2001

LHS received check for $200 from AANC for the John Hewitt Memorial Fund for LHS Saturday Night Stargazing (per motion of previous meeting.

Don's contact info: 707-938-1667or 938-0922; 19047 Robinson Rd.; Sonoma, CA 95476-5517 e-mail is same.

5. Club Reports

[at end of these minutes]

Carter:

Announcement:

Fri Jan 19, 9pm Channel 9 Digital West program will have Dave Rodriguez on Astronomy Stuff.

6. Current Business AANC 2001 Symposium

We have OK from Chabot to have April 7, AANC 2001 Symposium there at the new Chabot facility. Ilona nor Jane haven't had much time to work on speakers.

Jane suggests we make it an AANC club showcase with a presentation from each AANC member club. Group session for newsletter editors.

Alan: maybe have ONE famous keynote speaker.

Carter: potential to use planetarium or Omnimax theater until 10am.

Alan: from previous minutes "We should have planetarium Messier Marathon."

Jane: have newsletter competition.

Morris: workshop on hosting web pages.

Carter: Evening of April 7 is EAS lecture meeting.

Alan: easy keynote speaker would be Mike Reynolds or Jose Olivarez. Another idea is Don Machholtz.

Consensus was that Jane's idea of making them be AANC club showcase is excellent.

David: Is there a cafeteria? Do the rooms have capability for video projection?

Carter: Probable. Internet connection? Not sure...

Name of event? Morris: how about "Conference of Northern California Astronomy Clubs"

[from previous minutes: On theme of "Instrumentation" Ilona had list of many possible speakers. Don: At Chabot, would attendees be charged $4 parking?]

Membership Renewal Letter

Very successful response from clubs

AANC Award Nominations

Amateur Award nominees:

• Alane Alchorn (TVS, nom by David Anderson) -- served TVS as President, Librarian, Secretary, newsletter editor, board, ...
• Jeff Baldwin (SAS, nom by Dennis LeClert) -- building telescopes, telescope classes,...

Professional Award nominees

• Mike Reynolds (nom by jane)

Commercial Award nominees:

• Al Nagler (nom by Carter and Don)

Special Award nominees:

• Hercules Stargazers (nom by Jane)
• Davis star party working organizers (nom by Morris)

7. New Business

Jane volunteered to help publicize the Davis Star Party Aug 25, 2001 (1st quarter Sat night) sponsored by Sacramento Valley Club. Anyone who wants to help out can get connect info from Jane. We could have AANC booth. Their are not going to have Astronomy Magazine sponsorship this year--will be more home grown.

Carter: WAA meeting is Feb 10. We could make nomination for G. Bruce Blair award.

Carter moved (Don seconded) that AANC sponsor a Striking Sparks Telescope for $175 this year. Motion passed.

David Anderson moved (Dennis LeClert seconded) that AANC donate $250 to Davis Star Party organizers to help run the event for year 2001. Motion passed. Morris Jones moved (Carter Roberts seconded) that AANC allocate up to $100 for Hercules Stargazers to purchase slides. Motion passed.

Astronomy Day is April 28, 2001.

Adjourned (Morris moved; David A. seconded) 12:45 pm.

Club Reports

Eastbay Astronomical Society/CSSC.

EAS finished transition to new Chabot. Actual meeting location may change from time to time. Meetings 1st Sat of the month, usually in Astronomy classroom. Mar 3 meeting should be in the Astronomy Hall (larger). New editor replacing Ellis (moving to MDAS): Don Saito. Don, Ken, Carter are still working on Rachel project. Show photo of transit telescope just redone. Had end of millennium celebration--covered in Tribune. Special lecture series will begin and will be 3rd Thu of each month. TMW is moved--meets in Chemistry classroom. Fri and Sta night viewing has really been picking up. One night had 390 people look through Rachel. Observing from 7-10 pm.

FPOA Report

Fremont Peak Observatory Association (FPOA) No public programs until March.

Fremont Peak Observatory Association information:

website: http://www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite). Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

Nov 18 event had special slide presentation by Ernie Katler of his visit to the Keck Observatory complex. He has an acquaintance who was able to get him into observatory and he talked his way into a couple of other observatories. He gave this same presentation to EAS. 5 of regular stargazers showed up, but clouded over just after the slide show so we cancelled the observing part. More stargazers showed up so Ernie presented his program a second time. Dec 16 had 3 stargazers provided viewing for about 8 visitors including a family with 2 kids who stayed until 9:30 when it clouded over. excellent clear sky viewing of Jupiter, Saturn, Pleiades. Jan 1 attempt was made by David and Esther to see Jack Horkheimer through window of his office--hoping to meet him. he was not there. Next Stargazes: Jan 20, Feb 17, Mar 17( 11th anniversary of club founding), Apr 14 and 21.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

Saturday night Stargazing is every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Last night there was a girl scout overnight event, so there were lots of stargazers getting good views of Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, which were the only things visible through the haze--seeing conditions otherwise good. Jim Badura volunteers. [Jane suggested we buy star spectroscope from Jim for LHS stargazing. LHS 12" Dob, 10" Dob, 4 low power refractors (3"). We are still seeking volunteer helpers, amateurs or possibly UC students.

Public shows now every Sat Sun 1pm Flying to the Moon (ages 4+), 2:15 pm Target Earth (ages 6 and up), 3:30 pm Constellations Tonight (ages 6 & up). New Hands-On Universe (HOU) middle school curriculum is now being field tested nation-wide. HOU high school teacher workshops will happen next summer. HOU website is HTTP://HOU.LBL.GOV. For current programs see LHS website--http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu, specifically, the planetarium page at http://www.lhs.ber keley.edu/Planetarium.html)

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

From: "Liede-Marie Haitsma" STFRNCIS@IX.NETCOM.COM

Bo ard meeting tomorrow. Jan 23 Meeting speaker David Dunn on Sat Rings. Next month on Feb 27, Jane and Morris Jones. March 27 Alan King on Globular clusters. Public nights Mar 31. Society nights (stargazing on Mt Diablo) on Jan 27, Feb 17, 24, Mar 17, 24.

Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

The Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association (MTIA) information:

Website: http://www.mtia.net/

Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm)

Information Contact: (415) 388-2070

Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Project Astro

Erica Howson, Bay Area Project Coordinator,Project ASTRO; 390 Ashton Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94112; (415) 337-1100 ext. 101; astro@aspsky.org

SFAA Report

San Jose (SJAA) (Morris Jones)

Healthy growth: 100 more members than 2 years ago. Obserational astonomy classes have begun at Houge Park. Exciting speakers coming up.

For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club (SCAC)

Information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://a stro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Sidewalk Astronomers

Two telescope making classes are underway with 30 students 18-10"; 5-8"; one 24". Great Halloween event. Sidewalk Astronomers (in LA) -- http://www.sidewalkastronom ers.com/. Contact phone number for finding out John Dobson's schedule: Bob Alborzian at (818) 841-0548. For email: webmaster@sidewalkastr onomers.com

SF Sidewalk Astronomers Vital Statistics:

Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address) Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events. Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at Jonathan@wilkendorf.net. In the city of SF, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548. For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 841-0548.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS)

Vital Statistics: Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com Web page at http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/ , L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423 Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Upcoming speakers: Phil Sherrer for Stanford Solar Center, Jane and Morris Jones. Striking Sparks is going strong.

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis LeClert) Next meeting Jan 18--Installation recognition dinner--club's 50th anniversary at China Palace restaurant--awards banquet. See AANC calendar for star parties. Jan meeting is 3rd Thur ( normally it's on 2nd Thur) President Neal Lark will probably speak at that meeting on developments in planetary nebula astronomy.

