NSAS minutes for December, 2006

Called to order by Dean Smith at 7:00pm.

Dean chaired the meeting in absence of President Matt.

Dean passed out parking permits for members.  He talked about Mars Surveyor,
which has finally gone incommunicado with the NASA controllers after an excellent 11
year scanning period. The 2 ground-based rovers have far exceeded their expected
service of 100 Mars' days.

Dean then mentioned there has been some interest in forming a young-astronomers
group at the GFAFB.

The Fargo club is hosting the regional Astronomical League meeting in May, during a new
moon weekend.  A star party is planned with the event.  They observe at a site approximately 10 miles east of Fargo.  Ray inquired about the need to reserve motel rooms.

Charley mentioned the moon will be at its highest altitude in its 20 year cycle this
January. And the movie "The Fountain" has a good mystical trip to the Orion Nebula.

Gary asked for ideas about making hinge points in a set of scope mounting rings he 
is making.  And he mentioned getting cables and an electronic eyepiece to allow him
to run/view his scopes on the patio while warmly enscounced in the house.

Meeting was adjourned and a Merry Christmas was extended to all.

Gary Robertson, Secretary