About the Amador Astronomical Society
M100, A galaxy in the the Virgo Cluster
The Amador Astronomical Society (AAS) was born in the fall of
1994 with a "first light" meeting of local astronomy
buffs who desired to share the knowledge of telescopes,
techniques and observations of stars with each other and the
public. Our members range from
young students curious about the night sky to seasoned star
and comet hunters. But the majority of AAS members are people
who enjoy the fascination of viewing objects in the sky using
anything from their naked eye to telescopes large enough to do
serious astronomical research. (Image from NASA).
An AAS star party
Amador Astronomical Society members also have access to several
"dark sky" sites in Amador and Calaveras Counties. Dark
sky sites are becoming increasingly rare and important due to the
light pollution from street lights, yard lights, shopping centers
and other light sources in populated areas. At 4500 feet,
AAS's Telescope Flat site has one
of the best Dark Sky 360 degree views in California. (Image taken
at dusk, Telescope Flat © 2005 Webcentric Computer Services).
Jupiter
In addition, we serve the public by offering a variety of
educational programs designed to
introduce astronomy to anyone with an interest. Whether you
possess a curious mind, a pair of binoculars, a telescope
that you never could get to work right, or something much
larger, consider joining AAS. We all possess one common
interest, a desire to share the knowledge and wonder of
astronomy. (Image from NASA).