Welcome to 2012 and the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society!

As the new President, I’m excited to report 2012 is going to be an Epic year and an amazing time to be a member or guest of C.A.A.S. because:
1. Solar maximum means tons of great sun spots to observe during the day…and that means tons of Auroras and some even in Arkansas during the night!!!
2. People are going to be asking a ton of questions about the Mayan calendar, and we get to teach them “planetary gears are something cool in the big celestial clock” and not to be feared. (email me and I’ll send my Mayan 2012 Power Point Presentation to you, your teachers and buddies)
3. Japan and the students from Osaka High School are coming back for a Star Party in the spring.
4. AMAZING Star Parties and events at our Observatory, Woolly Hollow State Park and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
5. YOU ! Having you at the meetings means we have every skill set, every demographic represented, and ALL of us share one amazing thing…seeing the beauty of the heavens, together. We are all family and you are accepted, just the way you are. Don’t change.
6. More telescopes have been made or purchased by members at all these events and are free to everyone, guest and member, to look through. The Club has a HUGE Dobsonian scope that is simple to use and ALL Guests of Members and Members are welcome to use it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week…free!
7. Come to a meeting and we will help you pick a scope that is “right for you” to buy for yourself or as a gift.
8. Come to a meeting and we will help you assemble your scope you were given as a gift…and you will see amazing things!
9. Our members are getting REALLY good at astro-photography ( on the cover of major magazines! ) and are even teaching astro-photo classes at the meetings.

Why do we do it? The mission of CAAS is to connect the people of central Arkansas with their universe by promoting amateur astronomy activities for its members and by providing information and programs to the general public.

If you are new to astronomy, our hobby is exciting and inspiring– one that can last a lifetime. We hope that you – like the members of CAAS – grow to love the beauty of the night sky and the science of astronomy.

You DO NOT need to own a telescope. Some of our staff don’t, because we have so many scopes to use, you don’t need to buy one! If you live in or near central Arkansas, you are welcome to join our ranks as a guest and never need to spend a single penny.

— Bring the whole family…$0 cost. —

A single Membership fee covers your entire family and offers 24 hour access to the grounds, scopes, facilities and an Annual subscription to “the Reflector” Magazine astroleague.org/al/reflectr/reflmain.html
But, everyone, even guests, can also enjoy monthly programs, special outings, and the opportunity to share this hobby with others…for free.

No one is under qualified for membership…no scope needed. Experience levels range from novice sky watchers to skilled observers. The only equipment required to begin exploring the night sky with us… are a set of eyes …and a sense of wonder.

We meet every second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. (with the usual exception of December when we may meet elsewhere) at the River Ridge Observatory north of Pinnacle Mountain State Park (between the cities of Wye and Roland).

We can send you directions upon request -or- arrange a meet-up in west Little Rock prior to the meeting time and you can follow the car of one of our Members. Our meetings include an educational program on astronomy or related subject. After adjournment we set up our scopes, binoculars, and lawn chairs for an evening of sky observing – clouds permitting.

March through October we co-host star parties with our friends at both Pinnacle Mountain and Woolly Hollow State Parks. These star parties are always free to the public and family friendly events.

Look for announcements of upcoming events on the CAAS web site and through the parks’ calendars of events.
CAAS is a proud member of the Astronomical League, the Night Sky Network, and the International Dark-Sky Association.
For more information about CAAS membership or upcoming events, please email us at info@caasastro.org

We are so glad you are here. You are accepted into our family and you make the club better when you are a part of it. YOU are a part of us — unconditional friendship and fellowship under the stars.

Blue skies!
Bill Engberg
CAAS President