by Gene Allen, Secretary

The meeting was convened in Peyton Hall by Astrophotography Chair Michael DiMario at 1930. Following a brief introduction Member Ira Polans introduced speakers Member John Church, PhD, and Member Michael DiMario, PhD. John gave details about the optical design of the Yerkes 40” refractor and Michael spoke about its employment and the discoveries it enabled. The second question session wrapped at 2052 for a ten minute break.

The business meeting convened at 2102 with a reminders of the Lunar South Pole Observation Challenge and the upcoming Annular Solar Eclipse on 10/14. Two significant astronomical events were discussed: the distortion of the tail of Comet Nishimura C/2023P1 by a CME and the Osirus Rex asteroid sample return on 09/25.

Merchandise Chair Rich Sherman reminded us to prepare for the coming cooler weather with AAAP logo attire.

The meeting was adjourned at 2115.

We had 18 attend the speakers online. During the business meeting we had 12 remain online.

Membership currently numbers 201, with 43 having joined in 2023. There have been 95 renewals while 41 have allowed their membership to expire, giving us a 70% retention rate. Submitted by Secretary Gene Allen, whose attendance was only by Zoom due to quarantine.