by Gene Allen, Secretary

Director Rex Parker opened the meeting in Peyton Hall and on Zoom at 1934. There were 35 in attendance and 43 were noted online.

Rex reported that the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Princeton University Professor Emeritus Dr John Hopfield. Rex did some research and found that there are an impressive 79 Nobel laureates among PU faculty.

He continued to say that fall observing targets are coming into view and comet C/2023 A3 is expected to present great views as it emerges from behind the Sun. Saturn is just past opposition, so at its brightest for the year, with its rings nearly edge on. The launch of Europa Clipper to study that moon of Jupiter up close and personal is imminent.

Program Chair Victor Davis introduced St. Joseph’s University Professor Paul Halpen and his lecture, “The Allure of the Multiverse; Beyond the Limits of Direct Observation.” It is based on his similarly titled book, “The Allure of the Multiverse: Extra Dimensions, Other Worlds, and Parallel Universes.”

Questions and a break followed his talk. Books were available for purchase and Dr Halpen was signing them.

Rex reconvened the meeting at 2116 with 11 in attendance. He described astrophotos which include landscape elements as enabled and championed by PhotoPills software. Planetary astrophotography discussion ensued, dealing with image scale and the rate of retention of frames during stacking. In general, the best results are obtained with the highest gain and shortest exposure plus an image scale appropriate to your observing conditions. Retention rates chosen during stacking varied from 20% (Rex) to 50% (Member Tom Swords) to 100% (Assistant Director Bob Vanderbei). The best planetary results, regardless of technique, generally require a bazillion exposures.

A number of members are planning to try to capture the comet at the low western horizon available at the soccer fields near the observatory in the middle of next week.

Outreach Chair Bill Murray reported upcoming outreach events on 10/10, 10/18, and 10/22 which will have passed before these minutes publish. Hopefully additional members will turn out to support these events. A fourth event is on November 2, from 1730-2230 at the Mercer Meadows Pole Farm. If you can bring a scope please let Bill know.

Merchandise Shop Lead Facilitator Rich Sherman reported the changeover to winter clothing articles has been accomplished. Due to frequently long lead times on fulfilling orders, he recommends ordering very early for Christmas. He reported that the AAAP has profited $350 from merchandise sales and recommends the book “Before the Big Bang.”

The meeting was adjourned at 2155.