CAPE COD ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Minutes of May 7, 2009 Meeting

ATTENDANCE: Total: 27 Members: 17 Guests: 10

President Gary Derman opened the meeting at 7:30pm at the DY High School Library

Tom Leach, Program Director, introduced speaker Tim Barker, Professor of Physics, Wheaton College.

PRESENTATION

Dr. Barkers’ topic was “Visual Astrophysics” which provided the attendees with important insights on what information can be gathered about “planetary nebulae” using observation techniques available to amateur astronomers. He was careful to point out that the term planetary nebulae does not refer to planetary systems but, to dying stars which are giving off their outer structure in the form of luminous gases that can appear as bright planets. He opened his discussion with a brief review of his own introduction to astronomy and an overview of the astrophysics program at Wheaton College. He covered his graduate studies at the Lick Observatory and its 36 inch refractor telescope. Include were comments on his personal friendship with fellow astronomer, Steven Hawley, who went on to become a mission specialists on five space shuttle flights.

Dr. Barker used the Ring Nebula (M57, NCG 6720) as the focus of his explanation of the massive gasses thrown off by stars in a death cycle and how this gas is illuminated by the star. He demonstrated how filters are used to determine the various chemicals making up the gas and also how filters can be used to reduce background light. Dr. Barker highlighted the role of solar mass in life cycle of stars, especially their end state.

Members engaged with lively questions and comments regarding their own observing experiences with nebulae.

BUSINESS MEETING

The April 2009 meeting minutes were approved without comment.

Treasurer, Kelvin Parkinson, reported a balance of $1035.80 in the CCAS account.

Gary reported there was no April 2009 Executive Board meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Observatory Report:

Mike Hunter, Observatory Director, stated that, probably due to weather, there was reasonable but modest participation in our May 2 Astronomy Day activities. He said regular Wednesday star parties will begin on June 3, 2009. He also indicated the 4 inch telescope at the WS Observatory will be ready for photography sessions soon.

Werner Schmidt stated the existing service contract with Meade has been terminated by that firm for the Meade 16 inch telescope at WS Obs. Henceforth, any servicing will require payment of transportation charges by CCAS as well as other costs of service.

Visits/Trips/School Activities:

Peter Kurtz, First Light Editor, reported he and Gary Derman would travel to Mashpee on May 8 to talk with leaders of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cape Cod explore ways to inspire interest in astronomy in Cape Cod boys and girls.

IYA Planning:

Ed Swiniarsky said the planned Brewster in Bloom activities were cancelled due bad weather. He went on to say the Falmouth Library, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Library Association, will have a summer program for students interested in studying space. Libraries will be looking for knowledgeable volunteers to give presentations to the students. Ed has contact numbers but, Peter committed to sending and email to members seeking volunteers and stating what the libraries are looking for at this stage.

Gary indicated there will be sun observing sessions planned for the summer festival in Eastham.

Search Committee: The Exec Board is narrowing down the list of potential candidates for the next election.

Dark Skies Discussion:

Tom warned of the ever increasing amount of ambient light on Cape Cod. He highlighted changes in lighting in Harwich business centers. Ed and Gary recounted measures Eastham are taking to limit “light trespass”. Mike Marks spoke of efforts in Bar Harbor, Maine this September to focus on light pollution which could guide CCAS. Gary said the Exec Board will address light pollution at next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:20pm.

Submitted by Stanley Rivers