Web address -- http://astro.sci.uop.edu/~sas

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary)

TriValley Stargazers (Dave Anderson)

Filled vacant officer position. Dave is filling "past president" vacancy. Chuck Grant is now President. VP Gary Steinhour. Treas (Mike Anderson), Sec (Maggie Halberg) same as last year. Chuck is also observatory director, website director. Meetings are now 2nd Fri of the month. URL http://sunmill.uml.edu/tvs/board.html]

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

West Marin Astronomy club

The West Marin Astronomy club (WMAC) Information: Contact: Steve Overholt (415) 453-2701 or Jane Houston Jones (415) 453-2885 (email: Jane@whiteoaks.com) Dark Sky Star Parties in LAGUNITAS near the new moon on Friday nights and some Saturday nights. These are held behind the Swing Cafe in Lagunitas in the parking lot. A small spot, but great for keeping out of the wind, and we like it so there!

Public astronomy at Cala Bell Market in FAIRFAX (Fridays) and Book Passage Bookstore in CORTE MADERA (Sundays) near first quarter moon.

No indoor meeting,observational club only.

Other Club Reports on WWW:

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: March 11, 2001

at CSSC [next meeting May 6, 2001]

contacts@aanc-astronomy.org< /A> (larger list, includes AANC club editors)

editors@aanc-astronomy.org (AANC member club editors only)

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 10:15 pm by Jane Houston-Jones

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present:

Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...),

David Anderson (V.P., TVSG),

Don Stone (Treasurer, EAS),

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

David Harris (Hercules Stargazers) ,

Dennis LeClert (SAS),

Morris Jones (SJAA),

Carter Roberts (EAS),

Michel Lau (SFAA)

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Secretary failed to bring hardcopy of minutes for board to read. Minutes may be approved next time.

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

Washington Mutual Account Bank account balance: $6488.29 (Nov, 2000)

Franklin Money Fund Account balance: $1.842.43

for a grand total of $8330.62.

Expenditures 1987-2000 (Except 1992): 14% Awards, 4% Donations, 4% Equipment, 7% Star-B-Q, 4% Postage, 10% Pub/N-Letter-SS, 57% Workshops

Revenues: 1987-2000 (except 1992): 80% Workshops, 14% Dues, 4% Interest, 2% Other

AANC membership status (Pd = paid)--we now have 25 members!

We need a letter to change the address of AANC. Carter moved and everyone else seconded that we change our address to Don's new address. Motion passed. Don/Alan will compose text of letter.

5. Club Reports

[at end of these minutes]

6. Current Business AANC 2001 Symposium

April 7

6:46 Sunrise

8:00 Coffee/tea/lemonade/food/pastries set up in Teachers Resource Center (TRC). Chabot caterer will provide. ASP is sponsoring coffee ($300). Morrison will also contribute. Caterer will cleanup.

8:00 Reg desk will start out by the entrance. At 10am when Chabot opens to public, we will move reg desk to TRC. There will be 3 helpers (besides Don) at the reg desk.

9am Program starts in Planetarium--welcome by Mike Reynolds, Chabot Director and Jose Olivarez, Astronomy Director, Jane

9:30-10:30 first indoor Messier Marathon in Planetarium. Bring binoculars. Bob Garfinkle will be there. Observing list will help participants. Must vacate planetarium at least 15 min before first public show (11am)

11am Over a dozen clubs will give 10-20 min presentations starting with Davis Star Party people

noonish; Box lunches (Choice of Roast Beef, Turkey, or Vegetarian, plus penne pasta, apple, cookie, drinks) will be sold in TRC. Cost $9-10.

1:30pm Invited speaker: John Dobson.

Astronomy Classroom will be main presentation venue.

Costs

May have 70-100+ people. 50 people would get us $1000.

Planetarium rental would be $1000, classroom $500, TRC $250, A-V $200. Total costs would be $3500, but actual charge will be $1000. Security/cleaning deposit of $1000. Planetarium tickets may cost extra--if necessary AANC will pay.

100 attendees would mean about

$2000 in registrations

75 lunches (@$9) ->income $675

ASP $300

SJAA $100

EAS $50

TVAS $50?

SFAA $50?

Morrison $100??

[Deposit Return: $1000

Total income is $4325 minimum

Expenses:

Food service $1650 Chabot rental $1000

Mailing, postage, reg supplies $300

Airfare/speaker expenses $200

Lodging $200

Planetarium Tickets ???

[Deposit $1000]

Total Expenses: $4350

Morris moved to approve Conference budget per above figures.

Carter seconded.

Motion passed unanimously.

A lot of publicity mailings went out last Wed.

AANC Award

Amateur Award nominees:

• Alane Alchorn (TVS, nom by David Anderson) -- served TVS as President, Librarian, Secretary, newsletter editor for 5 years, boardmember, has been with Trivalley for 15 years, helped run booths for public events, is archaeoastronomer working on Chavez Sun Calendar project in Berkeley, N. American archaological sites with astornomical significance
• Jeff Baldwin (SAS, nom by Dennis LeClert) -- building telescopes,runs amateur telescope classes in Stockton, coordinates Stockton Astr Soc star parties, has been president, was speaker at LHS AANC conference with his 24" scope, 1994 finished 24" scope and is now working on a 40" scope; has science class in Manteca that is refurbishing some telescopes. Has received special award (Clarence P. Custer award) for popularizing astronomy. Morris moved that we award two (BOTH) nominees for amateur award this year. David A seconded. Motion passed.

Professional Award nominees

• Mike Reynolds (nom by Jane) Morris moved that we close nominations and declare Mike Reynolds award winner. Seconded by someone. Motion passed.

Commercial Award nominees:

• Al Nagler (nom by Carter and Don) Don moved that we close nominations and declare Al Nagler award winner. Seconded by Morris. Motion passed.

Special Award nominees:

• Hercules Stargazers (nom by Jane) for doing good deeds for public astronomy, share the universe with the public, has been around for 11 years
• Davis Sky Show working organizers (nom by Morris), 2000 people attended last year's event for no charge. Carter moved that we give Special Award to Hercules Stargazers. Don seconded. Motion passed.

Award cost $217 last year. Morris moved that we allocate no more than $300 for award plaques. Several people seconded. Motion passed.

Astronomy Day is April 28, 2001. Any club that has Astronomy Day activities, please forward events Jane or Alan for posting on AANC website.

7. New Business

..

Adjourned (Morris moved; David A. seconded) 12:45 pm.

Club Reports

Eastbay Astronomical Society/CSSC.

EAS (Carter) Annual Dinner last night went well. Jane got Helen Pillans award. Next meeting 4/7 in astronomy classroom--members night, same day as AANC Conference. Fri and Sta night viewing from 7-10 pm.

FPOA Report

Fremont Peak Observatory Association (FPOA) No public programs until March.

Fremont Peak Observatory Association information:

website: http://www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite). Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

(David H) Jan 20 General meeting--about AANC conference, AANC award of $100 for slides (chose starmaps constellations slide set and teachers Solar System slide set), Int'l Astro Day, Sky & Te club subscriptions. Sky hazy, temp was cold. 5 scopes for about 10 local HS kids. Thur Feb 1--Stargaze at corner of Grant & Vine in Berkeley from about 7:30-9pm--saw Moon Jupiter, Saturn--about 20 passersby and from Esther's class--one telescope. Feb 17 Stargaze cancelled--bad weather. Next Stargazes 3/17 ( 11th anniversary of club founding), 4/14, 4/28, 5/19. We plan to be at the conference on 4/7 and CAS for Astronomy Day.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

Saturday night Stargazing is every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Last few sessions have been clouded or rained out. LHS 12" Dob, 10" Dob, 4 low power refractors (3"). New streetlight next to newly installed traffic light is introducing some glare--we are looking in how to correct it with shielding. We are still seeking volunteer helpers, amateurs or possibly UC students.

Public shows now every Sat Sun 1pm Flying to the Moon (ages 4+), 2:15 pm African Skies--for Black history Month (ages 6 and up), 3:30 pm Constellations Tonight (ages 6 & up). Hands-On Universe (HOU) HOU high school teacher workshops will happen this summer--see HTTP://HOU.LBL.GOV. For current programs see LHS website--http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu, specifically, the planetarium page at http://www.lhs.ber keley.edu/Planetarium.html)

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

MDAS (Liede-Marie Haitsma STFRNCIS@IX.NETCOM.COM) Ongoing thing with Mt Diablo observatory 3/27 at meeting will have Ivan King on HST; 4/24 will be Jim Scala on Mars; May 22 Impke dePater on Adaptive Optics; 4/28 last chances to Jupiter and Saturn in sky at public stargazing. Next Public night is Mar 31.

Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

The Mt. Tamalpais Astronomy Programs for 2001 will begin on April 21 with Dr. Adrienne Cool of SFSU speaking on "Scrutinizing Star Clusters with Space Observatories". This is the first of the series of 7 programs to be held in the Mt. Theater on Mt. Tam on Saturdays near a new moon, April through October. These programs are sponsored by the Mt.Tamalpais State Park, arranged for and coordinated by the Mt. Tamalpais Interpretive Association, and followed by starparties conducted by volunteer members of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. The full schedule for the season plus additonal information is found at http://www.mtia.net/. Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm) Information Contact: (415) 388-2070 Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Project Astro

Erica Howson, Bay Area Project Coordinator,Project ASTRO; 390 Ashton Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94112; (415) 337-1100 ext. 101; astro@aspsky.org

San Francisco Amateur Astronomers

SFAA Michel Lau /Jane Annual dinner was in January. New meteorite exhibit at Cal Academy. Family Astronomy with ASP is having first event at Randall Museum. 3/23 they are having star party Hume Observatory. Helped with KQED PLEDGE DRIVE.

SanJose (SJAA) (Morris Jones)

Board elected new officers yesterday: Michael Koop pres. Robert Havner VP, Jim Van Nuland Sec, Gary Mitchell Treas. Big event is next month: 4/8 Auction and swap meet at Houge Park--day after AANC Conference. Great bargains can be had. Auction is noon-2ish and Swap Meet after. Speakers for meetings TBD. SJAA is contributing $100 for AANC conference to offset expenses.

For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club (SCAC)

Information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://a stro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Sidewalk Astronomers

(Jane) Grand Canyon Star Party June 16-24; Sidewalk Astronomers now has nice web page that has SF events. There is also an e-mail news list. There is hotline for Bay Area public astronomy activities. Sidewalk Astronomers (in LA) -- http://www.sidewalkastronom ers.com/. Contact phone number for finding out John Dobson's schedule: Bob Alborzian at (818) 841-0548. For email: webmaster@sidewalkastr onomers.com

SF Sidewalk Astronomers Vital Statistics:

Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address) Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events. Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at Jonathan@wilkendorf.net. In the city of SF, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548. For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 841-0548.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS)

(Jane) SCAS Striking Sparks program 3/24 will present ten 6" scopes to kids. Over 110 made. Vital Statistics: Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com Web page at http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/ , L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423 Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis)--Upcoming meetings: 4/12 speaker TBD; 5/10 speaker is Robert Naeye speaking on Chandra X-ray Telescope; Dr. Hyram Spinrad in July or Aug. Star Parties/Star Tours have been cancelled due to rained.

Meetings are 2nd Thur, Clever Planetarium, San Joaquin Delta College

Web address -- http://astro.sci.uop.edu/~sas

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary)

TriValley Stargazers TVSG (David A) Summer trips planned--Glacier Point July 20-21; White Mountain Aug 16-19 (in conjunction with EAS)--also joint trip to Granview with Las Vegas Astr. Soc. Meetings arenow 2nd Fri of the month. URL http://sunmill.uml.edu/tv s/board.html]

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

West Marin Astronomy club

The West Marin Astronomy club (WMAC) Information: Contact: Steve Overholt (415) 453-2701 or Jane Houston Jones (415) 453-2885 (email: Jane@whiteoaks.com) Dark Sky Star Parties in LAGUNITAS near the new moon on Friday nights and some Saturday nights. These are held behind the Swing Cafe in Lagunitas in the parking lot. A small spot, but great for keeping out of the wind, and we like it so there!

Public astronomy at Cala Bell Market in FAIRFAX (Fridays) and Book Passage Bookstore in CORTE MADERA (Sundays) near first quarter moon.

No indoor meeting,observational club only.

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: May 6, 2001

at CSSC [next meeting May 6, 2001]

contacts@aanc-astronomy.org< /A> (larger list, includes AANC club editors)

editors@aanc-astronomy.org (AANC member club editors only)

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 10:15 pm by Jane Houston-Jones

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present:

Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...),

David Anderson (V.P., TVSG),

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

David Harris (Hercules Stargazers) ,

Morris Jones (SJAA),

Michel Lau (SFAA)

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Morris moved David A. seconded that minutes be approved. Motion passed.

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

Washington Mutual Account Bank account balance: $7520.38 (5/5/01)

Franklin Money Fund Account balance: $1.842.43 (previous

for a grand total of _.

AANC membership status (Pd = paid)--we now have 28 members!

AANC Conference Budget Summary

Revenue

$1955 admission from 106 attendees

$590 lunches (67 lunches; 59 paid for @$11; some complementary) $630 donations (ASP $300; SJAA $100; EAS $50; TVAS $50; SFAA $50; Morrison $30; SFSWA $50)

Total: $3175 revenue Expenses $1173.96 Food service

$1000 Facility

$36.20 Postage

$148.87 Publicity

$216/20 Registration

$200 Speaker expense

$108.31 Telephone

$19.56 Misc.

Total Expenses: $2903.10

Net (Rev-Exp): +$271.90

Planetarium tickets were donated.

[From March 2001: We need a letter to change the address of AANC. Carter moved and everyone else seconded that we change our address to Don's new address. Motion passed. Don/Alan will compose text of letter.]

Morris moved that AANC grant complementary membership for Stanford Astronomy Club for 2001. Michelle seconded. Motion passed.

David Anderson moved that AANC offer to the Math Science Astronomy Club in Frement and the UC Astronomy Club complementary one year memberships in AANC. Morris seconded. Motion passed. 5. Club Reports

[at end of these minutes]

6. Current Business AANC 2001 Symposium Post-Mortem

April 7

Good attendance (106) SJAA had biggest presence (11 people). Sacramento had 6 people attend. Sonoma had several. 4 from Chico (NOVA). 27 organizations were present. HS had 30% of their members there. 14 president were there.

Suggestion: do conference every other year? Or have new key organizer (not Jane). Getting Awards, sending awards. Letters to Awardees. Fliers. Program. Answering phone calls. Food part was a nightmare since many attendees registered late. Messier Marathon was a lot of work.

Dave suggests putting together a notebook with record of everything that had to be done--correspondence. Beginnings of guide to organizing conference in the future.

Chabot had an event planner which was helpful. Room held only 70-80 people. With 106 attendees it still worked out alright, what with some people attending planetarium shows.

Ken Lum from Peninsula volunteered to help with speakers next year. Facility use contract; $1000 cleaning deposit; didn't get until late and was due back gthe next day. Mike Reynolds sent AANC membership check. Wants to host a Leonid night. Alan: Could Chabot Events Coordinator coordinate the event more? (take load off of Jane/AANC board)

Astronomy Day April 28, 2001. Jane: Sonoma County Club had 3 locations. Seeing was bad. Sidewalk Astronmers didn't do anything but promoted other clubs locations. Website had all locations that gave info. David H. is there a central clearinghouse for publicity? Alan: we could have an e-list of local papers to send notice to for the calendar sections of the papers. Also radio, TV. Compliling and upkeep of list is time consuming.

7. New Business

Events: May 19 Astronomy Day for Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society

July 13-18 ASP 113th Annual Mtg in St Paul, MN

Aug Perseid plan request from clubs 3rd quarter Moon

Aug 18 FPOA Star-B-Q

Aug 24-25 Davis Star show publicity and telescopes signups request.

Leonid 2001 report from 5/4 strategy mtg

Fall Astronomy Date selection. First Quarter Moon Sat 9/22 (5-day old Moon; equinox) or 10/20 or 27. David A. moved that we celebrate fall equinox with Astronomy Day 9/22. Morris seconded. Passed.

Adjourned (Michel moved; David A. seconded) 12:25 pm.

Club Reports

Eastbay Astronomical Society/CSSC.

Fri and Sta night viewing from 7-10 pm.

