Apologies for the delay in getting these minutes out. BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Meeting held on 22nd April 2004, at Cliddesden Primary School. Apologies Andria Harbinson, Helen Mountstephens. John Stapleton opened the meeting with a request for help, Bryan Jenkins had his presentation on a memory stick that was not compatible with the school’s equipment. After a group effort, the problem was resolved. Finances Malcolm Trussler indicated that the Society is currently £23 in the black. John Stapleton is in the process of opening a Treasurers Signature Account with the Halifax Building Society, this should be open by the next meeting. . John confirmed that there would be a £10 charge per meeting for use of the classroom. It was reiterated that subscriptions for membership will be £10 per annum commencing in September. Meanwhile, to cover costs, we will pay £1 for each meeting, plus extra for tea and coffee. For visitors, the first visit will be free of charge. For each subsequent visit the charge will be £1.50. This will hopefully encourage enrolment as a full member. This will also commence in September. John Stapleton has to follow up with FAS, regarding insurance against accidental injury for members and visitors to meetings. Transit of Venus June 8th John reminded everyone intending to come to the school to observe the transit of Venus, to call into the school office and collect a visitor’s badge, which should be displayed for the duration of their stay. Presentation After an initial hic-up with compatibility of technology, Bryan Jenkins gave the meeting a fascinating Presentation on ‘Artificial Satellites’, during which the group successfully observed an Iridium Flare Web Site Paul Moulton gave a brief overview of the Web Site that he has developed for the Society. Please provide Paul with you input. Its temporary URL is www.paulmoulton.com\basframes Interesting URL’s Bryan Jenkins kindly supplied the following list of web addresses from his presentation artificial satellite talk- url list http://www.esa.int/esaCP/index.html http://www.heavens-above.com/ http://www.spaceimaging.com/gallery/default.htm http://earth.esa.int/images/EOB/ http://unosat.web.cern.ch/unosat/asp/default.asp http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/ http://www.digitalglobe.com/sample_imagery.shtml http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gps/default.htm http://www.galileoju.com http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_transport/galileo/ http://www.esa.int/navigation/galileo http://www.iridium.com/ http://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/earthasart/image_index.html Other Matters John advised the group that the seeing at this time of year is generally poor. The best seeing will generally be when it is colder and after rain. This month, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars will all be visible in the night sky. Several Magazines have been donated to the Society (Thanks Brendan!). Please help yourselves to them, as they need not be returned. Dates for your Diary 27th May Next Meeting 8th June Venus Transit 24th June BAS meeting 22nd July BBQ at John’s Next Meeting The next meeting will be held at Cliddesden Primary School on 27th May, and will start at 7pm. Nick Hudson and Bob Trevan will give a presentation ‘A Guide to choosing your Instrument’ Close BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Contact Info Alan Lorrain Lorrain@ukonline.co.uk Andria Harbinson A_harbinson@ntlworld.com Bernard Sullivan Bob Trevan 01256 764100 bob.trevan@btinternet.com Brendan Shaw shawbrendan@hotmail.com Bryan Jenkins bryan@jenkins.eclipse.co.uk Chester Bates chester@chesterco.uk Dave Shavewall dave_shavewall@uk.ibm.com Geoff Hunt jorpson@hotmail.com Geoff Judd geoff@judd.freeserve.co.uk Geoff Trussler geoff.trussler1@virgin.net Graham Howland graham.howland@easy.com Helen Mountstephens Jenny Morrison John Stapleton karen.stapleton@tesco.net Julie & Richard Chignell 01256 766382 richard@chignell.freeserve.co.uk June Collins Kate katestarangel@hotmail.com Malcolm Trussler Malcolm.trussler@talk21.com Max Flintoff maxflintoff@hotmail.com Michelle Palfrey michelle_e_palfrey@hotmail.com Mike Haroband Mike Patrick Nick Hatchard NickH@timeandprec.co.uk Nick Hudson nickhudson@trutek-uk.com Nigel Heath nigel.heath@sun.com Paul Baldwin Paul_Baldwin1@hotmail.com Paul Moulton 01256 883916 pdm@paulmoulton.com Peter Heath peter.heath@btinternet.com Stuart Simpson 01256 471036 mister.simpson@virgin.net Vicky Bennett bennett.family@lineone.net