September 2010

I hope everyone has been taking advantage of the incredible weather we have been enjoying this summer. We have not had a streak of warm temperatures and clear skies like this summer during the last couple of previous years. I personally have enjoyed some great views and urge all to get out and take in the sights while the good weather lasts. We in New England are a hardy bunch and will continue to view the heavens even on the coldest of nights, but nothing beats taking in the starry sky in the warmth of the summer and early fall.

We have begun the repairs and restoration of the Alvan Clark refractor under the leadership of Al Hall and anticipate it’s completion for 2010’s AstroAssembly in October. I extend the memberships appreciation to Al Hall and all those who have volunteered in this efort. Steve Hubbard’s continued hard work in securing guest speakers has provided a great line-up and eforts to date of all the volunteers are coming together for a successful upcoming AstroAssembly. We will be looking for volunteers to assist in the preparations leading up to as well as during AstroAssembly and welcome all those who would like to help. Feel free to speak to any member of the E-Board if you would like to assist. More details to come.

Stellafane has come and gone, and I hope that many of our members were able to attend. John Briggs and Dan Lorraine teamed up and organized a pre-Stellafane one day Moon Morphology Workshop to kick of the activities. I was unable to attend, and hope those that did will share their experiences with our members and me during the upcoming months. Gerry Dyck has written a whimsical poem on Stellafane and is featured on our Web Site. It will certainly bring a smile to those that take the time to give it a good read.

Well, it has fnally arrived. Te King of Planets, Jupiter, is rising early enough for all to enjoy. I have been rising in the early morning for the last couple of months to enjoy its view, which can be tough. I’m looking forward to spending many an evening in September with Jupiter in my eyepiece and  hope all of you take advantage as well.

We are still accepting membership dues for 2010. If you have not yet renewed, please remit to our Treasurer, Jim Crawford. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and will insure Skyscrapers will maintain and improve our facilities during the upcoming year.