River Under the Stars: Presented monument to the first 50 years of the Academic Astronomical Society

A commemorative publication titled Rijeka pod zvijezdama has been unveiled in Rijeka’s City Library, marking the first 50 years of the Academic Astronomical Society (AAD). The book chronicles key moments from the society's founding in 1974 through its activities up to 2024, including celebrations of half a century of operation. Lovro Pavletić, editor-in-chief of the publication and president of the AAD, emphasized that the work captures pivotal events in the organization's history. The commemorative volume provides a comprehensive overview of the AAD's journey, starting with its inception and moving through major milestones such as the establishment of the Rijeka Observatory in 2001, which became one of the society's central projects. It also highlights the creation of the Planetarium and Astronomy Center Rijeka in 2009, along with anniversary events held throughout 2024. In addition to textual chronology, the publication includes photo archives and a dedicated section showcasing the work of the society's astrophotographers. It also honors deceased members who contributed significantly to the foundation and development of the group. At the end of the publication, there is a complete list of members, beginning with the first member and the society's first president, Frank Ivančić, and ending with the 890th member who joined by the end of 2024. According to Pavletić, this detailed record reflects the growth and continuity of the AAD over five decades. Today, the Rijeka-based Academic Astronomical Society has around seventy members, of whom twenty to thirty are actively engaged. Members range in age from nine to ninety-nine years old, encompassing academic professionals, students, young children attending primary school, high school students participating in astronomy competitions and international Olympiads, university students, middle-aged individuals, retirees, and honorary members. This diverse membership spans different life stages and levels of experience in astronomy, from physicists and scientists to amateurs driven purely by passion and fascination with the night sky. A significant part of the society's activities involves expeditions to observe total and annular solar eclipses. These have included trips to Hungary in 1999, Iceland in 2003, Spain in 2005, Turkey in 2006, and Texas in 2024. Future plans include observing another total solar eclipse visible in Spain within the next month, followed by planned expeditions to Tunisia and Morocco in the coming year. Pavletić confirmed these upcoming travel arrangements. Pavletić also announced his intention to remain president of the AAD for another one or two months before passing the leadership role to new management during the next general meeting. His tenure will conclude with the transition of the presidency, ensuring continued leadership and direction for the society's future endeavors.