March 15, 2023
Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford
Online Business Meeting Minutes
Date: March 15, 2023
The March 15, 2023 meeting of the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford was called to order over Zoom at 7:35 PM. The scheduled speaker for this meeting was unable to attend last minute so a video on YouTube from Universe Today’s Frasier Cain titled, “Full Overview of Artemis I Moon Mission” was shown. As it was only 20 minutes in duration and there was an ambitious agenda, no one minded the brevity. For reference, you may see the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5wNXtlZH_Q
Brendan Hall, our featured speaker will be rescheduled for the Fall.
There was one new member, Lee Polikoff, of Old Saybrook who first contacted ASGH and was referred to TAAS due to his location and did in fact join both organizations! Welcome Lee!
Secretary’s Report:
The Secretary’s report was posted online approximately 10 days after the February meeting, it was approved as posted by the members in attendance.
Public Observing at the Van Vleck Observatory, Wesleyan University:
The March public night was extremely cloudy and ended up being canceled half way through the scheduled session. Still 3 people did get treated to views of the Moon right along the terminator between cloud groups. Our next public observing session at the Van Vleck Observatory is April 1st. No, that is not an April Fool’s Joke. Here’s hoping the weather doesn’t think so either!
We have been requested to hold our public night the Saturday of Reunion/Commencement weekend on May 27th. The team is checking their calendars for availability Others interested in assisting with crowd control or operating a scope outside or helping within the building or dome should contact John Sillasen at observing@asgh.org.
Van Vleck – ASGH Single Point of Contact Reminder
The Observatory has reminded me to state they have a single point of contact with the ASGH for a reason. It is what they want. They encourage questions at colloquia and open houses but not if any question has to do with the ASGH. It is not a question of ‘stepping on anyone’s toes,’ it’s a question of being approached by more than one contact by a group. In the recent past it has caused some friction to the point of having to bring such behavior to my attention. Please keep this general rule in mind whenever you visit the observatory.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer’s report provided by Treasurer, Cyndi Barron shows we have a balance of $1,435.28 in the Checking account and $27,551.55 in the Savings account. Impending expenses include 3 year web expenses by Go Daddy invoice and insurance. These amount to under $700 with other significant expenses coming due in the Fall. Zoom and Groups.IO license renewals come to mind there.
Webmasters Report:
Webmaster, John Allen reported via email that he has updated the website for outreach date changes.
Outreach:
Contact Chris Markievicz to assist staffing these events at outreach@asgh.org.
a. March 18, 7:00pm: Talcott Mtn Science Ctr Skygazing, Avon, CT (Stargazing)
b. April 14, 7:30pm: Talcott Mtn Science Ctr Skygazing, Avon, CT (Stargazing)
c. April 15, 9am – 3pm: Space Expo/NEAM (public outreach & education)
d. April 21, 7:30pm: Talcott Mtn Science Ctr Skygazing, Avon, CT (Stargazing)
e. June 22: Town of Ellington Trails Committee (Stargazing Event)
f. August 10: Town of Ellington Trails Committee (Stargazing Event)
g. Date(s) TBD: Cosmic Cultures II (Classroom Activity / Stargazing
Observing Reports:
Thank you Connecticut weather. Our telescopes are collecting dust – in their protective cases and coverings of course.
Check out https://in-the-sky.org/ for a list of observable objects/events in your area.
Old Business:
Library Telescopes. All (4) Telescopes Ordered have arrived and been paid for. (Orion StarBlast Table Top Newtonian reflectors ~ 130 mm).
Four sets of telescopes accessories have been received and any necessary modifications have been made and installed by Bill DeNio in order to donate to area libraries. Each of the four libraries have provided a point person willing to be trained by our designated Club member in the proper use and care of the telescope.
The Libraries Designated for these telescopes are:
- Hartford Public Library
- New Britain Public Library
- Douglas Library (Hebron)
- Welles-Turner Memorial Library (Glastonbury)
Vimeo – YouTube
All ASGH Meetings with Presentations on Vimeo have been migrated to YouTube with Presentations only by Bill DeNio. Business meeting portions were removed by standing vote at previous meeting.
To locate the ASGH channel go to YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ and enter a search in the Search Bar with the magnifying glass for the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford OR enter ASGH_CT. When asked if you want to search or include ASGHCT or just ASGH_CT select the latter. You will find our logo in black. Bill will be working with Dave Allen on how to edit the Zoom videos for uploading into YouTube.
Treasury Bill (T-Bills) Purchase by ASGH
Motion Tabled from March 2023 Meeting for one month as it was such a large amount:(purchase range $10-20,000), remained table while Bill DeNio made a short PowerPoint Presentation on what and why T-Bills (Treasury Bills) are, how they are purchased from the U.S. Government through Treasury Direct and why they are a better financial asset than a CD (Certificate of Deposit) purchased from a bank. Ernie McNeil commented in support of T-Bills as he is a CPA and makes such purchases regularly. He considers them quite safe.
At the end of the discussion, B. DeNio made a suggestion the ASGH purchase T-Bills in the amounts of $15k for 3 months and $5k for 6 months. With a motion already on the table, the existing motion needed to be voted on or withdrawn. R. Zwyno withdrew the motion allowing B. DeNio to make his suggestion a formal motion.
Motion made, seconded and approved that the ASGH Treasurer be authorized to purchase a 3 Month $15,000 T-Bill at 4.72% interest likely and a $5,000 6 Month T-Bill at a likely 4.88% interest. The purchases were to be made the Monday after the meeting. Investing like this would not tie up the money in the Treasury for signficant periods of time. Re-investments are likely.
Connecticut Science Fair – Winners of the Charles Hammond Memorial ASGH Award
Scott Tracy & Bill DeNio represented the ASGH as judges for the awarding of the ASGH Charles Hammond Award for Astronomy & Astrophysics. The 2023 awards will be going to 2 recipients, A Senior and a Senior team working as a group. One is a solo winner and the other is a group. Financially, this situation had not come in the past. Our award is $150 for a Senior recipient and $100 for a Junior. As both are seniors, those in attendance agreed & voted that the solo recipient would receive $150 and the group receive $100 each for a team of 2 – 3. For larger teams, the award would be $300 divided by the number of recipients.
New Business:
Solar Telescope Purchase for Solar Observing – A request was made by Ray Zywno to open a discussion on purchasing a club-owned Solar Telescope for use in Solar Observing Outreach. The discussion was tabled until next month. Ray will provide details on the particular model of Solar Telescope, with price breakdown.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:15 PM ET.