Rob Burgess with news from Neptune (Drive)
12/11/24
SMA's President Rob Burgess, and where to find our offices at 179 Neptune Drive in Brunswick, Maine.
Dear Fellow Members,
This newsletter is overdue! Recognizing that most members are unable to attend our monthly meetings at which announcements and club activities are discussed, it made sense to add another way in which we could stay in touch. Hence this blog post on our website, appearing at least monthly. I hope it will prove useful, and I’ll appreciate your feedback.
Club Membership is soaring!
The club’s membership has grown dramatically, particularly in the latter months of the year. We are now at an all-time high of 116 with 9 additional memberships pending completion. We typically lose some members to attrition each year, but new memberships in 2024 have made up for that with 33 new members joining. Our membership includes 25 women. Our goal is to see that percentage grow.
November star parties rained/clouded out; look for a winter event
Our planned event for Bug Light State Park on 11/16 was cancelled, as was the back-up date, due to poor weather. However, we recently received an inquiry from a 7th grade teacher in the Falmouth school system for a star party with about 80 enthusiastic students. We are working to find dates that could work later this month or in early 2025. We will keep you posted.
Outreach numbers reach new high
So far, SMA outreach numbers in 2024 have surpassed results in 2021, 2022 and 2023. As of early December, 2024 we have engaged with 1,895 adults and children through our efforts. The final tally for 2024 should be higher when we fully account for our pre-eclipse speaking engagements earlier in the year.
January program to feature observing basics
We try to provide a mixture of speakers covering more complex developments in astronomy and cosmology with practical help regarding telescopes and equipment for members new to astronomy. At our January meeting we plan to do the latter, covering some basic telescope set-up and operation topics, but we could use your help. If you have questions, no matter how basic, please send them along – it would give us topics to cover. Also, if you would like to assist with a 5-10 minute presentation of a particular aspect of observing or telescope operation, please let us know – we’d welcome your help! January’s meeting is “members helping members” so please join in however you can!
Sale of excess club equipment
Club members Jeremy Wright and Dean Ostergaard have taken on the task of readying excess club equipment for sale. They are creating complete packages of most needed accessories, manuals, and the like and field testing the equipment. They will then announce what’s for sale as they complete each instrument. If you are in the market, watch for coming announcements. If an item does not sell within the club we will offer it to other astronomy clubs in Maine and nearby and finally offer it on Cloudy Nights or Astromart. Proceeds will be added to the club’s endowment fund.
Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays, however you might celebrate the season!
Enjoy the holidays, stay well and be prepared to tell us all about any new toys that may have appeared under your Christmas tree!
Clear – and Dark – Skies!
Rob