NOVA NEWSLETTER OF THE VANCOUVER CENTRE RASC
VOLUME 2006 ISSUE 6 SEPT/OCT 2006
75 Years of History 1 75 Years of Vancouver Centre President’s Message 3 History by William C. Fearon Observing Sites 4 The history of the Vancouver RASC as the Vancouver Centre. For Sale 5 Centre starts when several mem- Along with the petition, the dues Upcoming Events 6 bers of the RASC Victoria Centre of $2 per member were sent as (but living in Vancouver) decided well. The speaker, Dr. J.A. Pearce Paul Sykes 7 to form a centre for Vancouver. On (Dominion Astrophysical Ob- Tuesday, November 10, 1931, in servatory – Victoria) spoke on room 101 of the then-Physics Observing Variable Stars and building, a group of amateur and sending reports to the American professional astronomers met to Association of Variable Star Ob- form the centre. servers to help track the light cy- Looking Ahead With Dr. Daniel Buchanan as cles of various stars. As this did Remember, you are always welcome to attend meetings of the Honorary President and Dr. not require large telescopes, it was Council, held on the first Thurs- Gordon Shrum as the centre presi- something any amateur astrono- day of every month at 7:30pm dent, a new centre was born. Dr. mer could do to help professional in the G.M.S.O. Buchanan gave the first lecture ti- astronomers. Nov. 9: 75th Anniversary cel- tled, “The Making of Worlds” (an On February 5, 1932, the Na- inside ebrations. address on Cosmology). tional Council of the Royal Astro- Dec. 14: AGM. A month later in December, nomical Society of Canada gave another meeting was held. This its blessing to the new centre. meeting was dedicated to Tel- The year saw meetings during escopes and their Makers. Six of the summer at various members’ the members showed off some of homes, with other members and their telescopes, ranging from a 3- the public invited for observing inch Zeiss refractor to a 10-inch and discussions on Astronomy. On Next Issue Deadline Newtonian reflector not yet fin- August 17, Sir Frank Dyson, KBE, Material for the January Nova ished. This meeting was also cov- LL.D, FRS, Astronomer Royal of should be submitted by Mon- ered by reporters from the Vancou- Great Britain, came to Vancouver day, Jan. 1, 2006. Please send ver Sun and Province papers. and gave a talk on the contribu- submissions to: The next meeting, the first of tion of the Royal Observatory to Gordon Farrell ([email protected]) the new year, saw the passing of a Navigation and Astronomy. The petition for admission to the continued on page 8 2 President’s 2006 Vancouver About RASC Message Centre Officers The Vancouver Centre, RASC November marks our 75th year meets at 7:30 PM in the auditorium President of the H.R. MacMillan Space Cen- as a Centre in the Royal Astro- Ron Jerome 604-298-3292 tre at 1100 Chestnut St., Vancou- nomical Society of Canada. This [email protected] ver, on the second Thursday of is a significant milestone. The Vice-President every month. Guests are always University of British Columbia Pomponia Martinez 604-215-8844 welcome. In addition, the Centre was our incubator with most of the [email protected] has an observing site where star early members being faculty from Secretary parties are regularly scheduled. Brian Morse 604-267-6717 Membership is currently $58.00 the Departments of Astronomy and Treasurer per year ($34.25 for persons under Physics at the university. Our So- Bruce MacDonald 604-882-3820 21 years of age) and can be ob- ciety has broadened its base con- [email protected] tained by writing to the Treasurer siderably over the years and now at the address below. Annual Librarian membership includes the invalu- amateur astronomers from diverse William Fearon 604-317-9027 able Observer’s Handbook, six is- backgrounds are the group’s main- [email protected] sues of the RASC Journal, and, of info stay. As an example of how far the Membership course, access to all of the club membership has diverged, I can Suzanna Nagy 604-682-5111 events and projects. [email protected] For more information regarding use myself as an example. I have CARO Committee Chair the Centre and its activities, please a degree in Philosophy and spent Bob Parry 604-215-8844 contact our P.R. Director. my