Message from the President

Dear AAA Members,

I want to begin my inaugural message by expressing my sincere gratitude to my predecessor, Alfredo Viegas, for his thoughtful leadership and lasting contributions to the Amateur Astronomers Association. His dedication and vision have helped guide the organization into a dynamic new era of observing and expanding our reach and impact within the broader amateur astronomy community.

For those who may not know me, I’m a Brooklyn, NY native, and I got my start with AAA in Central Park at the 2010 Autumn Starfest, simply by being in the right place at the right time. Seeing globular star clusters (!) and the bands of Jupiter (!!) that night set me on a path to becoming an active part of this city’s vibrant amateur astronomy community. I have held many roles within AAA over the years, past and current, and I appreciate the trust given to me by our Board of Directors with this new appointment.

Professionally, I work as an informal educator at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and serve as the administrator to NASA’s Night Sky Network program. I am a proud Solar System Ambassador, former ACEAP ambassador, and I conduct most of my outreach under the moniker ‘Kuiper Kat.’ I believe that astronomy should be accessible, engaging, and inspiring for everyone, and I try to reflect that in the work that I do.

My goals for the Amateur Astronomers Association are to transform us into the most visible, community-centered astronomy organization in New York City by expanding outreach and strengthening membership engagement – that’s where you come in!

Observing Opportunities All Month Long

July brings plenty of chances to get out and observe. Our public stargazing sessions are popping up throughout the city – from the High Line to Pier i, Carl Schurz Park to Floyd Bennett Field. These events are open to all and powered by our incredible volunteers. If you’re looking to help or to bring a friend along for their first look through a scope, this is the perfect time.

Keep an eye on the AAA observing calendar for dates, locations, and any weather-related changes, or plan your month ahead with the article Events on the Horizon in Eyepiece each month!

Classes: Learn Something New This Summer

Our July class lineup is shaping up to be both informative and fun. The two-night workshop on July 8 and 15, Finding Exoplanets, should not be missed. These sessions will explore exoplanet discovery, utilizing real data captured by our Gateway Remote Telescope (more on that below). No prior experience needed – just curiosity.

Also, we are adding more Basic Telescope Operation and Observing workshops to our calendar! If you have a telescope and are unsure how to use it, join one of our free sessions and learn from trusted AAA experts. You can look for our classes and workshops at the aaa.org/calendar link.

Gateway Remote Telescope: Your Portal to the Southern Sky

Speaking of big discoveries, have you tried out the Gateway Remote Telescope yet? With twin systems in Texas and Chile, this program gives our members access to professional-grade imaging without leaving home. July skies offer stunning views of deep-sky objects in both hemispheres, and our team is always on hand to help new users get started.

Whether you want to try monthly live-streamed sessions or develop your own imaging plan, Gateway is one of the most exciting ways to expand your observing practice. For more info, visit aaa.org/gateway

Looking Ahead

This summer is a great time to renew your connection with the night sky and each other. Whether you’re joining a sidewalk session, tuning into a class, or capturing galaxies remotely from the comfort of your couch, there’s a place for you here.

Thanks for being part of this community. I look forward to the months ahead and to seeing many of you under the stars.

Keep looking up,
Kat Troche, President