Member Astronomical League and International Dark-Sky Association
The Austin Astronomical Society (AAS) is a club for people who are interested in any aspect of astronomy or the space sciences. We exist to provide a forum for like-minded individuals to share their love of the sky and their desire to explore it, both with other club members and with the public.
We are located in Austin, Texas, USA. Through informal ties with the Department of Astronomy at The University of Texas at Austin, our primary meeting and observing sites for many years were on university property in Austin. However, on March 31, 2000, we held the grand opening of our dark-sky site, the Eagle Eye Observatory, which houses the larger telescopes owned by the Society. The observatory will allow us to expand and improve our public education efforts. As part of this project, we have sought and received IRS approval as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations to the Society are tax-deductible.
Top of PageThe 200-plus members of the Austin Astronomical Society (AAS) come from diverse backgrounds, with a wide range of special interests and levels of expertise. Some of our members earn their living as professionals in astronomy-related fields. Others are rank novices. All of our members are friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to share the wonders of the sky with others — with you! See the personal astronomy/space science Web sites of some of our members.
Top of PageThe Austin Astronomical Society (AAS) is organized with a set of Bylaws. All decisions affecting the Society are made by polling a quorum of the membership. The membership may elect to delegate certain decisions to the Executive Committee, which consists of the elected officers.
The Society's elected officers for June 2010 through May 2011 are:
Appointed positions as of July 2010 are:
Membership in the Austin Astronomical Society (AAS) is open to all. Individuals become eligible for Senior AAS Membership at age 65. Young are eligible for Junior AAS Membership until age 18. Youth ages 8-18 may join the AAS Young Astronomers (YA) at no cost.
Dues. Dues for regular members are $25.00 per year. Dues for household, junior, and senior members are $15.00 per year. These membership categories are defined in the Bylaws of the Society. Dues for persons joining in months other than September are pro-rated. Dues for membership renewals are not pro-rated. To join the Society, see the printable AAS Membership Form.)
Member dues provide the funds needed for ongoing maintenance and upgrades of Society equipment and facilities, including the dark-sky Eagle Eye Observatory. Dues also provide the funds needed to produce our monthly newsletter, Sidereal Times, conduct public and AAS member activities and events, and other similar expenses approved by the membership.
Benefits of Membership
How to Join the AAS. To join the Austin Astronomical Society, print, complete, and submit the AAS Membership Form.