working career in the financial [email protected] NOVA, the newsletter of the Vancouver Centre, RASC, is pub- services industry. I didn’t discover Director of Telescopes lished on odd numbered months. Wayne Lyons 604-467-2956 the night sky until 10 years ago and Opinions expressed herein are not [email protected] my colleagues will tell you that I necessarily those of the Vancouver am still climbing a steep learning Public Relations Centre. Simon Johnston curve. Material on any aspect of as- [email protected] tronomy should be e-mailed to the Our first council consisted of Speakers editor or mailed to the address on 8 members, two of whom were Barry Shanko 604-271-0615 page 5. especially prominent among the [email protected] UBC faculty and were adding their Nat’l Rep./Merchandising Advertising own contributions to that very Doug Montgomery 604-596-7058 Nova encourages free use of its [email protected] same curve. Daniel Buchanan, a classified ads for members with Nova Editor items for sale or swap. Notify the mathematician and Dean of the Gordon Farrell 604-734-0326 editor if you wish your ad to run in Faculty of Arts and Sciences, was [email protected] more than one issue. our first Honourary President. He Nat’l Rep./Webmaster wrote six papers on mathematical Jason Rickerby 604-502-8158 Commerical astronomy and established an in- [email protected] Rates ternational reputation. Gordon LPA Committee Chair Chris Dolman 604-707-0089 1/4 Page: $15.00 per issue Shrum, Head of the Physics De- [email protected] 1/2 Page: $25.00 per issue partment, Dean of Graduate Stud- Full Page: $40.00 per issue Education Cmte. Chair ies, later Head of B.C. Electric, Rates are for camera-ready, or Craig Breckenridge 604-437-3103 electronic files. Payment, by one of the founders and first Chan- [email protected] cheque, must accompany ad ma- cellor of Simon Fraser University, Trustees terial. Make cheque payable to: was our first President. Sally Baker 604-324-3309 RASC Vancouver Centre. Karl Miller [email protected] continued on page 6 3 Observing Sites
Dale McNabb Observatory in Aldergrove Lake Park (RASC Van- couver Centre's regular viewing site) Contact Mike Penndelton (604- 888-1505) or Howard Morgan (604-856-9186)
Site of the annual star party organ- ized by the RASC Vancouver Cen- tre
Site of the annual Mt. Kobau Star Party organized by the Mount Kobau Astronomical Society
Site of the regular Saturday night star party. On the dike at the foot of 72nd St.
4 FOR SALE ASTROCOMPUTING MEMBERSHIP SpaceBase™ (604-473-9358,59). HAS ITS Affiliated since 1992 with RASC PRIVILEGES! RASC MERCHANDISE Vancouver, our link to RASC Net, Available for purchase after meetings: RASC Members only chat area. New members, did you know? Future data distribution hub for The Vancouver Centre has 8 tel- Calendars $14.00 CARO Project. Features include escopes available for loan free of Golf Shirts $30.00 latest HST images, current world charge! We have telescopes rang- Sweat Shirts $30.00 space news and astronomy pro- ing from 60mm to 10" diameter. grams. For more information see Wayne Centenary Mugs $ 7.00 Lyons, Director of Telescopes in the Beginners’ Guides $15.00 LIBRARY meeting room of the GSO after the Observers’ Guides $20.00 members meeting. All telescopes Cloth Crests $11.00 The centre has a large library of are to be picked up and returned at books, magazines and old Nova’s the GSO. The loaner period is for Lapel Pins $ 6.00 for your enjoyment at the GSO. one month, to be returned after the L.E.D. Flashlights $22.00 Please take advantage of this club next meeting. Telescopes are not service and visit often to check out allowed to circulate outside of these the new purchases. Suggestions meetings. You can now reserve 2 ‘INTES’ Russian Made Precision for future library acquisitions are ap- different telescopes per year and Quartz Clock Drive preciated. use what is left at the end of the meeting anytime. Wayne can be Speeds: Sidereal, Lunar & Adjust- RASC-VC on the Internet reached at 604-467-2956. able http://www.pcis.com/rascvan/ or Your greatest opportunity as a Adjustable for Observer’s Latitude http://www.rasc.ca/vancouver member of the R.A.S.C. is to take Power: 12 volts DC 80 