by Gene Allen, Secretary

The meeting was convened in the Planetarium of the NJ State Museum by Director Rex Parker at 1935. Following a brief introduction Program Chair Victor Davis introduced Speaker Dr. Jacob Hamer, the new Assistant Curator of the Planetarium. His topic was 60 Years of Discoveries with the Arecibo Observatory. Questions followed and then they presented a video program about the aurora which will be offered to the public in the fall.

The business meeting convened at 2116 with an update from Observatory Co-Chair Dave Skitt.

               Two benches have been obtained for free and are intended to offer seating along the west wall.

               Memorial Weekend Solar Observing was attended by 50-60 people a half dozen Ha and white-filter scopes were provided by members highlight was “sun on a stick” by Member Tom Swords.,

               Recently donated scopes include a non-Bird-Jones 114 and a Meade LX200.

We were reminded that AAAP Merchandise includes apparel from the first vendor and non-apparel from the second. Contact Member Rich Sherman at < merchandise@princetonastronomy.org > with any questions or requests.

Assistant Director Larry Kane is coordinating research and participation in the 2024 Eclipse Travel Group. Their first meeting on April 24 will be followed by another on June 19 at 1930. Contact Larry if you would like to participate or just learn what they are finding.

Delores Ramsey, widow of beloved former Observatory Chair Gene Ramsey, has expressed interest in selling some of Gene’s astronomy gear. We have also had requests from non-members looking to sell equipment to or through our club. In order to clarify and formalize our policy a motion was made, seconded, and approved by the six Board members in attendance.

The use of any form of AAAP communication will be limited to sales and donations by our members. Non-members will be directed to alternative marketplaces such as AstroMart.

Delores will be considered an honorary member out of respect for the long and selfless service of her late husband.

Since we had been unable to assemble even the tiny 15% quorum at the May meeting, that confirming vote was invalid. An email vote was conducted on May 21 and the response was terrific. In less than 24 hours we received 70 “yes” votes and voting was concluded. That is more than twice the required number based on our quorum of 30. The first 30 were individually verified as active members, and all 70 email replies have been placed in a folder on the secretary webmail account. They will be retained until next spring as confirmation of the process, should any challenge be issued. The slate which this voting confirmed is:

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

The meeting was adjourned at 2130.

Membership currently numbers 205, with 33 having joined in 2023. There have been 44 renewals and 21 have allowed their membership to expire, giving us a 68% retention rate.