13.1.5: Current Astronomy Clubs
Current Astronomy Clubs
Like many other hobbies and interests, astronomy clubs can be found throughout the United States. For example, Northeast Florida has the Ancient City Astronomy Club in St. Augustine, the Alachua Astronomy Club in Gainesville, and the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society in Jacksonville.
Many of the United States clubs are members of the Astronomical League, a federation of clubs and societies. You may check their website to see if there is a club in your area.
Astronomy Clubs vary in activities and meetings. Many are observationally-oriented, and a number own their own observatory. For the most part, families and children are always welcome and encouraged; you should check with the local club contact before attending. A number of the clubs do special activities, such as how to buy a telescope and how to use a telescope. And, a few still offer classes on making a telescope; the Eastbay Astronomical Society in the San Francisco Bay area is well-known for the telescopes attendees make in their Telescope Makers Workshop.