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Last Updated:
December 27, 2007
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About the Minnesota Astronomical Society
[Note: This section is currently under
construction. The information supplied is summarized from
a chronology MAS member Carl Harstad prepared and published in
the April, 1992 issue of Gemini. More information is
needed for the period May 1981 to February 1988.
Individuals with information about this period are encouraged to
contact the web master so
this gap can be filled.]
History
November 21, 1972 |
Ten people interested in forming an
astronomy club meet in the St. Paul Arts and Science Center at the
invitation of Jim Fox, then-president of the 3M Club Astronomy
Society. A regular monthly meeting is scheduled for the first
Tuesday of each month at 7:15 p.m. at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The 'Twin Cities
Astronomy Club' is selected as the name for the new group, edging
out 'Skyprobe' by a narrow margin. Those present donate $11.50, from which $3.64
is spent for a rubber stamp and $2.80
for postage, leaving the club with a balance of $5.06.
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February 13, 1973 |
The club adopts its first constitution
citing its purpose as: 'increasing observational capabilities of
its members; establishing information resources--especially a
library--and sharing of information among the membership;
promoting community knowledge about and involvement in amateur
astronomy; and, creating good fellowship through mutual interest
in astronomy.' Dues are set at $15 per year for
regular members and $5 for students.
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March 6, 1973 |
Elections are conducted with 40 voting
members. Jim Witzany is elected as the club's first
President. John Botkin and Doug Tweet are elected to the
position of 'Student Chairman'. (In the early days of the
TCAC, students had their own board, reporting to the regular board
of directors.)
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September 1973 |
TCAC offers its members discounted
subscriptions to Sky & Telescope magazine.
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October 2, 1973 |
Membership in the TCAC is 17 regular
members and 19 student members.
Members are introduced to a new magazine, Astronomy, costing
$12 per year.
The TCAC joins the Astronomical League.
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June 21, 1974 |
The club conducts a star party at Metcalf
Nature Center. The big attraction--a 14" Celestron SCT.
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April, 1976 |
Volume 1, number 1 of the club's
publication, GEMINI, is delivered to members. The first
issue is 10 pages in length.
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August 6, 1976 |
The student section of the TCAC is disbanded due to lack of interest.
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January 1, 1980 |
The TCAC is renamed the 'Minnesota
Astronomical Society', and a new constitution is adopted.
Membership: 86.
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July 1980 |
The Society purchases the 16-inch,
Group 128 cassegrain telescope from the University of
Minnesota-Duluth.
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August 15, 1980 |
Seven members move the 16-inch
telescope from Duluth to the Twin Cities.
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May 1, 1981 |
The Society hosts the annual convention
of the North Central Region of the Astronomical League.
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