Greetings from the President

The universe has always beckoned to us and we have always responded.  Whether out of awe, wonder, necessity, reverence or curiosity we have always responded to that call.   Amateur astronomy is one way that many of us have engaged with the universe and its multitude of wondrous objects, beauty and mystery. Welcome to the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society!  CAAS has been around since 1970 and has worked hard over the years in helping folks connect with the universe through a wide variety of programs and activities for both society members and the general public.  In 2013 we will continue to offer diverse programs such as the following, which have been designed to bring the wonders of the universe to you:

  • Monthly club meetings the second saturday of each month at our river ridge observatory on Wye Mountain
  • Free, public star parties at Pinnacle Mountain and Wooly Hollow State Park
  • Dark sky outings
  • Summer star-b-que
  • National Astronomy Day celebrations
  • International observe the moon night

I invite you to join us.  Come explore the universe and marvel at the grandeur the night sky has to offer.  No matter who you are, no matter how much or how little astronomical knowledge you have, and regardless of whether or not you own a telescope, join us.  All you really need is curiosity and a desire to learn more about astronomy.  Our current membership is a treasure trove of astronomical knowledge, experience, and resources and we are eager to share that with you.

Perhaps you are curious about the night sky and want to learn more.  Perhaps you received a telescope as a gift but aren’t sure what to do with it.  Perhaps you have a pair of binoculars around the house and haven’t yet realized that many wonders of the night sky are easily viewed with just this simple and inexpensive bit of optical equipment.  Perhaps you have some experience with astronomy or astrophotography and want to renew that interest or are an educator who would like assistance sharing astronomy with your pupils.  If so, CAAS is here to help.  We can offer something for everyone no matter their background or level of experience.

If you enjoy your experiences with CAAS we would love for you to become a member, however, membership is NOT required to attend any CAAS program or event.  Paid members do receive a number of valuable benefits to help further their astronomical knowledge: access to the club’s dark sky facilities, membership in the national Astronomical League program, a subscription to “The Reflector” magazine, not to mention access to all the great CAAS members  and the ability to participate and share in all of that energy, enthusiasm and expertise.   Not only that but you will be perpetuating an interest in amateur astronomy for your self and for many others we meet through our outreach programs in the Central Arkansas area.

The universe is beckoning, are you ready to respond?

Clear Skies!
– Nathan James, CAAS President, 2017