AAA President Message – January 2021

Welcome to 2021.

More hopeful words may never have been spoken.

Though science is leading us out of the pandemic, we still have a long way to go until our lives are returned to what they once were. It is even possible that society will never be the same, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Change is often good, though scary. But what remains the same is that every new challenge presents a new opportunity.

Just as AAA has mostly moved online, by doing so, technology has allowed our organization to expand what we offer to our members, as well as the public.

For instance, we presented continuous days of online livestreams of the Great Conjunction! The first night was held as a public event, and from where I was in Brooklyn Bridge Park, attendance— as well as excitement— were well beyond what I expected. It was great to see! Thanks to all of the AAA members, assistants, and observers who helped to stage this event during difficult times.

Our classes continue to break participation records, online meetups are well attended, and our upcoming lecture of the Astronomy Picture of the Day on January 12, is expected to have a large turnout. Make sure to register now!

We also may have a few surprise announcements coming up soon, so stay tuned!

I hope that you all are looking at 2021 with wide eyes, because not only will Covid (hopefully) be in the rearview mirror, but the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York intends to be bursting at the seams with content and reach.

Come join us, and let’s reach for the stars together.