ASH Activities & Services:

All Events rely on the participation, support, and dedication of our members.

General meeting - Second Monday 7:30 P.M. May to September at Observatory; October to April at Harrisburg Area Community College. Programs by amateurs and invited professional astronomers followed by a very short club business update. The public is always welcome.

Public Observing- Every Sunday Night in June, July, and August the Observatory is open to the public. Each non-summer month, except for January and February, the observatory is open once a month to the public.

Observational Sessions for Special Events- Occasionally the observatory will open for viewing sessions for special events, such as eclipses, the passing of bright comets, etc. The Society will announce well in advance if we are open for a special event, if not announced, we are not holding a special event.

Starparties/Tours of Our Observatory for Groups- The society frequently schedules Starparties, Tours, and Solar Observation sessions for local community groups such as scouts, church groups, work groups, etc. These groups come to the observatory for a tour, a nice presentation, and if weather permits observing. Plans must be made in advance, details in the Star Parties section of our website.

Member Star Parties- Once a month Members have an "all night" members only star party at the observatory. This gives members the opportunity to observe with a larger than normal group of members, and socialize with them.

Member Dark Sky Trips- Several times throughout the year members hit the road in a contingent heading for darker skies to locations accessible to the society by contract. These members bring their own telescopes, and enjoy an all-nighter observing. Camping usually occurs too!

Astronomy Merit Badge- If member participation permits, during the summer the society supplements the Astronomy Merit Badge Program at Camp Tuckahoe. We assist with the observing aspect of the badge, and the informational aspect.

Astronomy Day Display/Open House- Once a year the society sets up all day at a local venue (usually a mall) displaying various educational displays on Astronomy. That night, the observatory is also open for an open house and public observing session.

Executive Committee meeting - Contact President for times. Members welcome.

Observatory Workday- The society's Astronomical Center is maintained by its members. Two times a year (in the spring and fall) a workday is held to perform upkeep on the Astronomical Center. Contact the Maintenance Chair for details.

Newsletters - Stardust monthly with Society news, sky events, and members' articles. 4th Friday of preceding month.

Use of observatories - At any time for members and their guests. Telescopes include 17" cassegrain, 12.5", 10", 8", solar and others. Loan telescopes - Several telescopes are available. See the President.

Library - Over 350 book titles; 1,200 periodicals; computer programs and videotapes for loan, plus observatory references such as sky atlases.

Public Introductory Observational Course - 8 public evening sessions including one at a local planetarium. Begins in April and September. $30 fee includes textbook and starcharts. See Bob Young.

Small Telescope Clinic - Clinic to show advantages and capabilities of small telescopes. Used to show how useful they can actually be. Astronomy doesn't have to be that expensive!

Keyholder's Training - Several times a year. All members welcome. See Key Course Instructor for schedule and more information.

Variable Star Observing - Observe changes in stars visually and in conjunction with scientific satellites for American Association of Variable Star Observers.

Occultation Observing - Observe grazing or total eclipses of stars by solar system objects up to 40 miles from observatory for International Occultation Timing Association.

Planetary observing - Help monitor the weather of Mars, changes in the clouds of Jupiter or Saturn for the Assoc. of Lunar & Planetary Observers.

Meteor Shower observing - During the major meteor showers of the year, many members get together at the Observatory or at an alternate dark-sky site to watch these pieces of dust burn up in the atmosphere.

Telescope operating advice - If you want assistance setting up, adjusting or using your telescope or equipment, ask members, most are more than willing to help.

Telephone "star line" - (717) 938-6041 gives info on upcoming society events and recorded message about bright objects or events in the monthly sky.

Book discounts - Sky & Telescope and Astronomy magazines at about 40% discount for members. See the Treasurer for information.

Conventions - Some members attend regional or national meetings, usually held during summer weekends. For information see Sky & Telescope, and Astronomy.

AND MUCH MORE!