Message from the President – Amateur Astronomers Association

April is here, and with it comes that wonderful sense of renewal. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are (finally!) becoming more pleasant, and the night sky beckons us outdoors once again. This is a fantastic time for observing, and April promises some celestial treats alongside exciting opportunities for our community.

Gear Up and Learn at NEAF!

First, I want to strongly encourage everyone to consider attending the Northeast Astronomy Forum & Telescope Show (NEAF) happening this month! Often considered the premier astronomy trade show in the world, NEAF is an incredible experience for anyone with a passion for the cosmos. It features:

World-Class Lectures: Hear from leading astronomers, scientists, and astrophotographers about the latest discoveries and techniques.
The Largest Astronomy Trade Show: Explore a vast exhibition hall filled with the latest telescopes, cameras, accessories, and gadgets from virtually every major vendor. It’s the perfect place to see gear firsthand, ask questions, and maybe find that piece you’ve been dreaming of.

Best of all, this amazing event takes place just a relatively short trip away – approximately a 45-minute drive north of Manhattan. It’s a pilgrimage for many amateur astronomers, offering inspiration, education, and a chance to connect with the wider astronomy community. Don’t miss out if you can make it! You can find all the details on their website: https://www.neafexpo.com/

Save the Date: Our AAA Annual Meeting – May 12th!

Looking just ahead into next month, please mark your calendars for our much-anticipated Annual Meeting on Monday, May 12th, 2025. This special evening is exclusively for AAA members and promises to be a memorable one.

We’re finalizing plans for a fantastic gathering at a stunning rooftop location, offering great views of the city and, weather permitting, the night sky! We plan to have telescopes set up on the roof for some urban stargazing. To make the evening even more enjoyable, we’ll be providing complimentary food and will have a cash bar available.

This is always a highlight of our club year – a chance to socialize with fellow members, celebrate our shared love for astronomy, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the next. Please keep an eye out for further details and RSVP information. You can find the event page here: https://aaa.org/event/2025-aaa-annual-meeting/

April’s Celestial Highlights

But back to April! The warmer evenings invite us to step outside and look up. Here are a few things to watch for this month:

The Lyrid Meteor Shower: Peaking around April 22nd-23rd, the Lyrids can produce around 10-20 meteors per hour under dark skies, radiating from near the bright star Vega in the constellation Lyra. While city lights will interfere, it’s always worth taking a look in the late evening or early morning hours.
Planetary Views: Keep an eye on the evening sky for brilliant Jupiter making its presence known. Early risers might catch Saturn and Mars low in the pre-dawn sky. Check astronomy apps or websites for exact locations and rising/setting times from our latitude.
Spring Constellations: Look overhead for Leo the Lion, with its distinctive backward question mark (the Sickle), and follow the arc of the Big Dipper’s handle to “Arc to Arcturus” in Boötes and then “Speed on to Spica” in Virgo.
Moon Phases: The Full Moon falls around mid-April (approx. April 13th), brightly illuminating the night, while the New Moon towards the end of the month (approx. April 28th) provides darker skies ideal for seeking out fainter deep-sky objects.

Whether you join a club observing event, head out on your own, or simply take a moment to gaze upwards from a park or balcony, I hope you’ll take advantage of the improving weather and enjoy the wonders April’s night sky has to offer.

Wishing you all clear skies and exciting astronomical adventures this month!