mAmps advantage of the company of other (Very low power consumption) H.R. MACMILLAN enthusiasts to increase your knowl- Works with battery or AC adaptor SPACE CENTRE edge, enjoyment and skill in as- tronomy. Suitable for scope to 30lbs The Pacific Space Centre Society The best thing you can do to $80 or OBO is a non-profit organization which gain the most from your member- Contact Seamus Dunne operates the H.R. MacMillan Space ship is to get active! Take in the Centre and Gordon M. Southam 604-327-7262 club meetings; engage other mem- Observatory. Annual Membership bers with questions; come out to ob- [email protected] ($30 Individual, $80 Family) in- serving sessions (also known as cludes a newsletter, Discounts on “star parties”), and, by all means, Space Camps, special programs volunteer to take part in our many and lectures, Vancouver Museum public events. Discounts, and free admission to Observing takes place at the Space Centre. Admission to the Boundary Bay on the dike at the Space Centre includes: Astronomy south end of 72nd St. in Delta (see shows, Motion Simulator rides, mul- map on p. 4). We are there most timedia shows in GroundStation clear Thursday/Friday nights. Con- Canada, and access to the Cosmic tact Jason Rickerby at 604-502- Courtyard Exhibit Gallery. For Mem- 8158. bership information, call Mahi Jordao at 604-738-7827, local 237 RASC for information. You can also reach 1100 Chestnut Street them on the Internet at http:// Vancouver, B.C. www.hrmacmillanspacecentre.com/ V6J 3J9 604-738-2855 centre services
5 Upcoming Events November December 14 – 75th Anniversary of 12 – AGM Vancouver Centre
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Vancouver Centre
Our Vision: To be the centre of excellence for amateur astronomy in the Greater Vancouver area
Our Mission: To promote the appreciation and discovery of the universe amongst amateur astronomers.
The Vancouver Centre’s aims are to:
Share our understanding of the universe Connect with the community Satisfy curiosity Encourage observation Contribute to the advancement of the science of astronomy Enjoy the wonders of the night sky continuted from page 3 The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada share their time and talents by Another early member of our Vancouver Centre choice. Centre, also from UBC, was Paul Is Pleased to Recognize Beginning with our Member Sykes, who was both a lecturer and The Generous Gift from Former Member Meetings, we have an opportunity administrator in Physics. He was Paul Sykes to share the unfolding knowledge active in his astronomy pursuits, On the Occasion of its 75th Anniversary of the universe among ourselves joining the R.A.S.C., attending November 2006 and with the general public. Mem- conferences and conducting the bers’ Nights are a chance to gain “In Transit” presentations at mem- The Vancouver Centre ex- practical knowledge and informa- ber meetings. He eventually be- tends its most sincere gratitude to tion that may increase our own came a Life Member of our Soci- Paul’s family in memoriam. enjoyment of our chosen hobby. ety and was on the committee that As an astronomy society our Field Trips to places like Pine planned our 50th Anniversary cel- Vision is “to be the centre for ex- Mountain, Oregon, Jack Newton’s ebrations (we draw your attention cellence in amateur astronomy in former observatory in Victoria, to a separate article in Nova recap- the greater Vancouver area.” We AMEC’s Keck and Atacama Cos- ping Paul’s career). see our Mission as “promoting the mology Telescope projects are Paul Sykes passed away in appreciation and discovery of the chances to see practical applica- October 2005 at the age of 87 and universe amongst amateur as- tions of astronomy. left us a generous gift as his legacy. tronomers.” Our activities, a We have undertaken efforts to We had a plaque prepared to com- number of which I will enumerate, participate in ‘hands on’ observ- memorate this occasion, which measure our effectiveness in meet- ing and imaging. In early 1991, reads as follows: ing our objectives. I think they are plans were developed for an ob- particularly noteworthy because, servatory at Aldergrove Lake Re- as a volunteer group, members