Regional Non-Profit Astronomy Associations, Clubs, and Societies.

Updated As Information Is Provided

The following are non-profit organizations for the advancement of the science and hobby of astronomy, education of their members and the public. You are encouraged to seek counsel and experience through participation in their meetings, lectures, classes, practical activities (star watch activities, national and international travel expeditions), and lecture series. You'll find many free events where you can take your family, friends, or a special someone for an unforgettable event.

Right: 'Go StarGaze' software application to help people find astronomy clubs and activities in their region (66,843 bytes).

Finding an astronomy club is easier than ever since there are resources including the Internet and applications that you can run on your computer or telephone that will help you find clubs and their activities. One of these is the application Go StarGaze, this connects you to astronomy clubs in the USA and their public stargazing events. This free application is available for download from http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/go-stargaze/id380833895?mt=8.

Another resource for those in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore, MD region is http://www.astronomyindc.org. The AstronomyInDC.org web site lists, in an easy to view format, a monthly calendar with scheduled events sponsored by astronomy organizations in the area.

1. Air & Space Museum Einstein Planetarium at
   Contact: Mr. Fean O'Brian at 202-357-1529
   National Air & Space Museum, Room 3368
   Washington DC, 20506
   

   Hot Line "Dial a Phenomenon": 202-357-2000
   

2. Analemma Society
   Contact: Mr. Charles Olin at 703-759-6616
   Analemma Park, Great Falls Observatory
   Springvale Road
   Great Falls, Virginia 22066
   

   For the education of children and adults in science through astronomy.
   Operating at Great Falls Observatory and assisting local schools.
   

3. AACC Astronomy Club. (formerly Anne Arundel Assoc. of Amateur Astronomers)
   Contact: Deborah Levine, Astronomy Professor at 410-777-1280
   Anne Arundel Community College
   101 College Parkway
   Arnold, MD 21012
   

   Observing open to the public 2nd Sat. of month, call 410-777-1820 in advance for weather updates.
   

4. Baltimore Astronomical Society
   Contact: Lawrence K. Brady, BAS: 410-545-5919
   Maryland Science Center, Inner Harbor
   Baltimore, MD
   

   Meet at the Science Center.
   

5. Greenbelt Astronomy Club
   Contact: Russell Waugh at 301-918-8750
   or George Gliba and Lynne Gilliland at 301-345-4760
   Howard Owen Science Center
   Greenbelt Road at Soil Conservation Road
   Greenbelt, Md. 20770
   

   Open to the public, meet and observe in Greenbelt
   * Newsletter/brochure posted at Company Seven
   

6. Harford County Astronomical Society
   http://www.harfordastro.org
   Contact: Grace Wyatt 410-836-7285
   or Tom Rusek 410-734-0435
   P.O. Box 906
   Bel Air, Maryland 21014
   

   Observatory at Harford County Community College
   

7. Howard Astronomical League
   Contact: Mike Hall at 410-247-8965
   on-line at www.howardastro.org
   

   Meet third Thurs. monthly at 7:30 pm, at the Howard County Parks
   Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044
   Observe at Alpha Ridge Park, Carr's Mill Park, H.C. Nature Conservancy

   * Brochure posted at Company Seven
   

8. International Occultation Timing Association
   Contact: David or Joan Dunham at 301-474-4722
   

9. Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Astronomy Club
   Contact: Bruce Gotwolls at 301-953-5000
   

   For Laboratory employees and contractors only.
   

10. NASA Goddard Space Flight Ctr. Astronomy Club
    Contact: Fred Schumann at 301-513-7782
    or Don Haxton at 301-286-2983
    

    Open to NASA GSFC & NASA Contractor Employees Only
    

11. Maryland Science Center
    Baltimore, recorded "Star Line" at 410-545-5918
    

    Supported by Baltimore Astro. Society (above)
    

12. National Capital Astronomers, Inc.
    Contact: Jay Miller 240-401-8693
    National Capital Astronomers Computer Bulletin Board
    

    Meet at University of Maryland Observatory, Adelphi, MD
    in Washington, D.C. and at sites in Virginia
    Telescope Making Class (Tues & Fri): Guy Brandenburg 202-635-1860
    * Newsletter posted at Company Seven
    

13. NOVAC - Northern Virginia Astronomy Club
    Based in Fairfax County, Virginia
    Contacts by E-Mail: membership@novac.com, outreach@novac.com
    or on Facebook at groups/novac.astro
    

    Open to the Public; meet on the second Sunday of the month 7:30 - 9:00 pm, meet at George Mason University/Fairfax,
    the meetings are streamed online, and often are hosted at their YouTube Channel.
    Refer to their site novac.com for meeting links.

    Observe at Crockett Park (phone 540-422-8870), and Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA (540-592-3556),
    Members meet at additional locations in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.
    

14. RAC - Rappahannock Astronomy Club
    based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Online at www.raclub.org
    Contacts: Jerry Hubbell, President, E-Mail: president@raclub.org
    or Glenn Holliday, Vice President, E-Mail: vicepres@raclub.rog
    

    Open to the Public. Meet at Central Rappahanock Library (540-372-1144)
    downtown Fredericksburg on each 2nd Wed. night monthly.
    Observe at Caledon Natural Area in King George (540-663-3861),
    

15. The Shenandoah Astronomical Society
    serving the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and West Virginia
    Online at www.shenandoahastronomical.org
    Contact: Dane Toler, E-Mail: dtoler2@comcast.net or phone 540-636-9383
    

    Open to the Public. Meet at Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, Virginia
    (near Front Royal and Winchester) at 7 pm on each 2nd Monday night monthly.
    Observe at several parks in the region, check their Web site for info.
    

16. SMAS - Southern Maryland Astronomical Society P.O. Box 373
    Marbury, MD 20658
    Contact: Mike Conte at 301-292-0753
    

    Open to the Public. Meet at Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Ed. Center,
    and Nanjemoy Creek Observatory, 4300 Turkey Tayac Pl. Meetings and Star Watch activities monthly.
    

17. U.S. Naval Observatory at http://www.usno.navy.mil
    34th & Mass. Ave., N.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20392
    Contact: Steve Dick or Geoff Chester at 202-762-1438
    

    Monday night tour and observing at USNO. Support observing sessions
    open to the public at "Sky Meadows" State Park near Paris, Virginia
    

18. Westminster Astronomical Society
    PO Box 1231
    Westminster, MD 21158
    Telephone/facsimile number 877-794-0606

    Based in Carroll County they observe at sites including Bear Branch Nature Center.
    General Meetings are at 7:30 pm on the second Wednesday of the every month.