Sharing the wonder and excitement of astronomy!

The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association is a group of people that explore, observe, and learn about the objects in the solar system and night sky, and who enjoy sharing their knowledge. Our members vary in expertise from beginner to professional.

Don't feel that you need to own a telescope to belong to the TAAA! Many members attend observing sessions to get a feel for the kind of telescope they may someday like to buy or make.

Learn more about TAAA activities and programs.

Find out How to Join TAAA

TAAA MEMBER PHOTOGRAPHY:
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Visit the TAAA Gallery Page for image descriptions and credits.

Upcoming TAAA Meetings...

March 5, 2010 Meeting, Begins at 6:30pm

Amateur observatories are becoming very common. There are books on how to build them, companies that sell plans, kits to be assembled, and companies that will build a turnkey system for you. Designs include simple roll-away buildings, roll-off roofs, and domes. An observatory allows amateurs to keep their gear ready to go, and can dramatically increase your observing time and the enjoyment you get out of it.

With Tucson's excellent skies for astronomy, many of our own members have built observatories. No two are alike, and each builder faced challenges and creatively solved issues with construction and use of their observatory. Our March meeting will consist of member presentations highlighting their backyard observatories, and will provide members with valuable information to use on their own setups. We'll also be hosting weekend field trips to some of these observatories. Whether you already have an observatory, are considering building one, or just want to see what your peers are up to, you won't want to miss this one!

See Public Calendar for further details.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TAAA MEMBERS: Log into the Members Page to read the latest news regarding the status of volunteers needed for this month's Community Star Parties.

ALCON 2010 June 25 - 26 The TAAA, along with the International Dark-sky Association and in cooperation with the Astronomical League, is co- hosting this year's AL Convention in Tucson, AZ. Hundreds of amateur astronomers are expected to attend. Author, comet discoverer, and TAAA member David Levy is the featured speaker during the Friday luncheon. The Saturday night banquet lecture will be presented by Dr Roger Angel, director of the UA Mirror Lab. At the banquet, the AL will present major national awards such as the National Young Astronomer Award. In addition, astronomy vendors from across the USA will display their latest products. We also expect leaders in IDA’s dark sky movement to participate. Online registration is available. The venue is the Tucson Hilton East.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the 2010 Grand Canyon Star Party (GCSP)! The 2010 Grand Canyon Star Party (GCSP) will be held from June 5-12, 2010 on the South Rim in northern Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park. Details

Visit Join TAAA to learn more about the benefits of TAAA Membership and find out how to join!

CONTACTING TAAA
Email addresses noted throughout this site are displayed in a format to avoid receiving SPAM (e.g., username [at] tucsonastronomy.org). Please type all email addresses with the "@" sign in the appropriate place.

Monthly meetings are held at Steward Observatory Auditorium, Room N210, 933 N. Cherry on the University of Arizona campus. Meetings are scheduled the first Friday of each month. (When first Friday falls on July 4, or January 1, meetings are scheduled the following Friday.)

Friends of TAAA

Project Astro

National Optical Astronomy Observatory’s educational outreach program.

Steward Observatory

Located at the University of Arizona and associated with facilities on Kitt Peak, Mt. Bigelow, Mt. Lemmon, and Mt. Graham.

Astronomical League
Promoting astronomy education and research, and supporting amateur astronomical societies.

Night Sky Network

Nationwide coalition of amateur astronomy clubs bringing the science, technology and inspiration of NASA's missions to the general public.

International Dark Sky Assn (IDA)
IDA supports the ongoing effort to preserve dark skies and starry nights - founded by TAAA Members.

Prototron Circuits

Prototron Circuits manufactures prototype and quick-turn printed circuit boards. We thank them for the generous donation of custom printed circuit boards for a TAAA project.

Credits and Disclaimers
All photographic material on this site was generated by club members and is used with permission of the copyright holder. All attempts are made to avoid improper use of copyrighted or proprietary material. Likewise we try to avoid inaccuracies or material offensive in nature. If you feel we have infringed, published inaccuracies, or material offensive in nature, please email our webmaster at webmaster [at] tucsonastronomy.org to advise us so that we may promptly address the issue.