January 2026

It’s been a very busy holiday season for me. More often than not, I don’t know what day of the week it is. But, I do know that the New Year is upon us. It’s time to think of wrapping up our fiscal year and planning for the next. And, that means our annual election.

Please consider running for a leadership position in Skyscrapers. Our election will be held at our Annual Meeting in April. Positions that will be filled include President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, two Members-at-Large, and one Trustee. Descriptions of all positions appear in our Bylaws which can be found at this link:  http://www.theskyscrapers.org/stuff/contentmgr/files/2/e8f8ce834c789925f5caa9fcc5ff7a97/files/skyscrapers_inc_constitution_and_bylaws_2024.pdf

If you have any interest and want to know more, please speak with me or one of the other current board members. Advanced observing skills are not required; just a desire to educate the membership and the general public on matters pertaining to astronomy.

Happy New Year,
Linda
401-322-9946
lbergemann@aol.com

January was not a good month for observing in Rhode Island. It was either freezing cold or snowing for all of our scheduled Open Nights. Lately, I have posted more closure notices on Facebook than open night invitations. I’m hoping that February gives us some opportunities to open the observatory and show our visitors some objects in the winter night sky. We will have to wait and see.

Because February weather has not cooperated with us much in the past, we have scheduled our monthly meeting/speaker to occur remotely only, via Zoom, with no in-person gathering. I realize that many will miss the socializing that occurs when we get together in person, but the likelihood of cancellation due to snowy weather conditions is high. While we could cancel at the last minute, logistics for meeting at the North Scituate Community House require significant advance effort by some key members. We decided that this effort was not worth it when technology allows us to plan and meet without closely monitoring the weather forecast. We plan to meet in-person in March, at the Community House. 

My thanks to member Greg Shanos, who will present “Journey to a Comet” to us from his home on the Gulf Coast of Florida. He will likely be basking in 60 degree while we dig out from the latest snowfall.

Until next time,
Linda
401-322-9946
lbergemann@aol.com