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Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society Membership

 

Membership is open to anyone 12 years of age or older, with an interest in astronomy. Dues are $4.00 a month. If you are interested in becoming a Member, we suggest you attend one of our Monthly Meetings or contact our Treasurer.

 

What the CVAS offers

  • Use of Indian Hill Observatory and equipment

  • The club newsletter, The Valley Skywatcher

  • Discounts on subscriptions to Sky & Telescope magazine

  • Help with equipment, finding objects, learning the sky, etc.

Do you need a telescope to join

No, owning a telescope is not required to join the club. While most members in the club do own telescopes, you do not have to have one. CVAS has club telescopes that are available to any club member to use. The primary disadvantage of not owning a telescope is that you will not be able to show people items at star parties located in spots other than Indian Hill. Actually probably the best way to get started in astronomy is first to use binoculars and learn the constellations first. Use can always use binoculars at star parties, some people actually prefer these over a telescope.

 

What is expected of me once I join

To be considered an active member, all you need to do is pay your dues. After this, it is up to you on how active you want to become in the club.

 

Ways to get involved

  • Attend Monthly Meetings
  • Participate in star parties.
  • Besides showing visitors items with a telescope at some star parties, sometimes someone is needed to point out the constellations in an indoor exhibit or the club is asked to do a non-observing presentation about astronomy and someone is need to do this.
  • Help out at the work sessions. Sometimes we have work sessions at the hill during the day. This usually involves maintenance on the buildings or working clearing the land. Usually this is a great way to get some exercise without the cost associated with a health club.
  • Contribute articles to our newsletter. Basically the article can be anything astronomy related.
  • Help the fight against light pollution. . Sometimes members are ask to sign a petition or send a letter to someone in order to get them to take action on some lighting issue.
  • Just show up and use Indian Hill.

 

Monthly Meetings

From November through April, monthly business meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of every month at Sunnybrook Preserve, a Geauga County Metropark (this link opens to Park District website.) Meeting time begins at 7:30 PM. . We will also have an observing session if the skies are clear. From May through October, monthly business meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of every month at Indian Hill Observatory (this link opens to a Google map of the observatory location). Meeting time begins at 8 PM - May through August, 7:30 PM in September and at 7 PM in October. A brief discussion session and observing are after the meeting.

Members are available 30 minutes before each meeting to discuss astronomy related questions with the public and prospective members.