continued on page 7 6 Paul Sykes – In Memoriam Paul Sykes was born in rejoined the United States Air ferences and R.A.S.C. meeting Hummelston, Pennsylvania USA Force and attended the Oak Ridge regularly as well as conducting the in 1918. He acquired his interest School of Reactor Technology, “In Transit” presentations at mem- in astronomy at an early age. Dur- studying nuclear physics. He ber nights. He became a Life ing his teens he published his own worked on the NERVA Project, a Member of the R.A.S.C. monthly astronomical column and nuclear rocket development effort In addition to astronomy Paul gave at least one lecture on the situated in the Nevada desert, and was interested in local and provin- subject. rose to the rank of Major. cial politics and was an accom- As an officer in the United Paul was appointed a lecturer plished pianist. States Air Corp, he served in the and administrator in Physics at Paul Sykes passed away in Pacific during WWII and attained UBC and remained there until re- October 2005 at the age of 87 and the rank of Captain. He was tirement in 1983. Besides his left a generous gift of $200,000 as awarded a Presidential Unit Cita- teaching requirements, his job in- his legacy. The Vancouver Centre tion, the U.S. Air Medal, the Oak cluded the supervision of teaching wishes to express its most sincere Leaf and Cluster and the Bronze assistants and the arrangement of gratitude to Paul’s family in Star. Following the war he at- lab duties. memoriam. tended UBC where he earned a He actively pursued his inter- degree in Physics in 1948. He then est in Astronomy, attending con- continuted from page 6 CAROp, on the other had, suffers owns a 20" F8.1 Ritchey Chretien gional Park, in partnership with the from too much security as well as telescope on a Paramount ME fit- GVRD. The project was com- a lack of proximity to the major- ted with a CCD camera and filter pleted in the spring of 1992 and ity of potential users. Our chal- wheels. It is housed in a dome in a operated for a number of years. In lenge now is to find a better site dark site in New Mexico, USA and 1995, spurred by the Halifax Cen- where we can make use of that can be operated over the internet. tre’s supernova discovery, our cen- equipment and the subsequent im- Chris invited the Vancouver Cen- tre undertook a second observa- provements in technology. tre to share the learning curve and tory project—CARO—located in Other observing activities in- the viewing time. We now have an the McNabb Research Forest in clude the star parties at Manning operations room and an active Maple Ridge. The first image with Park, Mt. Kobau and, more re- group of volunteers learning the a cookbook camera was taken in cently, Merritt. On the local scene, various aspects of the equipment. 1996. The observatory remains a the search for dark sites like We have partnered with the Cana- work in progress. Boundary Bay, Campbell Valley dian Astronomy Data Centre in In the parlance of the real es- and Aldergrove Lake Regional Victoria for image archiving and tate profession, what counts is “lo- Park is an ongoing effort in the are looking for an educational link cation, location and location.” It light polluted sky of the lower for data downloading. The Chris is the same for observatories. As mainland. Graham Robotic Telescope ena- trees overtook the skyline sur- Eighteen months ago we were bles us to pursue astronomy with rounding the Aldergrove Lake ob- presented with an opportunity to state of the art technology during servatory, the sky became less ac- participate in an exciting, multifac- the Vancouver winter months, a cessible and, ultimately, vandals eted joint venture by one of our truly unique opportunity for which made off with the equipment. Se- own members. Chris Graham has we are very grateful. curity was clearly an issue. a keen interest in astronomy and continued on page 8 7 continued from page 1 on Variable Stars at the January by means of a loudspeaker and a meeting was well attended. meeting. He became our secretary Geiger counter. In the process, the The October meeting saw the at this time, as well. In Septem- silver was changed to cadmium. It introduction of what is now called ber, UBC