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Opening
Welcome Guests and New Members.
Major Presentation
Tom Croskey presented his annual "Pre-Holiday Gear Review" with a comparison of ten different "smart telescope" models. The presentation included pertinent product specifications as well as input from club members who use these smart scopes. Thanks Tom, for the hard work in pulling this together!
(Members and guests, if there is a topic you would like to know more about or a topic you would like to present, please send an email to vicepresident@oaklandastronomy.net.)
Visual Observer's Guide
Veteran observer Dave Holt shared highlights of November's targets in Perseus, which includes several beautiful colored doubles and eleven objects brighter than mag 7. Thank you, Dave! Download this month's Visual Observer Guide, .skylist, and skymap files from the "Observation Tab" of the club website under "What's Up?"
Club Events Since our Last Club Meeting
- October 16,17,18,19 and 20 Many, many club members, families, and friends gathered nightly at Addison from Wednesday through Sunday to observe comet C/2023 A3. On the impromptu Saturday night "Public Comet Watch," as near as I can tell we had 70+ guests and 15 club members sharing 11 telescopes! Many thanks to all who gave so many folks a chance to see the comet.
- October 24, 26 and November 2 Two planned and one ad-hoc New Moon club observing nights were enjoyed by 22 club members!
- November 4, Rochester Hills Bloomer Park, Observing Program, was clouded out.
- November 8/9 The Public Star Party at Addison Oaks was a great success as 40+ guests and ten club members enjoyed gratifyingly transparent skies! The winner of our Saturn Party "Private Observing Party Door Prize" elected to attend this party as well and could not have picked a better night!
- Upcoming Community-Sponsored events for November and December were reviewed and are posted on the Events Page of our club's website. The complete copy of upcoming events, including club-member events and public events, will be mailed to club members after tonight's meeting. Look for event-specific emails asking for your RSVP's in the coming weeks.
News from the Vice-President
Tom reviewed the offerings and guidelines for the "Fall Equipment Auction", information which had previously been sent to all members. Tom noted that the intention of the auction is to put donated equipment into the hands of club members so that it can be enjoyed and shared at our club outings.
News from the President
Gary reviewed the current slate of 2025 officer candidates, solicited additional nominations, and closed the nomination process. Club members will vote on the officer slate at the December 8th monthly meeting.
Open Discussion and Image Sharing
Many beautiful comet and aurora images were shared by club members. What a great year it has been! Thanks to all for sharing these wonderful images, they were truly enjoyable.