FPOA Report

Fremont Peak Observatory Association (FPOA)

General information:

website: http://www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite).

Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

(David H) Had late winter early spring slump--ironically, after getting award for slide sets and special award Last meeting Mar 11. On 13th we got one of the slide sets. Mar 17 one volunteer (Beth Rainsford) showed up and brought slide projector. David brought slides and screen. No one showed up, but had viewing of slides and organized them according to season. She had audio viwer projector oldstyle Ektagraphic machine combination viewer/projector. Can program slides to advance according to a tape. Next week had both slide sets. 4 HS people attended conference on 4/7. Next stargaze was 4/14 had great weather, but noone showed up (day before Easter). Began 10am CAS main lobby for Astronomy Day--spent day handing out fliers and doing solar viewing especially after 3pm. Evening stargaze was not good weather-wise--had 4 volunteers. Had slides but no screen. Room had white slanted ceilings that were perfect for lprojecting slides. Showed slides with Beethoven tape. Seemed like a planetarium with constellation slides. Next Stargazes 5/19, 6/16, 6/23, 7/14, 7/21, 8/18.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

Saturday night Stargazing is every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Astrnomy Day was hazy--saw Moon, Jupiter and not much else. LHS 12" Dob, 10" Dob, 4 low power refractors (3"). Daytime stargazing was good--sunspot clusters. LHS bought a Sunspotter telescope and it works GREAT--easy to use and completely safe. 5-6 people at a time can have views of projected image. New streetlight next to newly installed traffic light is introducing some glare--we are looking in how to correct it with shielding. We are still seeking volunteer helpers, amateurs or possibly UC students.

Public shows now every Sat Sun 1pm Flying to the Moon (ages 4+), 2:15 pm Moons of the Solar System (ages 6 and up), 3:30 pm Constellations Tonight (ages 6 & up). Hands-On Universe (HOU) HOU high school teacher workshops will happen this summer--see http://hou.lbl.gov. For current programs see LHS website--http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu, specifically, the planetarium page at http://www.lhs.ber keley.edu/Planetarium.html)

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

MDAS (Liede-Marie Haitsma -- STFRNCIS@IX.NETCOM.COM) Board mtg tomorrow. Club meeting 5/22. Public nights on Mar 31 Apr 28 had good showing--over 100 people. Meeting: May 22 Impke dePater on Adaptive Optics; 4/28 last chances to Jupiter and Saturn in sky at public stargazing. STARGAZING on lower summit of Mt. Diablo--Next Society nights (usually New Moon): May 19, June 16. Next public nights: May 26 and June 23.

Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

The Mt. Tamalpais Astronomy Programs. On April 21 Dr. Adrienne Cool of SFSU spoke on "Scrutinizing Star Clusters with Space Observatories". This is the first of the series of 7 programs to be held in the Mt. Theater on Mt. Tam on Saturdays near a new moon, April through October. These programs are sponsored by the Mt.Tamalpais State Park, arranged for and coordinated by the Mt. Tamalpais Interpretive Association, and followed by starparties conducted by volunteer members of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. The full schedule for the season plus additonal information is found at http://www.mtia.net/. Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm) Information Contact: (415) 388-2070 Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Project Astro

Erica Howson, Bay Area Project Coordinator,Project ASTRO; 390 Ashton Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94112; (415) 337-1100 ext. 101; astro@aspsky.org

San Francisco Amateur Astronomers

SFAA Michel Lau. Michael Barbara from SBIG came to talk about CCD cameras. Apr 18 Jay White from ASP talked about theUniverse Has No Center and You're Not There. Apr 28 Bob Burda talked about Astronomy for Children (Astronomy Day). May 16 Imke de Pater (UC Berkeley) will talk about Adaptive Optics. June 2 City Star party Frasier Ridge. Yosemite trip is on same day as Davis show Aug 24-25. First Mt Tam star party Apr 21 Adrienne Cool was spekaer on Space Telescopes. SFAA has new website http://www.sfaa-astronomy. org

San Jose (SJAA)

(Morris Jones) April--Auction raised almost $1000 and there was a lot of quality stuff. Reversing order worked well for auction, but swap meet not as successful. Might separate the events. May meeting last night--Seth Shostak on SETI. Astronomy classes and star parties. 3rd quarter Friday nights are observational astronomy classes at Houge Park.

(Jim Van Neuland:) San Jose Astronomical Association -- School Star Party program

The SJAA school star party program has mostly wrapped up for another school year. There have been 28 successful events and 13 cloud-outs. This is sharply better than 1999-2000, when we had 14 successes and 10 cloud-outs. Most have been at elementary schools, with a smattering of middle and high schools. In addition, SJAA has about 25 public star parties at Houge (city) Park each year, and we have school or scout groups there, but I don't have a count, perhaps another dozen. We have done events from Mountain View to Milpitas to Morgan Hill, with most in San Jose east of Hwy.101.

This year, we experimented with after-DST (Darkness Squandering Time) events at grade schools, and I'm happy to report that, despite the late hours, 8 to 10 pm, we had good turnouts! So our season is extended a couple weeks, at the very time that weather is getting more reliable.

John Dobson has said that the measure of a telescope is not the size of the mirror, not the quality of the figure, not the smoothness of the mount. It's not what pretty pictures it takes. The measure of a telescope is the number of other people who have had a chance to see and understand our world. By this measure, we have some superb instruments!

To other clubs:

There is material on my web site http://www.svpal.org/~jvn that has suggestions for teachers who are asking about a star party at their school, and another page with suggestions for astronomers who are joining the school program. Please look that over, and take what is useful to you.

Not on the site are suggestions about getting schools to ask for star parties. It's not easy, as schools are incredibly busy places, and teachers are incredibly busy people. One of our past presidents made a considerable effort within the county science teachers association, with little success. Much more effective are the PTA organizations! One of our school districts has an active PTA Presidents Group, with regular meetings. (This is precisely why so many of our events are in one district!)

Go there, perhaps bring along a telescope, and talk about what you'd like to do. Invite them to your monthly in-town star party. In some schools, the PTA has a monthly activity for the kids, with the dates already set and cleared on the school calendar. While it's very desirable to have the star party when the moon is in the evening sky, we'll take whatever we can get.

I've been asked why we don't start the evening with a slide show or other presentation to the kids. Well, teachers are mighty skilled at presenting material in classrooms, so I'm not convinced that we need to do that. More practically, the kids and parents don't all arrive at the school at the same time, so a formal indoor introduction is not going to work well. Most of all, the kids are not interested in more classroom time -- they want at the telescopes!

We've done star parties for all sorts of groups -- elementary, middle, and high schools; public and parochial schools, church groups, scouts. But the scouts are well-organized for field trips, so we usually have them come to Houge Park instead.

Clear Skies! -- Jim Van Nuland, San Jose (California) Astronomical Association JVN's home page

For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

Santa Cruz AstronomyClub (SCAC)

General Information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://a stro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Sidewalk Astronomers

(Jane) Grand Canyon Star Party June 16-24; There is also an SF event e-mail news list. There is hotline (415) 289-2007 for Bay Area public astronomy activities. Sidewalk Astronomers (in LA) -- http://www.sidewalkastronom ers.com/. Contact phone number for finding out John Dobson's schedule: Bob Alborzian at (818) 841-0548. For email: webmaster@sidewalkastr onomers.com

SF Sidewalk Astronomers Vital Statistics:

Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address) Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events. Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at Jonathan@wilkendorf.net. In the city of SF, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548. For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 841-0548.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS)

(Jane) Vital Statistics: Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com Web page at http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/ , L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423 Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis)--Meetings are 2nd Thur, Clever Planetarium, San Joaquin Delta College

Web address -- http://astro.sci.uop.edu/~sas

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary)

TriValley Stargazers TVSG (David A.) Dave has new job--with company --Blue Planet--game: Tetris Worlds. Had logo contest a while back--winner was Chuck Grant (currently president). Now will have available logoware apparel. Sweatshirts, parkas (from Lands End). Observatory is addressing the "outhouse problem"--someone will now service it. H2O--Hidden Hill Observatory. Astronomy day--had public school star party on Apr 27. We are looking for a newsletter editor (Alane is relinquishing that role). Summer trips planned--Glacier Point July 20-21; White Mountain Aug 16-19 (in conjunction with EAS)--also joint trip to Granview with Las Vegas Astr. Soc. General Info: Meetings are now 2nd Fri of the month. URL http://sunmill.uml.edu/tv s/board.html

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

West Marin Astronomy club

The West Marin Astronomy club (WMAC) Information: Contact: Steve Overholt (415) 453-2701 or Jane Houston Jones (415) 453-2885 (email: Jane@whiteoaks.com) Dark Sky Star Parties in LAGUNITAS near the new moon on Friday nights and some Saturday nights. These are held behind the Swing Cafe in Lagunitas in the parking lot. A small spot, but great for keeping out of the wind, and we like it so there!

