Stars that do not shine have a temperature and a luminosity below the stellar range. These not bright stellar objects are hard to detect in the normal wavelengths and can only be detected using infrared. They are called brown dwarfs.Brown dwarfs are barely stars, as they only shine for about ten million years while their cores crush the rare element deuterium into helium.
A brown dwarf is a type of substellar object that has a mass between those of the heaviest gas giant planets and the least massive stars, i.e. about 13 to 75–80 times that of Jupiter (MJ),[1][2] or about 2.5×1028 kg to 1.5×1029 kg. Below this range are the sub-brown dwarfs (sometimes referred to as rogue planets), and above it are the red dwarfs. Brown dwarfs may be fully convective, with no layers or chemical differentiation by depth. (credit Wikipedia)
So why am I telling you all this mumbo jumbo? Well apart from my love of the universe, this week I was hoping my Rotary Club would shine a little brighter.
These days, the world is different. Most of us are having trouble finding normality and a sense of purpose. As Rotarians we should be coming together to find that sense of purpose and feelings of normality. The President's plan points to areas in the club that need to evolve. Member welfare and social activities are one such area. We need a small team of members who can make sure we are looking out for each other. Keeping in touch with members who "don't Zoom", members who are unwell and members who need a cheer up. The membership team have started to bring that group together, but with not as much response as expected. If you are reading this and want to contribute to this area of Club service, please contact Di Scheepers: di.scheepers@gmail.com.
This week's meeting was designed to support a local business person. It was a pilot program just to see if it could be developed further. The night was terrific, except for the fact that the guests almost outnumbered the members. The concept was successful but we really needed a large audience of members to see how it worked and perhaps get behind the idea. Rotary isn't just about entertainment at a Rotary meeting. Rotary is doing something to make a difference to someone's life. Whether it be a BBQ to raise a few dollars for a cause, building a new school in a third world country or supporting a local business. Rotarians should be people of action. People of action are serious about making a difference. It is hard to develop new ideas without the support of the members. On a positive note, I enjoyed the chance to explore a new proof of concept. Simon had some good songs. We made a few dollars and we did make a difference. Our guests were lovely and they also enjoyed our meeting. Please support YOUR Club by just turning up to the meetings!