Mission

The SAS has several goals, the first is to promote amateur astronomy. We plan to accomplish this in multiple ways, including, but not limited to the following: 

1. organize regular stargazing events to engage the public in visual astronomy to foster appreciation of the night sky;

2. conduct Astronomy workshops and presentations to enhance members’ and the public’s understanding of various astronomical concepts by inviting guest speakers, such as local astronomers or professionals, to share their expertise and inspire club members; 

3. engage in citizen science projects to contribute to scientific research by collecting data, analyzing observations, and/or reporting findings;

4. establish online platforms and communication channels to help reach a wider audience and provide a platform for members to share their observations, astrophotography, and knowledge;

5. collaborate with local schools and community organizations, participate in science fairs and/or community festivals, and provide informational materials about amateur astronomy to inspire more people to develop an interest in astronomy and potentially attract new members.

A second goal is to inform the public on the ever growing problem of light pollution.

Light pollution is a major problem everywhere, a problem that is only getting worse, particularly with the proliferation of artificial satellites. Because of this, we will promote, through education, the value and effectiveness of quality nighttime lighting. In choosing our semi-lit polluted location, we can easily show the effects of poor lighting designs and promote ways to improve them. The varied levels of light pollution in our field of view highlight a striking difference in nighttime viewing. This difference makes it easier to demonstrate the effects of light pollution. We are strong supporters of the International Dark Sky Association and recommend you visit their site to learn ways to effectively light and reduce light pollution at the same time. Simple steps, such as installing a light shield on a light fixture can not only increase the level of light at the ground where you want it, but darken the sky above it. Every individual can make a difference.

The renovation and maintenance of the Rockbottom Observatory is one of our current tasks. The building is owned by one of our charter members. He is donating the space and installing his own equipment for the Observatory. Work is continuing on the development of a remote telescope for astro-imaging.