2004 meeting of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society was
called to order by Pres. Jeff Bryant at 7:00 PM at the Staerkel Planetarium.

Topics discussed:

The recent Mars rover landing.

Giving Amazon.com our Tax ID # for their book referral program.

Updates from Mike Conron on the state of the 16 inch telescope project.

Dave Leake's report stating that the club's treasury had a balance of $2114
at the end of 2003.

Planning for CUAS's first sky party  May 22nd, 2004, at Middle Fork Forest
Reserve.  (http://www.ccfpd.org/midfork.htm) This will be a one day/night
event, although some members may camp (on their own) at the preserve that
night. All members are encouraged to submit suggestions about what would
make the star party a better event for the central Illinois region. Dave
Leake will inquire about a group campsite at the preserve.

The Venus transit of the Sun on June 8th was also discussed, and the club
will plan an event to view the planet transit at sunrise (shortly after
5:30am CDT) at the soccer fields on the east side of Parkland College.

Members should make sure their dues are paid up. Phil Wall is the new
treasurer.

Our web site's calendar of events needs to be updated.

Business and news discussion finished at about 7:37PM, and then Dave Leake
showed us the where the planets will be in the evening and morning skies
in 2004.

The Meeting was adjourned at about 8:40PM.


Submitted by Bob Rubendunst
Secretary, CUAS