Vol. 28 No. 12 September 1999 http://physics.weber.edu/oas/oas.html


THE "ANNUAL MEETING" WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT WSU

Thursday September 9, 1999, the Annual Meeting and election of club officers will come to order in the Ott Planetarium on the Weber State University campus at 7:30 p.m. The list of OAS members who have been selected for the up coming year's Executive Committee is included in this issue of The Star Diagonal. This list includes all those who have accepted the nomination to date. In keeping with the club By-Laws, other members are allowed to be nominated from the floor at the Annual Meeting as long as that person(s) has been notified and has agreed to be so nominated.

THE PROGRAM

Following the brief business portion of the meeting, an interesting program is planned. Our organization is entering its 29th year and OAS members who have been with the club for the greatest time will be particularly interested. Bob Tillotson, one of only two remaining Charter Members of the OAS, will offer up a brief history of the club. This talk will include photographs from years gone by and will end with a 30 minute video of club events since 1985. For nostalgia buffs, this is the meeting to attend.


THE PRESIDENT'S PARSEC

Greetings Earthlings;

I have just a few rambling's this time around, as I've had quite a moving experience lately. For instance, from one house to another. So my thoughts have been more earthbound than usual. I found the physics involved in moving are quite fascinating. For instance; gravity + washing machine multiplied by stairs equals, #*@&!!%.

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Here is a new product update I think you should take advantage of. An outfit called "Baadeer Planetarium" has a product called, AstroSolar Safety Film. It has high density coatings, is diffraction limited,

and the sun appears in it's natural color, what they call

"neutral white". An 8 x 11 inch sheet is $20.00. I made a set of filters for my 8x56 binoculars and a 4 inch filter for my 16 and 10 inch scopes (which also stops them down ) and I still have half a sheet left. You can order this stuff from the astrophysics web site and get it in about three days.

I had a hastily contrived set of filters made from this stuff at Monte last month but I have since conceived a perfect method of making filter holders that I will demonstrate at the Oct "show and tell" meeting; provided I am still in charge of meeting plans.

Speaking of being in charge, I should try a few campaign slogans. How about, "Vote for me and get a free side of corn", or, (with reference to the Astro League debacle) " Read my lips, no more bad ideas".

Actually my approach will be the same as the last 12 months. I hope to increase the fascination with our hobby among the members of OAS and have some fun in between. I think we managed some of that the in last 12 months and I would certainly be willing to try another year. There you go.

the Prez.


MONTE CRISTO STAR PARTIES ARE OVER FOR THIS YEAR

The second Monte Cristo camp out and star party for this year has successfully concluded. OAS members shared good food, tall tales and at least a couple of nights of clear Monte Cristo skies on the weekend of August 13, 1999. Although the skies turned suddenly dark, windy and showery on Saturday night, the campfire hot dogs and conversations were fine. These events have become one of the club's most anticipated traditions with the enormous pot luck dinners, the good seeing and the occasional bug or two to keep the conversations lively. All OAS members are encouraged to consider joining the usual bunch of renegades at these memorable high altitude events. Keep you eye on The Star Diagonal for next year's scheduled adventures.


ANTELOPE ISLAND FOR SEPTEMBER

The next planned public star party at Antelope Island Star Park is set for Saturday September 11. Protocol is pretty much as before. Members are admitted to the island free. Equipment set up is before dusk and if the skies are clear the seeing is always quite good. This will be a dark sky event, being just two days past New Moon. The usual slide show tour of the universe is planned. After this month, only one more Antelope Island star party is scheduled, that being on October 9, 1999.


NOMINATIONS, FOR NEXT YEAR'S CLUB OFFICERS, ARE PRESENTED

Last month, OAS president Ron Vanderhule appointed three club members to conduct the necessary proceedings for officer nominations in accordance with the club By-Laws. Many thanks are extended to the Nominating Committee for their work in reaching out to OAS members and soliciting their help as next year's officers. Committee members were Cliff Peterson, Steve Richer and Wayne Sumner.

The slate of nominees who accepted nomination or re-nomination for the FY 1999-2000 Executive Committee was presented to the president and is here offered for membership consideration. Votes will be cast at the September 9, 1999 meeting. It is hoped that all members will attend and cast their vote.

In addition to President Vanderhule who runs unopposed, (see the front page of this issue), the nominees are:

FOR VICE PRESIDENT

Running as the incumbent is V.P. Dave Dunn:

"I would like to see more of the members of OAS come to some of the fun activities that were done this year. We did some mirror grinding and a Messier Marathon among other events. These were great times for sharing knowledge and experience. I would like to see these kind of things continue.

I also want to see as many Star Parties as we can get. It is fun to show people what a telescope can see.

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Running for Vice President, is challenger Steve Richer:

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"As Vice President, I would like to achieve and/or lay the ground work for the following goals:

Get more accessories for B.O.B.,

Do a Chili Cookoff and/or join the Chili Cookoff in Evanstan, Wyoming as a fundraiser,

Have other "Members Only" star parties besides Monte Cristo,

Linking up with other clubs for star parties

Find other alternative sites to Monte Cristo

Get a club scope that members can checkout for small parties like scouting, small classes, etc.

"I have been involved in astronomy for 4 years. I was a member of San Antonio Astronomical Society for 1.5 years and 2.5 years with OAS. I have been impressed with the participation and talent in this organization. I am hoping to get your support at the Sept 11, 1999 meeting".

Steven R. Richer



TWO VETERANS SEEKING SUSTAINING VOTES FOR

SECRETARY AND FOR TREASURER

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