Public astronomy at Cala Bell Market in FAIRFAX (Fridays) and Book Passage Bookstore in CORTE MADERA (Sundays) near first quarter moon.

No indoor meeting,observational club only.

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: July 8, 2001

at CSSC [next meeting aug 26, 2001]

contacts@aanc-astronomy.org< /A> (larger list, includes AANC club editors)

editors@aanc-astronomy.org (AANC member club editors only)

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 10:09 pm by Jane Houston-Jones

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present:

Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...),

David Anderson (V.P., TVSG),

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

David Harris (Hercules Stargazers) ,

Morris Jones (SJAA),

Michel Lau (SFAA)

Denni Medlock (FPOA; CSSC) Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...),

David Anderson (V.P),

Don Stone (Treasurer, EAS),

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS),

Lloyd Altamirano (SAS),

Dave Anderson (TVSG),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

David Harris (Hercules Stargazers) ,

Dennis LeClert (SAS),

Morris Jones (SJAA),

Ilona Magyary (SMAS),

Carter Roberts (EAS),

Tinka Ross (Mt. Tam Observers; Morrison Planetarium),

Lance Shaw (Hercules SG),

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

5/6/01 meeting was at LHS and following meeting is July 9 at LHS. Morris moved Denni seconded that minutes be approved. Motion passed.

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

We took in 94.51% of what was budgeted. Expenses 82.23% of waht was projected. That's how we made money. Margin was $253.

Don has not been getting updates on accounts. Denni: there is an EAS mailbox at Chabot jam packed with stuff. Carter says he checks the EAS/library mailbox. Last numbers as of a few months ago were

Washington Mutual Account Bank account balance: $7520.38 (00/01)

Franklin Money Fund Account balance: $1.842.43

Total

Morris moved that AANC reimburse Don Stone $123.17 for Treasurer's expenses. David A. seconded. Motion passed.

AANC membership status (Pd = paid)--we now have 29 members!

StarBQue Budget (Denni)/B>

Revenue

Last year's budget was $283.43.

$141 is half of budget last year, which AANC was committed to pay. Denni asked if AANC wants to pay entire budget this year. Carter moved that AANC gives $284 to FPOA for half of expenses for 2000 and 2001 Star-B-Qs. Morris seconded. Motion passed. 5. Club Reports

[at end of these minutes]

6. Current Business Mars Opposition Activities

7. New Business

Events:

July 13-18 ASP 113th Annual Meeting in St. Paul, Minn

Aug 18 FPOA Star-B-Q

Aug 24-25 Davis Star show publicity and telescopes signups request.

Leonid plans; Leonid 2001 report from 5/4 strategy mtg

Fall Astronomy Date selection. First Quarter Moon Sat 9/22 (5-day old Moon; equinox).

Davis Star Show Adjourned (Michel moved; David A. seconded) 12:25 pm.

Club Reports

Astronomical "Society of the Pacific (ASP) -- Jane

Robert Naeyes is GREAT as new Exec Director. Alex Filippenko is new President of the Board.

Chabot Space and Science Center (CSSC)--Denni.

African Eclipse Experience had people there at 4am summer schedule with shows every hour on the hour in the planetarium. Activities--paper rockets, astronaut training. 200-300 campers per day (from camps elsewhere). Hubble Vision exhibit is on display until November. In fall there will be moon walk (permanent exhibit) Starting Aug 25 SETI planetaium show will be shown Other Worlds! Other Beings? Leonids observing will be at Briones Park sponsored by Chabot. Looking for people to do a camera station at Briones or Chabot. Recalibrated the rotunda on the solstice. Also creating analemma. Fri and Sat night viewing from 7-10 pm.

Eastbay Astronomical Society (EAS) --Carter.

Chandra talk was last night. Went 2 hours including questions. Next mtg Sat Aug 4, Eclipse night. EAS participating in Barcroft Fri Aug 24 starparty at Bort Meadows for EBRPD. China town streetfest will have EAS volunteers showing Sun and Moon. Fri and Sat night viewing from 7-10 pm.

Fremont Peak Observatory Association (FPOA)--Denni

State Parks having difficulty finding rangers. Peak is without a permanent ranger, but there are a couple of rangers in training. There is $500,000 coming to FPOA from state parks; flush toilets! Big white tool shed is planned to be torn down. Old ranger's house may become new visitor's center (astro center) New administration is extremely astronomy-friendly. FPOA has taken on public outreach function. Wrote light pollution standards for San Bonito County. Full cutoff fixtures required. Reached financial wqatermark--can do something with interest on $25,000, such as scholarships, outreach to schools. Volunteer training with state--can't give public program unless you have training. There was only one this year, in Monterey. Maybe FPOA can combine with Mt Diablo for training. Things are looking up for FPOA. Dealing with ADA requirements. Star-B-Q will happen--JPL will supply speaker for Star-B-Q. AANC can update web page on StarBQ. General information:

website: http://www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite).

Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

(David H) Stargaze May 19 held by 5 regulars minus Dave, who was out of town. Lance Shaw, Walt Meadows, telescopes from 10-18". Several visitors, good seeing. May 21 Monday aat the Miami Space Transit Planetarium and Science Museum. Dave and Esther caught Jack Horkheimer as he was leaving for a taping of his Stargazer show, got photos, and spoke with him briefly. He gave us free admissions to the planetarium and museum, 2 bumper stickers and several planispheres. June 16 stargaze with 4 volunteers, 3 scopes, and about 10 visitors. Good vies fo Mars and southern sky. --Beth Rainsford had an audioviewer (programmable slide projector/cassette tape) slide show in building would be continuously shown. Using Constellation and Soplar System slide sets purchased through AANC donation. Slide show will change seasonally. Stargazes are once or twice a month for the entire year. June 23 stargaze with 2 regulars, one scope and only two visitors, one man and his 7-year old son--stayed 2.5 hours, and enjoyable, relaxed public program. Next Stargazes 7/14, 7/21, 8/18 or 11, Sept 15, Sept 22.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

Saturday night Stargazing is every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Solar Eclipse event went well with video broadcast, Sunspotter telescopes, special planetaium shows. and it works GREAT--easy to use and completely safe. 5-6 people at a time can have views of projected image. New streetlight next to newly installed traffic light is introducing some glare--we are looking in how to correct it with shielding. We are still seeking volunteer helpers, amateurs or possibly UC students.

Public shows now every Sat Sun 1pm Flying to the Moon (ages 4+), 2:15 pm Moons of the Solar System (ages 6 and up), 3:30 pm Constellations Tonight (ages 6 & up). Hands-On Universe (HOU) HOU high school teacher workshops will happen this summer--see http://hou.lbl.gov. For current programs see LHS website--http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu, specifically, the planetarium page at http://www.lhs.ber keley.edu/Planetarium.html)

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

MDAS (Liede-Marie Haitsma -- STFRNCIS@IX.NETCOM.COM) Club meeting 6/16. Public nights on 6/16 had good showing--over 100 people; CCD camera. July 14 will be public stargazing as well as picnic with Save Mt Diablo will be at barbeque terrace at 6:30-10:00 $750 adults, $500 for children. Stargazing starting around 10pm July 24--Robert Naeye; Aug 28--Saul Perlmutter on supernovae; Sept 25--Frank Shu on meteorites. Swap meet Oct 23.

Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

The Mt. Tamalpais Astronomy Programs. On April 21 Dr. Adrienne Cool of SFSU spoke on "Scrutinizing Star Clusters with Space Observatories". This is the first of the series of 7 programs to be held in the Mt. Theater on Mt. Tam on Saturdays near a new moon, April through October. These programs are sponsored by the Mt.Tamalpais State Park, arranged for and coordinated by the Mt. Tamalpais Interpretive Association, and followed by starparties conducted by volunteer members of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. The full schedule for the season plus additonal information is found at http://www.mtia.net/. Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm) Information Contact: (415) 388-2070 Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Project Astro

Erica Howson, Bay Area Project Coordinator,Project ASTRO; 390 Ashton Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94112; (415) 337-1100 ext. 101; astro@aspsky.org

San Francisco Amateur Astronomers

SFAA Michel Lau. Looking for new AANC rep. Upcoming meeting July 18; Dave Rodriguez will talk about Space Art. Aug 15 TBA Sept 19 John Dobson. City Star Party July 28 Stacy Vermot will talk about light pollution. Star parties Aug 25 Sept 29. Mt Tam last 2 speakers were Alex Filippenko and Deborah Fischer. July 21 talk on starburst galaxies Aug 18 Robert Naeyes. New telescope loaner person, Pete Golden. Yosemite trip is same date as Davis Starshow Aug 24-25 SFAA picnic Sep 28. Astronmical Art award will be new. SFAA website http://www.sfaa-astronomy. org

San Jose (SJAA)

(Morris Jones) April-- Speakers from NASA lined up for next meetings. California star party is Sept 13-15 sponsored by SJAA. JVN's home page

For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club (SCAC)

General Information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://a stro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Sidewalk Astronomers

(Jane) Grand Canyon Star Party June 16-24; There is also an SF event e-mail news list. There is hotline (415) 289-2007 for Bay Area public astronomy activities. Sidewalk Astronomers (in LA) -- http://www.sidewalkastronom ers.com/. Contact phone number for finding out John Dobson's schedule: Bob Alborzian at (818) 841-0548. For email: webmaster@sidewalkastr onomers.com

SF Sidewalk Astronomers Vital Statistics:

Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address) Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events. Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at Jonathan@wilkendorf.net. In the city of SF, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548. For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 841-0548.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS)

(Jane) Vital Statistics: Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com Web page at http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/ , L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423 Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis)--Meetings are 2nd Thur, Clever Planetarium, San Joaquin Delta College

Next meeting Thu 7/12--Dave DeBoer, Project Engineer, Allen Telescope talk about Instruments of SETI. Manned booth at San Joaquin County Fair some evenings in June in commercial exhibits building. Jeff Baldwin organized it with goal of getting new members. Observed Mars. 10 yr old really got interested. No school star parties. Looking for speaker for Aug meeting. Web address -- http://astro.sci.uop.edu/~sas

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary)

TriValley Stargazers TVSG (David A.) Star parties once a month at Sycamore Grove nearLivermore. See website. Problem: what to do with outhouses at Hidden Hill? Haven't found any way to maintain/empty them. Still looking for a newsletter editor. Summer trips planned--Yosemite Glacier Point July 20-21; White Mountain Aug 16-19 (in conjunction with EAS)--also joint trip to Granview with Las Vegas Astr. Soc. General Info: Meetings are now 2nd Fri of the month. URL http://sunmill.uml.edu/tv s/board.html trivalleystargazers.org

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

West Marin Astronomy club

The West Marin Astronomy club (WMAC) Information: Contact: Steve Overholt (415) 453-2701 or Jane Houston Jones (415) 453-2885 (email: Jane@whiteoaks.com) Dark Sky Star Parties in LAGUNITAS near the new moon on Friday nights and some Saturday nights. These are held behind the Swing Cafe in Lagunitas in the parking lot. A small spot, but great for keeping out of the wind, and we like it so there!

Public astronomy at Cala Bell Market in FAIRFAX (Fridays) and Book Passage Bookstore in CORTE MADERA (Sundays) near first quarter moon.

No indoor meeting,observational club only.

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: Aug 26, 2001

at CSSC [next meetingNov 4, 2001]

contacts@aanc-astronomy.org (larger list, includes AANC club editors)

editors@aanc-astronomy.org (AANC member club editors only)

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 10:10 pm by David Anderson

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present:

David Anderson (V.P., TVSG),

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

David Harris (Hercules Stargazers) ,

Tom Harris

Dennis LeClert (SAS),

Nancy Cox (SFAA) Ilona Magyary (SMAS),

Morris Jones (SJAA),

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

7/8/01 . Dennis moved Liede-Marie seconded that minutes be approved. Motion passed.

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

Washington Mutual Account Bank account balance: $6066.99

Franklin Money Fund Account balance: $1893.213

Total: $7960.73

Membership unchanged--stands at 28.

Final Conference budget:

Income $3205

Expenses 3106.13

Surplus: $98.87.

We made 95.1% our budgeted Income.

We only spent 87.08% of our budgeted Expenses.

Thus we have a Margin of 1.57%

We have one expense (Non conference) that I haven't seen any detail of, and that is the cost of the awards. (Since JaJo handled this expense, I shall have to talk to her. 3816.31 YTD inc

$4267.53 exp

($591.22 loss)

Main reason for $706.96 loss was $$ donated to other organizations:

$200 LHS John Hewitt telescope fund

175 SCAS Striking Sparks

$250 Davis Star Show

$80.96 Hercules Stargazers slide show

$284 to FPOA for StarBQ for 2 years

5. Club Reports

[at end of these minutes]

6. Current Business

StarBQue

Report by Dennis: 100-150 people attended. It was a successful event. Lots of food. Ilona ran the gastronomical contest. Arecibo telescope cake. Moon rocks. Speaker from JPL had lots of info about past and future Mars exploration projects. Lots of great observing. Sky glow is getting worse though. Watsonville is really lit up. [Brief discussion of light pollution issues. AANC may want to become more active in combating light pollution this year...]

From Ilona M: three other entries in astro-gastro contest: Ballistic Beans, Moonscape, Saturn Chocolate cake. The Arecibo cake won first place. AANC and FPOA didn't do chili beans like they did in the past. Jane gave Ilona info to do constellation project with the kids, but there did not seem like an appropriate time to do it. Sun umbrellas next time might be a good idea. Also there were not enough tables. Not enough time between when guest speaker was and when there was drawing for door prize. Speaker outside was better than in auditoriuml Event started late. [because FPOA board meeting started a couple hours late and charcoal starting was not done efficiently]

From Jane (in absentia): Star B-Q was tremendous! We had 160+ people, loads of great food (an Aricibo radio telescope cake won the astronomical gastronomical food contest, run handily by Iona and Roberta). Ron Dammann reported that he had 88 RSVP's, about 2-1/2 times the normal, and most were non-club affiliated people. Looks like the Examiner article worked!

Everyone was enthusiastic and when Eric Bailey, the speaker from JPL, spoke for 2 hours (yes, two hours!) no one left. He was great- loved the peak - is talking about driving his astronomy-interested parents up there (But Eric, you live in Pasadena. Yes, I know, but it's only five hours away). He stayed and observed and finally left at midnight. We had the ISS/Shuttle go over at 9:12 during his talk, which was apropos.

Observed all the show objects plus Neptune and Uranus. Sky was a little bright because the fog didn't come in until 2 am-ish, but still a nice Milky Way.

Davis Star Party

Report from Nancy: Lecture by Donald Yeomans--on Near Earth Objects--Finding them Before They Find Us --NEAR probe approached Mathilda before it arrived at Eros. Telescope companies were there, Televue, ASP. 10am-5pm great speakers-- Beatty editor of Sky & Tel; Researcher from UC Davis explaining large scale structure of the universe; Steven Robinson, Astronaut about experience on Shuttle; Alex Filippenko on Black Holes; Naeyes on Chandra; Mary Bookhart from NASA Ames on Comparing Mars to Earth; Bonnie Barrati from JPL (student of Sagan) on Iceballs in Space; Linda Williams--Cosmic Cabaret. Great event. Art Owens had solar telescope H-alpha filter out all day. First quarter moon. Very well organized and well attended. Star show was partly in honor of Davis for its good lighting ordinance.