granted the centre mem- was explained that this type of “In Transit.” This is a short talk of bers library privileges at its library. transmutation is common in Super- what is up in the night sky at this Centre membership was 68, with novae. Finally, there was a dem- time, for both amateur astrono- a balance of $66.23. onstration of the intense activity of mers and the public. The year 1935, saw our first very penetrating gamma rays. The The January 10, 1933 meet- female council member. Mrs. G.M. radon and beryllium sources were ing saw our membership standing Robson became 2nd Vice-President provided by the University of Sas- at 71 and Mr. Paul Sykes gave the of our centre. The January meet- katchewan and its Cancer Com- monthly “In Transit.” Meetings ing was on Old and New Radioac- mission. throughout the year saw talks by tive Substances. In December, The highlight of 1937 was the such astronomers as Dr. J.S. membership stood at only 48 (with election of the centre’s first female Plaskett (the Director of the DAO only 37 paid up). president, Mrs. Laura Anderson. – Victoria) and Dr. M.Y. Williams In 1936, the first speaker of In 1939, the highlight was the (Geology – UBC). As well the the year was Dr. D.C.B. Duff on beginning of World War II. The summer star parties continued with “Laboratory Methods in Bacteri- October meeting saw Mr. Sidney four in June alone. Also noted: ology.” In April, discussion was Smith, Vancouver barrister and delays in the delivery of the Jour- about the great auroral displays of retired naval officer, talk on “The nal of the RASC. The highlight of January 15 and March 14. Novem- Defence of Merchantmen During the year was a trip to Victoria to ber’s talk featured Dr. Gordon the Last War.” Despite the war, visit the Dominion Astrophysical Shrum on “Atomic Collisions.” meetings would continue. Observatory. As well, a Telescope The talk saw a demonstration of The year 1940 saw Dr. R.M. Makers group was formed. artificial radioactivity in silver. A Petrie (DAO – Victoria) talk on 1934 saw Dr. Walter M. Gage silver coin was exposed to some “Atmospheres of the Planets” at transfer his membership from Vic- slow neutrons and the resultant the April meeting. October saw toria to Vancouver and give a talk beta ray activity was demonstrated continued on page 9 continued from page 7 ing events during the year and pro- and we have a number of signifi- The Vancouver Centre also vide volunteers to operate the tel- cant opportunities on which to reaches out to the community. We escope at the Gordon MacMillan move forward. The financial gift have partnered with the GVRD on Southam Observatory. from Paul Sykes is one of the tools both daytime and nighttime activi- Our largest annual event by that will enable us to do so. Where ties. Their Perseid meteor shower far is Astronomy Day, held each we go from here and how we get event at Aldergrove Bowl attracts spring. Our telescope displays, there is the purpose behind our over 600 visitors, many of whom “How To” seminars, viewing op- strategy session planned for are families. They are both an au- portunities (both day and night), Wednesday, November 15th at the dience and a potential source of snacks and refreshments, raffles Strathcona Community Centre. We new members for our organization. and our outstanding speakers are invite interested members to attend Mars Watch in 2003 was a spec- well received by attending the meeting. We look forward to tacular success with more than Vancouverites. another 75 years as interesting as 20,000 curious visitors showing up In sum, we have achieved the last. Active member participa- for a once in a lifetime look at the considerable success in reaching tion will make that happen. Red Planet. We hold other view- the goals we have set for ourselves – Ron Jerome 8 continued from page 8 on Cosmic Radiation, Mr. P.N. The year 1951 saw much of Captain Angus Paterson of Daykin (member) on Polishing a the same with talks on subjects Frederick Goertz Ltd. (Scientific Mirror and finished the year with ranging from constellations, the Instrument makers), talk on the Dr. A.M. Crooker with a demon- solar system, meteors and comets, “Gyro Compass.” At the end of the stration