President's Message - February 2010

By John McDonald

This is the time of year that we can start to think about the possibility of clear skies in the months ahead and that cannot come too soon for me. We have lots to look forward to. The Messier Marathon season is coming and thanks to the generosity of the DAO, we have more sessions to look forward to at the historic Plaskett telescope. The next sessions are on February 12 and 13. Note that you must be on the Active Observers list to take part. Contact Lauri Roche (email) if you want to be added.

Good news appears to be in the wind for the summer RASCals Star Party. Arrangements to hold the event in Metchosin are well underway thanks to the efforts of Bill Weir, Sherry Buttnor and Nelson Walker. The opportunity to have our star party in a lovely site that is easily accessible by the public in the greater Victoria area is welcome news and I for one am really looking forward to it.

Public outreach is ongoing having had a great boost during the International Year of Astronomy. As I write this some of our great volunteers are at the Hobby Show letting even more of the public know why we think our hobby is special. The school program is also continuing so if you have not yet had the pleasure of volunteering, there is lots to get involved with and enjoy.