CAPE COD ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Minutes of June 4, 2009 Meeting

ATTENDANCE: Total: 30 Members: 18 Guests: 12

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

Gary introduced Tom Leach, Vice President, who made the presentation.

PRESENTATION

Tom’s topic was “Galileo, the Medici and the Age of Astronomy.” This is the theme of a current special exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This exhibit is a collaboration of the Franklin with the Institute Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence, Italy. The exhibit is presented by Officine Panerai and runs from April 4 to September 7, 2009. The focus is Galileo’s use and improvements to the telescope and fundamental changes to astronomy he brought about. The Franklin is the only museum in the United States to host this exhibit.

Tom and his wife Jackie toured the exhibit on behalf of the CCAS and brought back an exciting visual record of their stay in the city and interaction with key staff members at the Franklin. Their personal guide was Bianca Mendell, who speaks fluent Italian and undoubtedly responded to Tom’s prominent CCAS shirt. She showed them many aspects of the exhibit and explained how the Franklin was chosen because of the respect held by the Italians for Benjamin Franklin and the Franklin Institute. While no photographs of the actual exhibit were permitted, Tom was able to show selected slides secured from the internet and some photos of Mr. Derrick Pitts, the Franklin curator for IYA activities and Mr. Giorgio Strano, the curator of the Museo di Storia.

Members contributed many comments and insights regarding their own experiences at the Franklin Institute and their understanding of Galileo’s role in history.

BUSINESS MEETING

The May 2009 meeting minutes were approved without comment.

Treasurer, Kelvin Parkinson, reported a balance of $985.80 in the CCAS account. This reflects an honorarium of $50.00 for our May speaker.

Gary reported on the May 2009 Executive Board Meeting. He highlighted the board’s discussion of light pollution control initiatives by CCAS members, approval of certificates of appreciation for CCAS speakers, and the results of the CCAS officer nominating committee. Mike Hunter was chair of that committee and members were Gary Derman and Jon Greenberg. The following nominees have been named:

President – Tom Leach

Vice President – Paul Cezanne

Secretary – no nominee

Treasurer – Peter Kurtz

Note: These are one year appointments.

Board of Trustees, Cape Cod Astronomical Foundation – Mike Hunter

Note: This is a five year appointment.

The election for new officers will be held during the July 9, 2009 CCAS meeting. New officers will assume their duties at the end of that meeting.

Observatory Report:

Mike Hunter, WS Obs. Director, stated the June 3 star party was cancelled due to weather. He suggested members attending star parties should arrive at the scheduled start time of 8:30pm to preclude interrupting any alignment activities that may be occurring on the 16 inch telescope. He added that alignment of the 4 inch telescope on the 16 inch is still underway. Mike believes the 8 inch telescope will be reserved for lunar observations.

IYA Activities:

Peter Kurtz, First Light Editor, summarized CCAS activities for the remainder of the year. CCAS will observe the Fall US National Astronomy Day on October 24, 2009. The IYA activities previously planned for July 22 will be turned into a regular star party. Discussion ensued on the star party flyer that Peter has provided on the CCAS web site. Members are already downloading the flyer to publicize the CCAS star party schedule.

WS Obs. Internet Connection:

Gary inquired about any progress. Werner Schmidt recounted the attempt five years ago top get an Internet connection and cost obstacles at that time. Jim Carlson stated he had a DSL connection before at WS Obs. And the cost is reasonable. Gary indicated that being the case, the real need is for some person dedicated to monitoring the CCAS internet connection and computers used at the site to ensure all files are clear of inappropriate materials. One guest raised the possibility of a knowledgeable teenager assuming that monitoring role. Gary and other members welcomed this offer. Details will have to finalized.

Eratosthenes Project:

Gary and Mike agreed further work awaits the alignment of the 4 inch telescope to facilitate photography.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Bernie Young asked about CCAS efforts in the Cape Summer Library Program. Gary indicated no real commitments have been made yet. However, a Dennis Library staff person is specifically interested in finding members who can help her explain and exhibit lunar rocks that she acquired from NASA.

Renewed discussion of light pollution controls started with Gary highlighting a news article on the modernization of the Nantucket Airport where shaded lamps are deployed. Tom has committed to using the proposed Articles 28 and 29 of the Eastham Zoning By-laws as guidance for use in Harwich Planning Board deliberations set for June 9, 2009. Tom will make a presentation. Gary has emailed the two Eastham articles to Peter for posting on the CCAS web site so members can use them for their own efforts on light pollution.

Paul Cezanne will be participating in the Wellfleet Autobahn on June 23, 2009. He will give a talk on ‘Summer Constellations.”

The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.

Submitted by Stanley Rivers