About the Kopernik Astronomical Society [KAS]
The KAS is always interested in getting new members of all levels of background and interest in Astronomy! We believe in letting members pursue their interest in Astronomy at whatever level they would like. We have members who are "theory people", "just star gazers", or "dedicated observational astronomers". Perhaps the unique thing about the KAS relative to other Astronomy clubs is our interest in supporting the educational programs at Kopernik. As such, visitors will often find KAS volunteers helping at Kopernik programs, or even running the program completely. For a printable Membership Form, Click Here.
George Normandin, President
Optics, Astrophotography and CCD Imaging Expert
georgepn@kopernik.org
Click Here for a complete list of Meeting Dates and a list of Other Events of interest to the KAS.
Click here for the Kopernik Astronomical Society Forum website.
KAS Activities:
Monthly Meetings
These are "business meetings" and they could prove a little boring to a new person who is primarily interested in learning what the KAS does. That is why we suggest that people interested in learning what the KAS and Kopernik is all about would be best off coming to a Friday night Public Observing Session the first time. The Business Meetings last about one hour, followed by observing (if clear). Click here for Meeting dates.
Observing at Kopernik Observatory
Observing at Kopernik using Kopernik's equipment or KAS members' own telescopes, and cameras. Public observing is limited to Friday evenings, however KAS Members have access whenever the Observatory is open, including members-only observing sessions.
Winter Star Party
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Kopernik Astronomical Society will hold its annual Winter Star Party, regardless of sky conditions! There will be speakers on various astronomy topics. We welcome guest speaker, Greg Sloan from Cornell’s Space Imaging Facility (SPIF) who will speak about the Spitzer Spacecraft. Come brave the cold and see winter constellations, along with Saturn and more at Kopernik Observatory’s dark site!!!
Astro-Fest
Hosting the annual Kopernik Astro-Fest, its annual celebration of Astronomy. September or October of each year. The date is not fixed as yet.
Get Togethers
Formal and informal get togethers with others interested in Astronomy for the purposes of learning more about Astronomy, and observing methods.
Members' Interests
KAS Members' interests include: visual observing, telescope making, astrophotography, digital imaging and image processing, solar observing, using computers in Astronomy, and more advanced scientific study in areas like photometry and possibly spectroscopy.
Amateur Radio
Amateur radio, including using amateur satellite communications.
Special Events/Field Trips
KAS Members often make Field Trips to various Special Events throughout the year, or provide special support. The Field Trips are generally informal carpool/caravan type affairs. If you would like to join in one of these events, please attend the KAS Monthly Meeting immediately preceding the Special Event, or let one of the KAS Officers know of your interest well in advance.
Field trips to places like the annual Stellafane Telescope Makers Convention in Springfield VT and the Northeast Astronomy Forum & Telescope Show in Suffern, NY, plus attending star parties held by other astronomy clubs in the NY/PA area.
Support
Assisting with educational programs at Kopernik, and with maintenance of the observatory equipment.