of some Simple Optical nebular hypotheses and stellar en- year, membership stood at 41. Devices. ergy generators. All were given by For 1942, we only have the In 1950, Dr. Anne B. members of the centre, indicating Treasurer’s report a broad and diverse showing a balance of degree of knowledge in $99.36. the membership. Dr. For 1943, we only Gordon Shrum also have the Treasurer’s becomes our Honorary report showing a bal- President for the Cen- ance of $148.76. tre. In 1944, the high The years of 1952 point was Dr. H.D. and 1953 saw no min- Smith on the Time utes filed. Scale of the Universe, The highlight of covering the recent 1954 is Dr. Shrum’s work by S. talk at the AGM on Chandrasekhar and “The Peacetime uses Miss Tuberg. This was of Atomic Energy.” followed in December In 1955, a visitor by Mr. R.E.G. Langton from UBC’s Math De- talking about “Cosmic partment talked on Rays.” Centre balance “Moving Clouds in was $60.23. Ursa Major,” but his/ In 1945, we only her name is not re- have the balance sheet corded. At the end of showing a balance of the year we had 43 $135.04. members. In February, Nothing worthy of the PNE asked us to set entering into the up and man a display Dr. Gordon Shrum, our Centre’s first President records happened in on astronomy. This is 1946,1947 and 1948, something that would as only the names of who is on Underhill came to talk about be done on and off for the next 40 council are provided. The April “Some Distinguished Women As- years. meeting saw Mr. Paul Sykes (of tronomers.” Dr. F. Kaempffer of 1956 saw membership climb UBC) give a talk on “Microwave UBC talked about “Space Travel.” to 66; the Telescope section under Radio Astronomy.” In May, the centre started its Mr. Hedgecock become more ac- The year 1949 saw talks by sidewalk astronomy program at tive; and dues increased. At the Dr. G.L. Pickard on Oceanogra- UBC (to begin with) as often as AGM, Mr. P.E. Argyle of the DAO phy, Lt. Cmdr. C.A. MacDonald possible. The year ended with Dr. spoke on “The Artificial Satellite (a Past President of the RASC – Gordon Shrum talking about Au- and the International Geophysical Vancouver) on Tides, Dr. K. Mann rora. continued on page 10 9 continued from page 9 ber. Southam family (now known as Year.” No minutes or meeting re- the Gordon MacMillan Southam 1957 saw more of the same ports are in the record for the pe- Observatory). until October. The meeting of 12 riod of 1969 through the end of In 1979, the highlight was the November, 1957 Solar Eclipse, saw 253 people seen from Vancou- turn out to hear ver. A profit of Mr. F.K. Bowen 2,116.77 was real- (UBC Dept. of ized on the sale of Electrical Engi- Safe Solar View- neering) talk ers to schools and about “The Rus- the public. sian Artificial Sat- The highlight ellites.” of the year was the The years establishment of 1958 through an observatory for 1968 saw pretty the Vancouver much the same Centre on prop- kinds of visitors, erty owned by members’ nights member Art and guest speakers Holmes. Every- with highlights thing except a such as Miss Ruth building was done J. Northcott by year’s end. (Astonomy at the 1981 saw us David Dunlap Ob- move our after servatory), mem- meeting socializ- bers being urged ing to the GMSO. to check out the Later in the year tail of the Comet we moved our li- Ikeya-Seki (Oct. brary to the 65), Dr. Gordon GMSO, too. Na- A. Malker (Inter- tional dues went stellar Smog) and Dr. Daniel Buchanan, our first Honorary President up to $20. To meet Dr. Micheal W. our needs, the Ovenden (The Formation of the 1977. However, we did host the Centre voted to add a surcharge to Constellations). On 10 October, 1972 General Assembly here. the centre members to help with 1967, Mr. Dave Rodger (the Cu- In 1978, dues are increased to Centre costs. The high point of the rator of the New Planetarium) $16. Balance sheet showed year was the 50th anniversary of came to tell us about the H.R. $1,232.92. Monthly meeting re- our Centre. Thanks to David Hurd MacMillan Planetarium. Septem- ports now show that members are and the Planetarium, a modest ber 1968 would see us move our getting to see Planetarium shows amount of alcohol was available. centre to the Planetarium. 