July 2011

Dear Skyscrapers Members,

We’ve entered the summer season, the solstice has past and our latest sunset has occurred. The evenings have warmed and many of us are spending our evening taking in the wonderful objects offered by the summer sky. We’ve had a tough first half of the year weather wise, at least for astronomical viewing, and I’m optimistically looking for improvement during the second half of 2011.

This time of year we are sometimes provided with another type lightshow in the night sky. On June 8th, on yet another cloudy night, just after I decided to turn in, the winds began to pick-up and the sound of thunder could be heard in distance. As the sound of raindrops on the roof increased, flashes of lightning began to illuminate the interior of the house. I rose out of bed and proceeded to close the sky-lights and windows. I cannot resist a great electrical storm, so I grabbed a glass of milk and sat on the front porch and enjoyed the lightshow. The lightning became intense; the bolts were hot white in color with the majority traveling horizontally while never making contact with the ground. As the storm began to subside, the distant flashes lit the clouds with hues of blue. The colors reminded me of the hues of Uranus and Neptune as seen through the eyepiece. What a great show I had just witnessed. So chins up even when our skies are cloudy. We all can take in the wonders of our own planet from time to time.

Our June meeting featured Professor Bryan Penprase of Pomona College. He provided a great overview of his recently released book, “The Power of the Stars”. The presentation outlined how celestial observations have shaped civilization. Bryan noted numerous cultures and their interpretations of constellations that make up the night sky. He also presented numerous examples of the impact on these cultures as it pertains to the construction of their societies building, infrastructure, and observational sites. It was a fascinating presentation topped off with Bryan autographing copies of his book.

Our business meeting followed and included recommendations from our Trustees in regards to the Observatory Committee and member participation on Public Nights. It appears Skyscrapers will be busy this year sharing the night sky, so I urge all members to consider volunteering to assist in our mission of educating both our membership and the public to the wonders of astronomy.

It was also noted that a Special Election will be held to fill a recently vacated Trustees position. The vacancy is for the final year of a three year term. Those interested in being considered for the Trustee position, please contact our society’s Secretary, Ed Haskell. Ed is heading the Nomination Committee for this election. During the business portion of the July Meeting the committee’s nomination will be announced, as well as, acceptance of nominations from the floor. The election will occur at our August Meeting.

Lastly, please note our July Meeting will be held on Saturday, July 9th at 7:30pm following our Annual Members Summer Cookout scheduled at 4:00pm. Both are being held at Seagrave Observatory. Last year’s Cookout was a smashing success and I look forward to repeating the festivities this year. Please refer to the additional details concerning our Cookout within this month’s newsletter and on our website, http://www.theskyscrapers.org/.

My final note is a reminder to all: 2011/2012 membership dues were payable beginning in April. If you haven’t remitted your dues please do so at your earliest convenience to continue your support of Skyscrapers. Dues can be mailed to Skyscrapers Inc., 47 Peeptoad Road, North Scituate, RI. 02857, Attn: Jim Crawford, or feel free to see Jim personally during any of our functions he is in attendance.

Clear Skies
Tom Thibault
Skyscrapers President