CHAMPAIGN-URBANA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

MEETING MINUTES

January 14, 2010

William M. Staerkel Planetarium 

President Guy Hampel called the meeting to order at 7:10pm with 13 in
attendance.   We met in the planetarium office given the unavailability
of the dome.    Dave Leake flipped on the lights to show the progress
repainting the planetarium dome.

The shed at the observatory is still in need of repair but Scott Hough
will fix it when the weather permits.  There was discussion on how to
prevent further occurrences of vandalism.   Options include installing
a camera to monitor the area (a 30-50 watt, motion-activated unit) or
installing posts or ties to prevent cars from entering, either around the
entire lot (100 x 200) or maybe around the buildings (roughly 50 x 50).
Dave will check with the park district on costs.   Any digging must be
approved by the university.   Williard will check into the insurance.
There was also a mention of ringing the area with new trees that could
be purchased at a low cost from the government.

This spring we should paint the dome, both inside and outside.   The
telescope should be removed so that mechanical strippers could be used
inside, then masonry paint could be used.  The current epoxy paint should
not have been applied as it does not allow the moisture to flow through.
A discussion began as to whether to spend money on the dome or not.
How many people use the telescope?  It was pointed out that many members
have telescopes that are larger and the 16-inch Cassegrain. But people are
drawn to the dome.   We do need an improved polar axis (which sticks).
It could be made into an altitude/azimuth mount but at considerable
expense.  Is the telescope an antique?   It was decided that the shed
needed to be completed first, including the purchase of a pre-hung door.
The budget for this project was approved at a previous meeting.  Williard
purchased a new tarp for the dome instrument (thank you, Williard!).
There was a motion to table the work on the 16-inch Cassegrain (motion
by John, second by Guy, motion carried) and a motion to purchase Sky
Commander setting circles (motion by John, second by Phil, motion
carried).  Guy will supervise the installation of the setting circles
to allow the observer to more easily find things through the dome slit.

Wayne talked about Guy Ottewell’s Astronomical Calendar.   Ottewell has
a new book called “Berenice’s Hair.”   Wayne encouraged members
to google both publications.

It was noted that sunspots are back!

The February meeting will have a sky tour for 2010 as its program
(which should have happened in January, but the dome wasn’t ready)
and then Mike Lockwood would give his talk on observatories (and include
the Winter Star Party) in March.

Dave Leake

CUAS secretary