by Gene Allen, Secretary

The meeting was convened in Peyton Hall and on Zoom by Director Rex Parker at 1935. Following a brief introduction and presentation of an agenda, Program Chair Victor Davis introduced Speaker Alain Maury, an international citizen and professional astronomer currently visiting the US. His topic was The Hunt for Near Earth Asteroids. From the dawn of the space age when only 20 Near Earth Asteroids were known, advancements in technology have enabled the count to exceed 30,000 by 2022. Mr. Maury described that progress and his long and still ongoing participation in the effort. His impressive accomplishments are detailed on the website that also describes his lodge and observatory in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, just a few miles north of ALMA. https://www.spaceobs.com/en/Alain-Maury-s-Blog/Who-am-I

There were 31 attending in person and 33 on Zoom.

After questions and a brief break, the business meeting resumed at 2116 with only 17 still connected online and 20 in the auditorium. Contributions by members other than the elected officers were acknowledged.

               Surabhi Agarwal, longtime Webmaster and newsletter Editor

               Debbie Mayes, enthusiastic promoter recently named Promotions Chair

               Mike DeMario, astrophotography advocate recently named Astroimaging Chair

               Rich Sherman, singlehandedly established AAAP Merchandise

               Ira Polans, former Chair and continuing Program Committee contributor plus network coordinator

The AAAP Membership Roster had been updated that day to show 201 current members, meaning that the required 15% quorum amounts to 30. Nominations Chair Lee Sandberg reported that no further nominations had been received. A motion was made and seconded to accept the slate of incumbent officers.

Director: Rex Parker

Assistant Director: Larry Kane

Treasurer: Michael Mitrano

Secretary: Gene Allen

Program Chair: Victor Davis

Observatory Co-Chairs: Jen & Dave Skitt

Outreach Chair: Bill Murray

There were 17 members present in the auditorium and all voted in favor. Online another 9 votes in favor were received with no dissentions. The total, however, was only 26. John Church had given his proxy in favor and that made 27, still short of making it a valid election. It’s rather shameful that not even 15% can show up for an annual election.

The loaner telescopes are still not ready to loan out.

The eclipse travel group meeting came up with a weak consensus of a group willing to travel to Texas and another that might coordinate to some location in the middle of the country. Assistant Director Larry Kane is coordinating research and participation.

Ten minute Unjournal Presentations by members are still invited.

Outreach Chair Bill Murray will be following a star show at the NJ State Museum Planetarium with a convoy to Simpson Observatory on May 12 and 19, weather permitting.

The June meeting talk will be about Arecibo and held at the NJ State Museum Planetarium at 205 W State St in Trenton. A live star show will be included.

A wide field telescope field of view to compliment the C14 is being assembled. It currently consists of a SkyWatcher Evo 50 scope and a ZWO ASI585MC astronomical camera. The four Board members present in the auditorium approved spending up to $1,000 to complete that project.

Observatory Co-Chair Dave Skitt offered an update on the other projects at the Observatory.

• We are still seeking someone to coordinate and oversee professional installation of new carpet.
• Opening the observatory is planned to observe the occultation of Jupiter by the Moon at dawn on May 17
• While the Nature Center post in the state park is currently vacant, the traditional solar viewing event held there over Memorial Day weekend is being planned as an AAAP event. Members able to help answer questions and manage visitors or who can bring a properly filtered solar scope are encouraged to be in contact with Dave.
• A bear has been sighted near the park. Heads up!

The fate of the Holmdel Horn is still undetermined.

Monitor the increasing Sun activity for possible auroras reaching down into our area.

The meeting was adjourned at 2159.