star party

Why Join the Memphis Astronomical Society?

Join the Memphis Astronomical Society today and embark on an extraordinary astronomical journey filled with enriching experiences and exclusive benefits! Here are compelling reasons to become a member:

  1. Outreach to the Community: As a member, you will have the opportunity to actively participate in community outreach programs, spreading the wonders of astronomy to schools, libraries, and various events. By sharing your passion for the cosmos, you’ll inspire and educate others, making a positive impact on the local community. We offer outreach programs at no cost. Your annual membership fee and generous donations help continue this service.

  2. Monthly Meetings Featuring Interesting Speakers: Our society hosts captivating monthly talks ranging from renowned astronomers to amateur hobbyist and space enthusiasts. Delve into fascinating topics ranging from celestial phenomena, space exploration, cosmology, and much more. These talks are a great way to stay updated on the latest discoveries and expand your knowledge in the field. Your membership dues help pay travel expenses for our out of town speakers.

  3. Exclusive Astrophotography Support: Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a beginner eager to capture the beauty of the night sky, our society provides a supportive environment to improve your astrophotography skills. Share your images, learn from experts, and receive constructive feedback to create stunning celestial photographs. Members of the  M.A.S. astrophotography sub-group humorously refers to themselves as the “misfits” (or should we say, the MAS.fits). It’s a playful nod to the “.fit” file format used in processing photos for their astronomical adventures. This is a member only service, however the meetings are posted on our YouTube channel.

  4. Telescope Mentoring: If you’re new to astronomy and have a telescope or plan to acquire one, our experienced members are here to help you get the most out of your equipment. Receive personalized guidance on setting up and using your telescope effectively to observe the cosmos with clarity and precision. We try to meet with people needing help once a month at Hinton Park in Collierville. Your membership dues help continue this service.

  5. Night Sky Observing:

    Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of the night sky during organized observing sessions. Our society arranges regular stargazing events which provide access to various telescopes and aid you in exploring the celestial wonders that grace our skies. All of our night sky observing is free to the public at various sites including Burton’s Sugar Farm, a very dark sky where you can actually see the Milky Way. Imagine that! Also our members get accurate 360° landscapes of all of our dark sites so they can import them into Stellarium and SkySafari to help plan observing sessions. Your membership pays for liability insurance to make this and other similar events possible. 

  6. Star Parties:

    Be part of star parties that are open to the general public, where members gather to observe celestial events like meteor showers, eclipses, and planetary conjunctions and Messier Marathons. These gatherings foster a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals while allowing you to witness spectacular cosmic events. Your membership dues help make this happen.

  7. Exclusive Newsletter: Stay informed about upcoming events, astronomy news, and recent discoveries with our exclusive newsletter. Get access to insights from fellow astronomers, noteworthy articles from NASA, and updates from the world of astronomy. The Memphis Astronomical Society is a proud member of NASA Nightsky Network. This is a members only publication.

  8. Exclusive Dark Sky Site: As a member, you’ll have the privilege of accessing our designated dark sky site—an area with minimal light pollution, providing the perfect conditions for optimal stargazing and observation.  This is members only dark sky site.

  9. Free Subscription to Astropheric Weather App: Stay informed about favorable weather conditions for observing the night sky with our complimentary subscription to a specialized Astropheric weather app. This app will help you plan your observing sessions more effectively, ensuring you make the most of every clear night. The App subscription price is $39 a year and the Memphis Astronomical Society is $25 a year. Members of the society get this professional level app absolutely free. Now that is a good deal! This is member only service. Your dues actually pay the annual fee for Astropheric Pro. Your membership pays for itself with this one benefit.

  10. Responsible Stewardship of Your Membership Dues and Donations. The Memphis Astronomical Society is a 100% volunteer organization, including the president and officers. All funds support necessary organizational expenses such as website, email communication, liability insurance and educational material. 

By joining the Memphis Astronomical Society, you’ll become a part of a vibrant community of passionate astronomers, where you can explore the cosmos, share your love for the stars, and make lasting connections with like-minded individuals. Don’t miss this chance to broaden your horizons and uncover the wonders of the universe together with us! Please fill out the form at right and we will provide a link on how to join along with other information.

Join now! Begin the process by filling out form below.

Once your form is sent, you will be contacted with instructions for the options for paying your annual dues of $25 by check or credit card. Cash can be accepted at our General meetings if the Treasurer is present.

Subscribe to our email list.

Note if you have joined, you don’t need to fill this out. If you subscribe to this list, we will send you email notices of events even if you are not a member. But since membership is only $25, why not join?

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