Event Horizon

April 2003

This abbreviated newsletter is presented by the ssastros Webmaster.

1. A discussion was held regarding Astronomy Day. Different program options were suggested. The essay contest was also discussed. Astronomy Day is May 10^th. It will be held rain or shine using both the Council on Aging building and Centennial Field.

2. Bill Luzader talked about the STEP Foundation, which has been established to build an observatory in Plymouth on the grounds of Plymouth South Middle School and to help keep open the Blake Planetarium. Bill talked about the fact that this could be an opportunity for the Society to have some use and possible control over an established observatory. There will be a meeting of the STEP board of directors on Thursday April 3. Bill will propose that the STEP board consider including a member of the South Shore Astronomical Society as part of that board. After a lengthy discussion by members, it was decided the Bill would pursue this idea and report back for consideration by the SSAS membership.

3. An update on the website was presented by Webmaster Paul Grueter. The domain has been renewed for two more years (till 2005) and the web hosting is maintained for another year. E-mail accounts for all officers ending with the domain name ssastros.org have been set up. These addresses are setup to forward correspondence to the officers default e-mail accounts.

4. Treasured Chuck McCarthy talked about the merits of the society being a 501C3 organization. After his research it appears that we do not qualify for that designation and that it would be of little value to complete the 30+ pages of paper work. We will maintain our current status as a Non-profit organization.

5. As a final discussion, the May 15-16 total lunar eclipse was briefly mentioned along with the possibility of some public viewing. Bill Luzader suggests that the November lunar eclipse might be a better opportunity for a public viewing because it happens earlier in the evening.