1968 as well. In November, Mr. David Mrs. Joanne Dodge made the would also see the introduction of Rodger informed us of the dona- Cake. Those Past Presidents that NOVA for the first time in Novem- tion of an observatory by the continued on page 12 10 11 continued from page 10 MacDonald (of MacDonald- Lake Observatory. were available came to speak. Dettwiler and Associates in Rich- In 1992, the highlight was the The highlight of 1982 was a mond) agreeing to become the completion of our observatory. But total lunar eclipse, which saw us centre’s new Honorary President. this was dampened by the death at get lucky with the winter weather The year 1988 saw the Van- a young age of one of the observa- for a change. All of the local TV couver Museum and Planetarium tory’s main movers—Dale stations had reporters present. Association replaced by the BC McNabb. In his honour, the coun- 1983 saw a return to the sta- Space Sciences Society. This was cil chose to rename the Aldergrove ples of our Centre—monthly meet- the first time we were invited to Lake Observatory as The Dale ings on astronomy-related topics set up a booth at the Fraser River McNabb Memorial Observatory. and Planetarium shows. In August, Festival (which we would do every 1993 was a slow year for the David Dodge went to the Vancou- year until it was cancelled last Vancouver Centre as no major ver Museum and Planetarium As- year) by the GVRD. The Centre events happened. sociation to discuss the fees the sponsored a trip to TRIUMF at The two highlights of 1994 centre was paying. (We were pay- UBC. The Planetarium raised our were the visits of Ray Villard (of ing $100 per year as an affiliate room rental to $75 per meeting. the Space Telescope Science In- and $10 per meeting to rent the This was later amended to $25. stitute) and the Royal Astronomi- auditorium. Unfortunately no (On a personal note, the author cal Society of Canada’s own David record shows whether he suc- joined the RASC Vancouver Cen- Levy who spoke on the upcoming ceeded or not, but currently we do tre on Astronomy Day. I was vol- impact of the comet Shoemaker- not pay any rental fees.) Also, Mr. unteering at the GMSO in two Levy 9 with Jupiter. Art Holmes moved away from months and helped out at the The years of 1995 to 2002 Langley, and the Vancouver Cen- Perseid Meteor Watch.) The were similar with good talks from tre had to close down its observa- Perseid Meteor Watch was at- visitors and members. tory. At the end of the year we had tended by almost 1,700 people but The year 2003 saw the Van- 43 members and a balance of the weather did not cooperate. The couver Centre host the GA again. $6,800.00. last big Mars watch then followed But this GA coincided with the The year 1984 saw the centre (best until 2003). And dues went 100th anniversary of the Royal ca- get back to the routine. The year up to $40. chet to the title of our society. ended with a membership of 122 In 1989, the Vancouver Cen- The year 2004 would have and a balance of $7,983.00. tre decided, with the approval of been an ordinary year except for The high point of 1985 was the members and the GVRD, to the discovery that someone had the Centre decision to incorporate place a telescope and observatory entered the Dale McNabb Memo- as a non-profit society under the at Aldergrove Lake Park. We also rial Observatory and stolen the tel- Societies Act of BC. volunteered at this time to host the escope and its mount. No trace has There were two high points in 1991 GA. ever been found. 1986; the first was our incorpora- 1990 saw the Centre members Thank you for your patience tion and our constitution; and the continuing to observe and gather in reading this brief history of the second was Dr. Anne B. Underhill to talk about observing. Vancouver Centre. speaking on “Wolf-Rayet Stars, 1991 had two highlights. Old and New Ideas.” Dues were First, the 1991 GA in May. Despite increased to $30 per year. not having the weather we would 1987 saw a visit by Mary have liked, it all went well. The Grey (National President – RASC) second highlight was the approval in September and Dr. John by the GVRD of the Aldergrove 12 13 14 15 3303 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6R 1N6, Canada