SOUTH SHORE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

Vol. 1 # 4 (Dec/Jan)

by Paul Grueter, President

A brief bi-monthly newsletter for the South Shore Astronomical Society

2012 OFFICERS

The officers for 2012 will remain the same for 2012.

· Paul Grueter – President

· Louis Gentile – Vice President

· Secretary – Bill Luzader

· Treasurer – Position Still Open (Chuck will remain in the position pro tem until a replacement is found. We do have a member who is considering taking on the position!!!)

· Board Members

o Jeff Lane

o George Roberts

o Don Greeley

· Ex Officio Officers

o Jeff Lane – SSAS Weatherman

o Bob Reed – New Member Stewart

WEATHER OSERVER NEEDED

Jeff Lane has don a great job as SSAS Weatherman, with his knowledge and training in the area. I would like to propose, request or strong-arm someone who lives close to Norwell to look up at the sky and give supplemental weather observation to Jeff and myself on viewing nights.

A couple weeks ago, I looked at the sky in Plymouth got a report form Jeff, check my many iPad Weather Apps and thought we stood a decent chance for viewing. Well you can guess what happened, I got to the field early. I saw the remains of the summer triangle as it was setting, Jupiter appeared to be somewhat clouded. A few minutes later the sky was completely overcast. On another day the sky around here looked bad so I cancelled, got an email later that night from Spencer saying at 8:00 PM the sky was clear. Jeff has said weather forecasting is an art no just a science, and Norwell be close to the coast makes things tricky to predict.

Anyway, if someone would be willing to look out the window on an observing night and give me a live report via email on the cloud situation, I would appreciate it.

OBSEVING NIGHTS

I am still optimistic that we will get a few good viewing nights, soon. I am going to keep trying to go, upcoming dates are; Dec 17th, Jan. 21^st, 28^th, and Feb. 18^th. Keep a positive thought and hope we get some good observing weather. We know some of the best viewing is in the winter, just need to dress warm. My freezer suit and thermals are clean and ready to go.

SPECIAL EVENTS

We have several special events scheduled.

· Sat. Jan. 14^th – Asteroid Occultation (More in info coming, Thanks Spencer for the heads up.)

· Fri. Feb. 24^th – Viewing with the Quincy Beaches and Coastal Commission. (We need help with some indoor programs)

· Sat. April 28^th – Is international Astronomy Day

· Tues. June 5^th – Venus Transit, the last visible transit for 100 years.

As each date gets closer, we will be sending out more info. Thanks Skip

GET WELL BILL

All our best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Bill Luzader.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I hope you and your extended families have Happy Holidays, a Safe New Year and Clear Skies.