The mission of the Astronomical League is clearly stated in its masthead: to promote the science of astronomy. Being an all volunteer organization, the League has pursued this goal for nearly 50 years among the lay public by encouraging the formation and joint efforts of amateur astronomy societies. Today, our membership totals more than 170 societies and, together with members-at-large, represents more than 10,000 individuals.
Our Bylaws define the following categories of membership:
Member Society: any club, society or organization with a bonafide interest in astronomy.
Affiliate Member: any national astronomical society or organization.
Patron Member: Any individual with a bonafide interest in astronomy.
Member-at-Large: any individual with a bonafide interest in astronomy.
Supporting Member: any company, manufacturer, corporation or organization with a sincere belief in the ideals of the Astronomical League.
Young Astronomer: any child aged six through fourteen with an interest in astronomy.
Honorary Member: bestowed only with unanimous approval of Council upon any individual who has made a significant, sustained or outstanding contribution to the Astronomical League or the science of astronomy.
In order to become a member, the organization or individual must apply to the Executive Secretary, accept the League Bylaws, pay the prescribed dues and be accepted by Council, the governing body of the Astronomical League. Dues are set by Council for each membership category. Contact the Executive Secretary via the Science Service address in the masthead for a copy of the Bylaws and the current dues schedule.
Conventions
Because League members are distributed across the United States, the Astronomical League is divided into ten geographic, administrative regions. Each of these regions sponsors an annual convention. These regional meetings provide an opportunity for amateurs to gather without traveling large distances as may be required for the national convention. Most regional conventions are one- or two-day, weekend affairs although others, like the Texas Star Party of the Southwest Region, have grown and drawn national attention and participation.
Each year, the Astronomical League sponsors a national convention. The location of this event moves around the country as different local societies vie for sponsorship. This movement also gives members from different parts of the country an opportunity to attend an occasional national meeting without long distance travel. Thus, amateur astronomers from around the country can meet to share ideas, establish networks with others having similar interests, and meet new friends or renew past friendships.
National conventions usually last three or four days and may include paper sessions, exhibits, telescope displays, art and photographic contests, field trips and star parties. Council meets during the national convention to conduct League business and the general membership elects national officers.
At the paper sessions, amateurs and invited professionals present their experience and ideas relating to their particular field of interest in astronomy. Field trips may provide a chance to see a nationally famous observatory in the vicinity and, on occasion, may offer an opportunity to observe through the professional telescopes. It is also customary to set aside at least one evening for a star party by the host society where all attendees have the chance to share experiences at the eyepieces of the variety of telescopes available.
Other Activities
Each member receives the REFLECTOR, the quarterly newsletter of the Astronomical League. This publication carries news of other club's activities, articles by individual members, reports of observing activities and news and notices about the League.
Members can order astronomy-related books at a 10 percent discount through the Book Service. Observing Clubs offer encouragement and certificates of accomplishment for demonstrating observing skills with a variety of instruments and objects. Our Education Committee provides planned study guides for societies who want to provide organized courses or group study in astronomy. A Consumer Action Committee helps League members resolve the occasional complaint with a vendor.
Besides the REFLECTOR newsletter, the League publishes a variety of Observe manuals, pamphlets and Proceedings of the national convention. The Observe series are thorough, introductory guides to observing and deal with deep sky objects, eclipses, the Sun, comets and meteors. Most of these manuals form the basis for participation in the associated observing club. These manuals are available from the Astronomical League Store.
Why Join?
You can see from this material that the Astronomical League is a service organization which strives to fulfill its mission by serving the needs of its members both as individuals and as member societies. But most of all, the League is people: people who share a common joy and wonder as they explore the various objects and phenomena in the sky. The League is here to help you see ... and wonder ... and marvel ... and become more enriched for having done so.
