February 2011

Well, winter has settled in for us in the Northeast and we have had a few major snow storms under our belts already. The nights have become long and the evenings cold.

On a number of occasions my drink has frozen while out observing. The cold has brought on the crystal clear skies that provide those great views at the eyepiece. Hopefully many of you had the opportunity to get out and observe Uranus’ close encounter with Jupiter. The ½ degree separation allowed a single “field of view” capture in most telescopes that was sure to please all that braved the cold. Glenn Chapel’s resent article inspired me to get out and capture photographs of both Uranus and it’s conjunction with Jupiter and its moons. I urge all to take advantage of what the clear winter skies have to offer, that is when the snow is not falling. Those who do not relish in the conditions winter provides us, solace can be taken in the fact we have past the winter solstice and the evening are beginning to shorten.

David Sliski provided a wonderful presentation on the Maria Mitchell Observatory (MMO) and the work he is involved with there at our January Meeting. Thank you David and best of luck in you astronomy career. The MMO is an historic observatory, and with its close proximity to us in New England, should be considered a must see for all those interested in astronomy. I am pleased to announce that during our business meeting that evening, our membership voted Chris Atsales, Robert Duncan, and Alex Bergman as new Skyscrapers Members. Welcome to you all. Alex is now our youngest member and has become a part of Skyscraper history, way to go Alex.

February begins preparation for our Annual Elections that will occur in April. We have included a copy of the standing rules governing the Nomination and Election processes and committee requirements and responsibilities, as well as the protocol of electioneering for Skyscrapers elections. The Nominations and Election Committees will be chosen this month and will be announced in the near future. I urge those with an interest in increasing there involvement and to help shape Skyscrapers for the future, to consider running for a position. The Nominations Committee will provide a sign-up sheet at the February Meeting for those that have an interest. Copies of the document noted above will also be available alongside the sign-up sheet.

As a reminder, our Member’s Survey which was included in our December and January newsletters have begun to be returned and the information is being compiled. Please take the time to fill out a copy and provide your feedback. It is our intention to utilize the returned information to develop future Member’s Night programs. It is our desire to tailor these nights with activities many of our members find of interest. A survey return box will be set up at our next couple of meetings, but surveys can also be returned by mail. Please address your Member’s Survey to Skyscrapers Inc., 47 Peeptoad Rd., N. Scituate, RI. 02857, Attn: Member’s Survey.