Many of you have never attended a National GA. The assembly of RASC members from across Canada will take place in London from May 19 to the 23rd. If you love astronomy the way I do, then attending one of these conferences is a absolute mandatory bucket list item. Plus it's only $20 a day to attend, and that price includes Astrocats if you attend on the Saturday or Sunday.
 

To all Members, regarding the Board of Directors election, the campaign period has ended. As noted previously, there are 3 Director's positions open for election with 4 Candidates standing for election.

Karen Finstad, our dedicated and diligent Secretary, having completed 2 years of her 3 year term, has advised that due to urgent family matters, she cannot complete her term and will be stepping down as of the 2016 General Assembly.

Dr. Jim Hesser, long-time RASC member and past Honorary President, has been awarded the National Research Council's 2015 W.G. Schneider Medal for his inspiring decades-long contribution to the pursuit of excellence in Canadian government astronomy, both as a productive researcher, and as the Director of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory for nearly three decades (1986-2014). The award also recognizes Jim’s committed advocacy of astronomy as a integral part of our broader cultural life, both here and abroad.

The Society is moving! But, not far. Our new office entrance is about 15 metres away from the previous door. Same address, and a much larger space. There is a much more spacious area for the archives and library, plus ample room for the boardroom table. It is a great improvement.

President's Corner

NASA is studying two twin astronauts, Scott and Mark Kelly on how space travel affects the physical health of astronauts. Scott Kelly returned to Earth this week after being in space for 340 days. That's the longest US space mission on record: Check out this latest interview on CTV News from Colin Haig, Director of Communications.

The RASC Nominating Committee is seeking at least three candidates to run for the Board of Directors. Members of the Society Executive (President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, National Secretary, and Treasurer) will be drawn from the ranks of the new Board; candidates for Board positions should indicate if they wish to serve on the Executive and the position he or she wishes to fill.

Here are the rules for candidate eligibility as set out in the RASC Policy Manual:

Candidate Eligibility 

Dr. Chris Gainor, the First Vice President of the RASC, will become editor of the prestigious quarterly Quest: the History of Spaceflight starting with issue 23, 2. Quest is the premier refeered periodical publication for the history of  all aspects of spaceflight.

To Members of the RASC.

We applied for viceregal patronage some time ago, and this week we are pleased to announce that:

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, has accepted to become Patron of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Patronage has the following requirements. The organization must: