Meeting Minutes: 15 June 2022

Posted on by

The Santa Fe Stargazers convened for their regular monthly meeting  at 7 PM MST on 15 June 2022. This meeting was run as a hybrid meeting: both in person and via Zoom. We anticipate that meetings will continue to be run in a hybrid format into the indefinite future. 

Links to presentations:

Following the welcome, Sam Finn gave the Monthly Sky Report. He was followed by Rader Lane of the National Park Service, who gave the evening’s feature presentation “Ancient Skies: Cultural Astronomy of the Grand Canyon Region.”

Following an extended discussion after Rader’s presentation we had a brief business meeting:

  • Outreach:
    • The combination of drought and fire danger has led to the cancellation of several outreach events. There is, at present, no relief in sight.
    • While the Aug 11 event at Hyde Park remains on the books, Hyde Park is currently closed and may not re-open in time to hold the event. Sam is in contact with Peter Lipscomb and will keep the SFS informed.
    • Pecos National Historical Park is planning an outreach event in the Sept-Oct timeframe. Robert is in touch with the Ranger in charge and will keep the SFS informed.
    • The Santa Fe Conservation Trust is planning a “Grand Opening” of their Thurston Ranch property in the Sept-Oct timeframe, which we will support with stargazing opportunities. Sam is in contact with the Trust and will keep the SFS informed.
  • Observing:
    • With the onset of the monsoon season, together with the drought and fire-danger related closure of the Galisteo Basin Preserve, National Forest sites, and State Park sites, we do not anticipate any club observing events until the fall.
  • Programming:
    • As we have done in the past, the July meeting of the SFS will be a participation-based “bring your favorite (something)”. Robert is organizing this activity and will circulate a brief questionnaire for firm-up what “(something)” is and provide instructions.
    • There will not be an August meeting of the SFS.
    • Monthly Sky Report presenters are (at this writing) signed-up for Jul, Sep, Oct, and Jan. We need an MSR volunteer for Nov. 

Comments are closed.