Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society
Champaign, IL. 61820

Minutes of CUAS Club meeting held on
Thursday June 12th 2008 7:00PM
Parkland College, Staerkel Planetarium
2500 West Bradley Avenue Champaign , Ill 61820


Treasurer's report: Willard mentioned we have about $4000.00 in
the bank.


Old Business:

Last Saturday (6-17) observing: "1 1/2 cars showed up" Muddy but clear!
Lots of soft ground and lakes in fields due to recent rains.

The week prior, at Middlefork, about 20 people showed up and 4 members.


New business:

October 18th (Saturday) may be the date for our Allerton observing.
We need someone to give a talk event.


Significant things in the news:

Mars Prob: Having issues with taking of samples namely it is designed to
accept samples as a dust and it is being delivered as clumps. Sounds like
my pie recipe gone awry.

Astronomers actually saw a supernova in progress. Here is a link on it:

http://www.universetoday.com/2008/05/21/caught-in-the-act-astronomers-see-supernova-as-it-explodes/


Other items:

President Guy Hampel discussed the idea of "How to identify" books for
novices. An example might be a book where one would pick a constellation
and see what is in it.


Program for the evening:

Dave Leake presented an interesting subject concerning the
400th anniversary of the invention of the telescope by Galileo.
The presentation also contained a challenge or opportunity to the club.
Should we participate in some way during the year concerning this subject.
Lot of discussion ensued and ideas were brought up as to what the club
might want to do in a public way. All in all.... interesting.


Here is a link about the 400th anniversary:

http://www.400years.org/


There being no further business to be brought before the officers,
the meeting was adjourned at 8:30PM


Michael T. Conron, Secretary