Category Archives: April 2016

Beautiful Nighttime Atlas Launch Rockets Cygnus Supply Ship to ISS

Posted on April 17, 2016 by ST Editors

by Dr. Ken Kremer KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL –  A stunningly beautiful nighttime launch on March 22 mesmerized delighted spectators as the rocket roared off a Florida space coast, launch pad  stocked with over three tons of science and supplies … Continue reading →

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New Discoveries in the Outer Solar System: Ceres, Pluto and Planet X – April 12, 2016 Lecture

Posted on April 2, 2016 by ST Editors

by Ira Polans, Program Chair The April meeting of the AAAP will be held on the 12th at 7:30 PM in Peyton Hall on the Princeton University campus. The speaker will be Dr. James Green, NASA’s Director Planetary Science. Dr. … Continue reading →

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From the Assistant Director

Posted on April 2, 2016 by ST Editors

by Larry Kane, Assistant Director As a trustee of the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA), I want to urge members of the AAAP to consider joining the WCPA.  This organization is strategically placed to intercede with agencies of the State … Continue reading →

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Outreach Report

Posted on April 2, 2016 by ST Editors

by David Letcher, Outreach Chair AAAP participated in a number of star parties held at local elementary schools this past academic year, which a few of our members made possible. Last November we visited the Newell school in Allentown, NJ, and … Continue reading →

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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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