Author Archives: ST Editors

What’s All The Flap About?

Posted on April 2, 2016 by ST Editors

By Michael Mitrano, Treasurer (Photo credits: David Skitt) On the weekend of March 19, 2016, Gene Allen, John Delaney, Dave Skitt and I rebuilt the south gable end of the Washington Crossing Observatory’s roof.  Where once there was the flap … Continue reading →

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March 2016 AAAP Meeting Minutes

Posted on April 2, 2016 by ST Editors

by James Poinsett, Secretary Larry Kane called the meeting to order and introduced Prasad Ganti Prasad then introduced the speaker for the evening, Dr. Neta Bahcall and her lecture “The Dark Side of the Universe”. After the lecture Larry reminded the … Continue reading →

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Treasurer’s Report

Posted on April 2, 2016 by ST Editors

By Michael Mitrano, Treasurer Thus far in our fiscal year that ends in June, we have 88 members.  Our dues revenue at this point is close to what it was a year ago at the same date. Total revenue for … Continue reading →

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Star Distances

Posted on April 2, 2016 by ST Editors

by John Church At last November’s business meeting it was mentioned that on public nights at the observatory, team members are often asked how far away a particular star is. To help us answer these questions, I’ve generated a list … Continue reading →

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Astronomers Livid About Green Laser Ban

Posted on April 2, 2016 by ST Editors

by Michael Wright Wilbur Dixon describes himself as a space enthusiast and a lifelong amateur astronomer who happens to own a green laser. Dixon of Princeton, NJ insists he’s not a “laser nut – just an astronomy nerd” who is … Continue reading →

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Star Wars – The Force Awakens

Posted on April 2, 2016 by ST Editors

by Prasad Ganti The seventh “Star Wars” movie was released in December of 2015. After almost a decade after Disney bought the franchise from George Lucas, there were uncertainties over how much would it stick to the original cult classic. … Continue reading →

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Snippets

Posted on March 22, 2016 by ST Editors

compiled by Michael Wright and David Kaplan What We’ve Learned About Pluto The story of Pluto is largely a story of ice. On Earth, the only ice is frozen water. On Pluto, nitrogen, methane and carbon monoxide also freeze solid. The most … Continue reading →

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Director’s Report

Posted on February 27, 2016 by ST Editors

by Assistant Director Larry Kane This month I am filling in for our Director, Rex Parker, as he is off exploring the natural wonders of New Zealand.  No doubt, he is more interested in the ecology and grandeur of this … Continue reading →

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The Dark Side of the Universe – March 8, 2016

Posted on February 27, 2016 by ST Editors

By Ira Polans, Program Chair  The March meeting of the AAAP will be held on the 9th at 7:30 PM in Peyton Hall on the Princeton University campus. The speaker is Dr. Neta A. Bahcall, Eugene Higgins Professor of Astrophysics … Continue reading →

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Public Astronomy Lecture – University of the Sciences

Posted on February 27, 2016 by ST Editors

by Ira Polans, Program Chair Our November speaker, Dr Paul Halpern, has invited AAAP members and the general public to a series of free astronomy lectures at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia on Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, … Continue reading →

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2016 Stokes Star Party

Posted on February 27, 2016 by ST Editors

The Stokes Star Party will be held April 1 and 2 this year at the New Jersey School of Conservation in Stokes State Forest, 1 Wapalanne Road, Branchville, NJ 07826. Members interested in attending can find more information on the star party … Continue reading →

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Treasurer’s Report

Posted on February 27, 2016 by ST Editors

by Michael Mitrano, Treasurer Thus far in our fiscal year that ends in June, we have 81 members.  Our dues revenue at this point is almost exactly the same as it was a year ago at the same date. Revenue … Continue reading →

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Minutes of the February 2016 Meeting

Posted on February 26, 2016 by ST Editors

by James Poinsett, Secretary “Saving Hubble” was shown before the meeting followed by a lecture by the filmmaker, David Gaynes. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 after the movie and lecture. The new website is live. Good job … Continue reading →

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