- Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society
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Contents
Founding
On May 31, 1989, seven amateur astronomers held an organizational meeting in the Solar Classroom at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York to plan the formation of an astronomy club. Bylaws were prepared and approved, and the Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) was born. Over the next several weeks, members prepared a brochure for prospective new members, discussed ideas for publicity campaigns to promote the club, and considered schedules for member and public observing sessions.
The first public meeting was held July 12, and the club was off to a good start. The previous day, an article appeared in the local newspaper (the Utica Observer-Dispatch) inviting the public to attend, and the local community responded heartily. The first meeting had 60 people in attendance! The evening's speakers presented slides and photographs of the sky's most noted features, from the Moon to distant galaxies, the Milky Way, Comet Halley as seen from the Mohawk Valley, and a brilliant aurora. Once the meeting adjourned, members and visitors used the telescope in Hamilton College's Observatory to view the Moon and Saturn.
August 1989 marked the first publication of the MVAS newsletter, Telescopic Topics.The newsletter is published monthly and provides a summary of the minutes of the previous month's meeting, reminders of upcoming observing sessions, and astronomy conferences as well as the latest news from the scientific community such as updates on NASA missions and the discovery of new celestial objects.
Membership
Membership in the MVAS is open to anyone with a interest in astronomy. The MVAS is for casual skywatchers who can name the constellations as well as those who have telescopes and binoculars and know the celestial objects scientific classifications and numbers. The MVAS welcomes all with an interest in astronomy.
Meetings
Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month (except March and July) at 7:30 PM at the Kirkland Senior Center, 2 Mill St., Clark Mills, NY (directions and map) unless otherwise noted. The March meeting is held on a Saturday evening in conjunction with a social event at a local restaurant. The July Star-B-Que is held on a weekend. All meetings are open to the public. Guests are encouraged to attend. Refreshments are provided by MVAS members.
Public outreach
Star gazing events and talks are held thoughout the area.
Publications
The club publishes a monthly newsletter called the Telescopic Topics.
External links
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