Minutes of the monthly meeting of Sangamon Astronomical Society held January 18th, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Morgan Stanley.

The members of the Board of Directors are:

Larry Hardy
Mike Robertson
Ray Watt
Jim Rosenthal
Bruce Patterson

Preliminary matters -
1. The meeting was held at the KC Hall at Meadowbrook and Isles because we were thinking that the newspaper advertisement of the meeting might attract some new people. 

2. The Financial report was distributed and the highlights were presented by Jim.  The most recent electric bill for the observing field was briefly discussed - it looked way too high - Larry will investigate.

3. Jim also distributed a list of the active members.  Twenty four members have paid 2007 dues so far.

4. A new person came to our meeting and joined.  He is Brian Carrigan who is now a professor of astronomy at SCI.

SAS Programs and Activities -
1.  The Messier Marathon will be March 16th and 17th at the group campsite at Jim Edgar Panther Creek Wildlife Area (formerly known as Area M).  The cost is $10 per person and the food is pot luck which means - bring your own food and a little more to share.

2.  We discussed making some Posters that could be placed at Libraries in the area and other places as part of our continued “membership drive” and to advertise Astronomy Day.

3. Astronomy Day is April 21.  Larry will reserve Centennial Park and see if the Lions and Scouts want to sell so snack food.  We want a lot of members participate (everyone would be nice); bring your scopes.  Saturn will be in excellent view and the crescent Moon and Venus will be in the East. 

Program  -
Ray brought one of his scopes which is on an equatorial mount and has setting circles. He gave a fine presentation on how one uses setting circles to find targets.  If you were not present and have some questions about how to make or use setting circles - come next time and corner Ray.  And check out a website http//digicircles.eksfiles.net for how to make digital setting circles yourself (if you understand circuit boards) and the website www.startrak.co.uk/makingsettingcircles.htm for how to make the old fashion kind.

Bruce brought his Celestron Sky Scout and discussed its use and capabilities.  He’ll bring it to the Marathon (because he needs the help), so come on out even if you aren’t going to stay and give it a try yourself.   

Next month the Meeting will be on March 15th and the location will be announced before then - we are looking for some space that is large enough and free of charge.