Report from Jane (in absentia): Davis Star Show was great Friday night, capacity seating for talk by Donald Yeomans from NASA, JPL on Near Earth Objects, finding them before they find us. Saturday is the big day, Mayor and city council started it off, organization of the event which has been going on since September with a dozen committees and more volunteers make this a fantastic event. More later.

Fall Astronomy Day: First Quarter Moon Sat 9/22 (5-day old Moon; equinox). Clubs with events can be posted on AANC website and communicated to the press. 7. New Business

Need to elect officers at next meeting. So we need to nominate officers at this meeting. Jane has expressed desire to NOT be conference organizer. Dennis said that President does not have to be the conference organizer. Alan: Host institution should be AANC member and have an active volunteer who can take responsibility for making sure ALL logistics at the host site are handled in some fashion.

Dennis nominated last year's officers. Liede-Marie seconded.

Nomination of AANC Awardees for 2002

Amateur

Jim Scala (nominated by Liede-Marie) for his website and deep passion for Mars and ability to talk to people and encourage interest in astronomy; writes for the MDAS newsletter.

Mike Rushford (nominated by David Anderson) runs Eyes on the Sky website--runs a solar telescope through the Internet. Video taped meetings and put up video or saound and slide show of club events. Machined mounts for club telescopes. Worked on Hidden Hill Observatory Telescope.

Commercial:

Professional:

Robert Naeyes (nominated by Nancy) for devotion to serving the amateur astronomy community and forging links between professional and amateur astronomy worlds

Special:

Insurance

(Ilona) SMAS had to renew insurance. Found insurance through the school that they meet at, because the school board had certain insurance requirements. SMAS pays $300 (RV Nuccio & Associates). Insurance through Astronomical League is close to $1000. Should AANC have an umbrella policy for clubs to join? Questions include is the insurance company amenable? Is AANC amenable to paying an up front fee for policy.

Events:

Leonid plans; new info will go to AANC Leonids website

Adjourned (Dennis moved; David H. seconded) 12:59 pm.

Club Reports

Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)

Exec Director: Robert Naeyes.

President of the Board: Alex Filippenko.

Chabot Space and Science Center (CSSC).

Fri and Sat night viewing from 7-10 pm.

Eastbay Astronomical Society (EAS) --Carter.

Fremont Peak Observatory Association (FPOA)--Denni

General information:website: http://www.fpoa.net

Hotline number: (831) 623-2465

Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite).

Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

(David Harris) Not too much to report. Jul 14 got cancelled due to lack of volunteers. Jul 21 there was stargaze--Dave was the only one who showed up. A man and his daughter (with a scope) showed up for about 1.5 hours and had pleasant low-key presentation--good experience. Their telescope (department store variety was hard to use). Observed Hercules Cluster, M81, M82, and southern Milky Way sky. Aug 11 (Saturday--change from Aug 18 due to conflict with Star-B-Q) --only Walt Meadows and Dave were there with 2 10" telescopes. No visitors--packed up after a couple hours. Saw some meteors, mostly white, some greenish. Trying to work with Hercules on light pollution issues and reverse some light pollution trends especially in southern sky from new church and streetlights. Looking for presentation materials to present to City staff/officials. Next Stargazes Sept 15, Sept 22, Oct 13, 20.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

Public shows now every Sat Sun 1pm Flying to the Moon (ages 4+), 2:15 pm Save the Night (on light pollution--ages 6 and up), 3:30 pm Constellations Tonight (ages 6 & up). For current programs see LHS website--http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu, specifically, the planetarium page at http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/Planetarium.html)

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

MDAS (Liede-Marie Haitsma -- STFRNCIS@IX.NETCOM.COM) -- Good showing on July 24 with Robert Naeyes' talk. He sold a lot of his books ther. Next events: Aug 28 Saul Perlmutter on Supernova; Sep 25 Frank Shu on Meteorites ; Swap meet Oct 23; Nov 20 Steven White on Eyepieces and Modern Glass. Next observing sessions: 10/21 Orionids; Nov 17 Leonids may be public night. Mt. Diablo Observatory (20" w/ roll-off roof)--Dave Matthews reports that $100K of state funds has been allocated for the project, so they may now have enough money! Tom Harris reported on MDAS star parties. Perseid meteor shower on Mt Diablo had balmy weather mostly around 76 degrees. Number of meteorites 20-30 small streaks per hour and 3 huge ones. One lit up everything on the ground even if you were not looking up! Ion trail stayed in sky 4-5 sec. About 75-100 people were there. Pete's 20" Dob was there. Websites:

For images--http://members.home.net/mdasimages

Jim Scala's website-- http://members.home.net/jscala2

New PO box: Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society; P.O. Box 4889; Walnut Creek, CA 94596-3754

Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

The full schedule for the season plus additonal information is found at http://www.mtia.net/. Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm) Information Contact: (415) 388-2070 Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Project Astro

Erica Howson, Bay Area Project Coordinator,Project ASTRO; 390 Ashton Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94112; (415) 337-1100 ext. 101; astro@aspsky.org

San Francisco Amateur Astronomers

Nancy Cox--SFAA--Continues meetings 3rd Wed of each month at Cal Academy in Golden Gate Park with many excellent speakers. Refreshments 7pm, speaker 7:30. Also many activities: star parties, field trips, etc. 300+ members. Aug 15 Art Owens showed DVD on Sun--TRACE satellite images, Tesla coil demo. Next meeting Sep 19 John Dobson-- question and answer session. Oct 17 Robert Naeye will speak on Pluto--Is it Really a Planet? Nov 14 speaker TBA. Dec 19 annual members night and elections; also voting on astrophotography contest and astronomical art contest. Al Stern stepping down. January (date TBD) is annual dinner--awards and officers installed. Star Parties on Mt Tam (Rock Springs) once a month Sat night New Moons April-October (June, Jul, Aug--very well attended) and at Land's End (City Star Parties) a week later on First Quarter Moons Saturday nights. Mt Tam star parties very well attended featuring speakers. Last 2 for this season are Sep 22 at 8pm, Dr. Roccco Mancinelli (Ames) on Lifes Expansion beyond Its Planet of Origin; Oct 20 7:30 Dr. Joe Jordan (SETI) on Saving the World with Sky Power. City Star Party Sep 29 7:30 will feature Nancy Cox with short talk on Messier Objects. SFAA annual trip to Yosemite Glacier Point is Aug 24-25. Annual SFAA picnic Sep 8 in Stern Grove SF. Tour of SLAC on Nov 3 at 1pm. CCD interest group is being organized by member Bob Barta. SFAA 2001 Literary Award cosponsored by Orion Telesocpes--articles 1100 words in print rady fromat are due Sep 30 to bulletin editor, Lorrie Boen. Program chairs are Al and Rita Stern. Dues $25/yr. SFAA website http://www.sfaa-astronomy. org

San Jose (SJAA)

(Morris Jones) April-- JVN's home page

For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary)

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club (SCAC)

General Information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://a stro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Sidewalk Astronomers

There is also an SF event e-mail news list. There is hotline (415) 289-2007 for Bay Area public astronomy activities. Sidewalk Astronomers (in LA) -- http://www.sidewalkastronom ers.com/. Contact phone number for finding out John Dobson's schedule: Bob Alborzian at (818) 841-0548. For email: webmaster@sidewalkastr onomers.com

SF Sidewalk Astronomers Vital Statistics:

Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address) Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events. Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at Jonathan@wilkendorf.net. In the city of SF, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548. For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 841-0548.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Sonoma County AstronomicalSociety (SCAS)

