Battle Point Astronomical Assn.
From AstronomyOutreach network
The League's mission is "To Promote the Science of Astronomy" by:
- Fostering astronomical education.
- Providing incentives for astronomical observation and research.
- Assisting communication among amateur astronomical societies.
Their basic goal is to encourage an interest in astronomy (and especially amateur astronomy) throughout America. Many people have seen pictures of the other planets in our Solar System from spacecraft, but have no idea that they too can see these objects with a telescope. We want people to get access to telescopes, whether it is through their local astronomical society, school, or their own instruments, and use them to view the beauty in the heavens.
The mission of the Astronomical League is clearly stated in the masthead: to promote the science of Astronomy. The major benefit of belonging to this organization is receiving the quarterly newsletter, The Reflector, which keeps you in touch with amateur activities all over the country. The chance to meet the people you read about there occurs during our annual National Convention, or at one of the ten regional conventions that the AL sponsors.
The easiest way to become part of the AL is to join one of our member societies close to you. A benefit of membership in this society is membership in the Astronomical League and part of your society dues goes to pay for your Reflector subscription.
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Membership
To join BPAA, print out the application/renewal form, and mail it along with your annual dues. Our mailing address is at the bottom of this page. Also, we continue to have Capital Funding requirements. Your support would be greatly appreciated! •At Battle Point Park is the Helix House: a two story facility operated by the BPAA. The Helix House contains the Edwin E. Ritchie Observatory: a classroom and workshop and offices and a rooftop dome houses our 27.5 inch reflector telescope. Here are the plans for construction. •Our newsletter is published 3 times a year, and is available on the Web site. Copies are mailed to members for a $5 fee. •We hold public events at Battle Point Park on Bainbridge Island, and other locations. We offer a guest speaker, star parties each month, and basic astronomy information. •Our volunteer docents give tours of the Observatory. See the events calendar for dates and times. •BPAA members can use our library of astronomical books and magazines. •BPAA members are able to use our workshop, small telescopes, and computers. •BPAA members get discounts on subscriptions to Sky & Telescope magazine. •We have a members-only email list, for information on schedule changes and astronomical happenings. •All members of BPAA become members of the Astronomical League, which provides numerous benefits including a quarterly magazine as well as Observing Clubs. The Observing Clubs offer encouragement and certificates of accomplishment for demonstrating observing skills with a variety of instruments and objects. These include the Messier Club, Binocular Messier Club, the Herschel 400 Club, the Deep Sky Binocular Club, the Southern Skies Binocular Club, the Meteor Club, the Double Star Club, and the Lunar Club. •Other activities our members are involved in include archaeoastronomy, telescope construction, and educational events for the local community. •Click here to find out how the BPAA has built a center for learning and discovery, and for a look at our history.
Awards and Recognition
Clubs and Certification Programs
Outreach
Events Policy
Contacts: education@bpastro.org
We will make the planetarium available for educational purposes. Please contact a manager to make arrangements.
From the current circular of BI Parks and Rec
BATTLE POINT ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION (http://www.bpastro.org) The Edwin Ritchie Observatory, now featuring the John Rudolph Planetarium, is located at the Helix House in Battle Point Park. The Battle Point Astronomical Association welcomes all those interested in astronomy, families included.
We can be contacted at 206-842-9152 or events@bpastro.org. This fall we are offering the following programs:
ASTRONOMY & PUBLIC STAR PARTIES
Discover the wonders of the universe with members of the Battle Point Astronomical Association! Come to BPAA’s Ritchie Observatory and Rudolph Planetarium in Battle Point Park to learn about and view the night sky. The evening begins with an indoor program in the planetarium that includes an introduction to the current night sky, followed by a tour of the facility.
After the indoor program (weather permitting) you are invited to an outdoor star party, where you can view the stars, moon and planets through a variety of club telescopes set up on the lawn and the large, rooftop 27.5" reflecting Ritchie telescope. See the Event Schedule for coming public sessions.