BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Minutes of meeting held on May 2007
Venue: Cliddesden Primary School

Apologies:
None received.

Welcome: 
The Chairman, Dave Shave-Wall welcomed all.  The Chairman arrived late so the informal part of the meeting continued for a little longer.  
The chairman opened the first of a new-style Practical Meeting by asking members and visitors to sit in a circle rather than the more formal seating plan used at lecture meetings.

Item: 
“Finders” Several members contributed to this discussion and explanation forum.  John Stapleton began by talking about finding one’s way around the sky and passed around a variety of planispheres and star-finding aids. Brendan Shaw then demonstrated the use of a green laser pointer and Bob Trevan, Dave Shave-Wall displayed a variety of finder-scopes, red dot finders and a Telrad finder.  The pros and cons and practical use of each was discussed.  Many questions were asked.

Coffee

Bob Trevan talked about the Useful Website List and some discussion followed about the Heaven’s Above site and how to find ISS and Iridiunm Flare satellites.

Admin:  
This item was kept to a minimum. There was no important correspondence.

Observing: 
The weather did not allow for observing.

The Chairman thanked those attending for making this an interesting and informative meeting for all and welcomed any feedback about the format and presentation.

Close:
The meeting closed and members were invited to reconvene at the pub.