February 13, 2002 Sonoma County Astronomical Society MEETING 7:30 P.M. at the Proctor Terrace Elementary School, 4th Street and Bryden Lane, Santa Rosa. Speaker: Professor Lynn R. Cominsky, Sonoma State University -- The Extreme Universe of Gamma-ray Astronomy: Exploding Stars, Blazing Galaxies and Giant Black Holes. Professor Cominsky, will show images from the Compton Gamma-ray Observatory which demonstrate the exotic phenomena seen in the Universe at gamma-ray energies. Gamma-rays are created by the most violent and energetic processes in nature including flares from supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies, exploding stars, and gamma-rays bursts. Professor Cominsky will conclude with information about GLAST, the proposed Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope project, which will be launched by NASA in around 2006. Christine Churchill, VP and Program Director

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis)--Meetings are 2nd Thur, Clever Planetarium, San Joaquin Delta College

Speaker for Aug (from NASA) fell through, so Dennis showed laser disk of NASA info with Patrick Stewart and Tomita. Planetarium got filled! Go figure--live talks don't attract as many... Sep 13 next meeting--quarterly seasonal siies program. One member has worked up an astro-jeopardy game with lights and everything. Oct 11 speaker will be Natalie Cabrol (SETI--recommended by Edna DeVore) on Life on Mars. Has nice web site linked through seti.org. No school star parties this summer. Continuing with Star Tours--giving club access to Clever Planetarium and college print shop for newsletters. President is doing well in rehabilitation after recent stroke. Big thing coming up is Lodi News-Sentinal sponsoring public star party in Lodi on Sep 22 in Hutchins St Square.

Web address -- http://astro.sci.uop.edu/~sas

TriValley Stargazers TVSG (David Anderson) Star parties once a month at Sycamore Grove near Livermore. See website. Successful star parties at yosemite in mid-july. Last new moon weekend successful starparty at granview and White Mountain. Joint party with Las Vegas Astronomical Society. Spectacular skies (before the fire at Mono Lake). Hidden Hill observing site has latrine service now so that is a big problem solved. Mike Rushford is new newsletter editor. General Info: Meetings are now 2nd Fri of the month. URL http://sunmill.uml.edu/tvs/board.html trivalleystargazers.org

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

West Marin Astronomy Club

The West Marin Astronomy club (WMAC) Information: Contact: Steve Overholt (415) 453-2701 or Jane Houston Jones (415) 453-2885 (email: Jane@whiteoaks.com) Dark Sky Star Parties in LAGUNITAS near the new moon on Friday nights and some Saturday nights. These are held behind the Swing Cafe in Lagunitas in the parking lot. A small spot, but great for keeping out of the wind, and we like it so there!

Public astronomy at Cala Bell Market in FAIRFAX (Fridays) and Book Passage Bookstore in CORTE MADERA (Sundays) near first quarter moon.

No indoor meeting,observational club only.

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: Nov 4, 2001

at LHS [next meeting Jan 27, 2002]

Agenda

1. Call to Order: 10:15 am

2. Roll Call

Present:

Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...),

Don Stone (Treasurer, EAS),

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS),

Dave Anderson (TVSG),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

David Harris (Hercules Stargazers) ,

Dennis LeClert (SAS),

Morris Jones (SJAA),

Carter Roberts (EAS),

Nancy Cox (SFAA)

Michelle Lau (SF State, ASP)

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting (8/26/01)

Corrections:

Karen Avila is Project Astro Coordinator for Bay Area. Robert Naeyes is not ASP Exec Director. Mike Bennett is acting ED.

Morris moved Dennis seconded that minutes be approved with those corrections. Motion passed.

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

Don presented 8 documents:

• AANC 2002 Preliminary Budget
• Interest Revenue reoprt
• Worksshop Income Statement
• Balance Sheet
• Income (2001)
• Expenses (2001)
• Summary of Disbursements (1993-2001)
• Income Statement (31 Oct 2001)

Morris moved Carter seconded that the Treasurer be authorized to move AANC funds to and from accounts as he sees fit to maximize interest. Motion passed.

From Balance Sheet:

Washington Mutual Account Bank account balance: $6052.50

Franklin Money Fund Account balance: $1842.43

Total: $7970.32

Membership unchanged--stands at 28. * = Paid

Morris moved, Carter seconded that we accept the Treasurer's Report. Motion passed.

5. Club Reports [at end of these minutes]

6. Current Business

Leonids

See AANC Leonids web page for press releases and other info. Also see ASP website as well as other usual suspects (Sky & Telescope, Astronomy magazines). Peter Jenniskens and others are going to Mt. Lemon.

Jane and Morris will be going to Alice Springs, Australia to do meteor counts.

AANC Awards

Nominees for 2002 awards:

Amateur

Jim Scala (nominated by Liede-Marie) for his website and deep passion for Mars and ability to talk to people and encourage interest in astronomy; writes for the MDAS newsletter.

Mike Rushford (nominated by David Anderson) runs Eyes on the Sky website--runs a solar telescope through the Internet. Video taped meetings and put up video or sound and slide show of club events. Machined mounts for club telescopes. Worked on Hidden Hill Observatory Telescope. Newsletter editor.

Don nominates Jane Houston-Jones. Liede-Marie also nominated Jane.

Commercial:

Bob Fies (Alcoat -- aluminum coating) for aluminizing mirrors for amateur telescopes

Professional:

Robert Naeye (nominated by Nancy) for devotion to serving the amateur astronomy community and forging links between professional and amateur astronomy worlds

Special:

Jane nominates Jim Van Nuland (SJAA) for school starpaties, Treasurer of SJAA, and MANY other services/benefits to amateur astronomy 7. New Business

AANC Annual Conference

Ilona suggested new site for AANC annual workshop--College of San Mateo--Darryl Stanford, host. Topic: What's New. Ilona will be happy to work on the project--need to set up committees to work on stuff in the interim between board meetings. Ilona says she's not good at mail, publicity or money. Ken Lum volunteered to help get speakers also. Ilona is willing to get speakers, planning, organizing and food.

Committees needed

Site coordination before event (ooooooooo)

Site coordination during event (ooooooooo)

Awards--letters, ordering, getting (ooooooooo)

Food--lunches, hospitality (ooooooooo)

Registration/badges (Don + ???)

Speakers (Ilona, Ken)

Scheduling (ooooooooo)

Publicity--Club Communication--Newsletters (Jane)

Produce Programs/fliers (Mojo)

Door Prizes/Donations/Sponsors (ooooooooo)

Possible date: May 18 (43% moon)

Election of AANC Officers

Nominations: All previous officers are willing to serve another year. Dennis moved, Morris and a bunch of others seconded that nominations be closed. Motion passed. Morris moved, David seconded that we elect by acclamation. Motion passed. Adjourned (Morris moved; Dennis seconded) 12:20 pm.

Club Reports

Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)

Acting Exec Director: Mike Bennett.

President of the Board: Alex Filippenko. Michel Lau: There is ASP New Family Astro packet. They are collecting plastic bottles (20 fl oz) for one of the activities until Nov 17, contact Erica Howson for more information. Family Astro training is on Nov 17 (during Leonids). Fall and winter catalog is available. People are not buying--like many mail order companies. Nov-Dec Mercury magazine has big spread on Leonids (the 3rd issue that's in full color). It's on the website (both ASP and AANC.

Chabot Space and Science Center (CSSC).

Fri and Sat night viewing from 7-10 pm.

Carter: Chabot is short of classroom space--maxed out. Spies came up with idea for ballot measure to get more money for Oakland Museum, Zoo and Chabot. Money for Chabot would be used to make a significant addition to the facility. 36" telescope should ready by end of March. Eastbay Astronomical Society (EAS) --Carter. Carter: EAS had talk last night by Mike Reynolds on meteors and meteorites. Don: On Oct 13, 2001, Art Leonard passed away. See EAS website. Art had joined EAS July 1927.

Fremont Peak Observatory Association (FPOA)

General information:website: http://www.fpoa.net

Hotline number: (831) 623-2465

Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite).

FPOA has completed it's public programs for the year. They will start up again in April. Members can use the observatory during the winter and spring. Last event was October 20. General information:website: http://www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255 Last board meeting of the year is Nov 17, so members will be on hand for the Leonid program.

FPOA Director of Instruments Rob Toebe died in October. Denni Medlock had this to say about him: