Ohio Astronomy ClubsMost Astronomy Clubs are groups of Amateur Astronomers who get together for telescope observing sessions. Most amateur astronomers own small telescopes, typically reflecting telescopes with mirrors between six and twelve inches in diameter (though many die-hards have much larger scopes!) Amateur astronomers enjoy viewing celestial objects through their scopes such as:
If you haven't seen these celestial objects, they are quite a sight! Most amateurs love sharing the sky with people. Most clubs have public observing events in which people are welcome to come and discover the sky for themselves. If you are interested in learning more about the sky, an astronomy club is a great way to get involved. Many clubs have special programs such as Telescope Making classes, for amateurs who like to grind their own telescope mirrors. Use the following list to find the astronomy club in your area, and to learn the times and locations of coming events. If your club would like to update its listing, please send the changes to
Black River Astronomical Society The Black River Astronomical Society serves Lorain County, Ohio, and the surrounding area. Meetings are free and open to the public The club meets on the first Wednesday of each month, at 7 p.m. at the Lorain County Metroparks Visitors Center on Nickel Plate-Diagonal Road in Carlisle Township. Each meeting, features an informative program on various topics of interest to amateur astronomers, from beginners to veterans. A monthly observer's report of current sky highlights is also presented. The Black River Astronomical Society is one of the oldest astronomy clubs in the area, founded in 1949. Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society The Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society was founded in 1963 for the purposes of increasing the astronomical knowledge and technique of our members and for public service in our community. Our goals are promotion of public education in astronomy, the continuation of useful research, and the preservation of unpolluted skies for future use of both the astronomer and the general public. Cincinnati Astronomical Society Cleveland Astronomical Society
The Columbus Astronomical Society (CAS) is central Ohio's largest and oldest organization dedicated to the amateur study of astronomy. Since 1947, it has attracted members from every walk of life and all ages that share a passion for the night sky. The CAS meets on the second Saturday of each month at historic Perkins Memorial Observatory near Delaware, Ohio. Visitors are welcome to attend. Perkins Observatory is located about 15 minutes north of Columbus on U.S. Route 23. Weather permitting, the meetings also provide an opportunity for members to observe the night sky with their telescopes.
The Cuyahoga Astronomical Association is an amateur astronomy club, established in 1957. The club is open to the public to people with an interest and desire to learn more about astronomy. General meetings are held on the second Monday of each Month at 8 PM in the Cleveland Metroparks' Rocky River Nature Center, located 1/4-mile north of Cedar Point Road on the Valley Parkway in North Olmsted, Ohio. Public Programs and Star Parties are open to the general public and are usually held at at one of three sites in the Cleveland Metroparks, Brecksville Road, Bradley Woods or Lewis Road. Programs in Medina County are usually held at Letha House Park.
The astronomy club and support group for the Cincinnati Observatory Center. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month and are open to the public. Meetings consist of club business followed by an astronomical lecture. After the meetings members use the center two historic telescopes for viewing. FOTO also provides the support staff for the center, giving tours, providing lectures, operating the telescopes and running special functions. Lake County Astronomical Society Contact: Michael Purcell
Public program the last Friday of each month, except Dec., at 8:30 PM, at the Schoonover Observatory in Lima. With clear skies we also use the 14-inch Celestron and computer. Everyone is welcome! Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society The Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society was founded in 1939, and the needs of Amateur Astronomers in Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage and Columbiana counties. The Society's showpiece is the Mahoning Valley Observatory, located on Ohio Route 534 in Braceville Township. Here the sky is generally clear and dark, yet the Observatory is within one-half hour driving distance of the Warren Metropolitan area. The Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society holds a regular monthly meeting at 8 PM on the last Saturday evening of each month. Spring, Summer and Fall meetings are held at the Observatory. During the Winter months, the Society meets at the Ward Beecher Planetarium, located on the campus of Youngstown State University.
Medina County Astronomical Society is a nonprofit organization founded May 12th, 1997 to promote the advancement of amateur astronomy. The club's goals include: promotion of public education in astronomy; the continuation of useful research; the preservation of unpolluted skies for future use of both the astronomer and the general public; Conducting an active public education program; Regular monthly public nights; Comet observing programs; Build a first telescope; Monthly lectures. The club is open to anyone with an interest and desire to learn more about astronomy, and meets once a month at Reagan Park by the new ice-skating rink. Miami Valley Astronomical Society The purpose of the MVAS is to PROMOTE AMATEUR ASTRONOMY at every level. The MVAS promotes education by bringing astronomy to the public through regular star-gazes at our dark sky sight at John Bryan State Park, 20 minutes east of Dayton, OH. MVAS also hosts many special star-gazes at the Dayton Museum of Natural History (DMNH) as well as schools in the area. The MVAS, and we open the Apollo Observatory at the DMNH every clear Friday night. Information is provided via local newspaper, radio and TV announcements. The MVAS general meeting is held on the second Friday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Apollo Observatory at the Dayton Museum of Natural History, 2600 Deweese Pkwy., Dayton, Ohio. The general public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Millstream Astronomy Club is a group of observational astronomers in the Findlay, Ohio area who have banded together to enjoy the hobby and to introduce others to astronomy. Meetings are every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Doc Phillips Learning Center. The club also sponsors Public Observations once per month (except Dec-Feb). These are usually held at riverbend park. Due to scheduling these observations to take full effect of the phase of the moon and other astronomical events, and the observations are held on a varying schedule.
Northern Ohio Valley Astro Educators (NOVAE) Ohio Turnpike Astronomers Assn. The OTAA was formed in 1956 by four astronomy clubs that were located near the Ohio Turnpike. The organization was intended to open communication between astronomy clubs by setting dates for Ohio clubs to hold their conventions. Members of OTAA are astronomy clubs and institutions, it is not open to individuals. Members of the clubs that belong to OTAA are all considered to be members of the OTAA. Today, the OTAA clubs are not all located on the Turnpike. OTAA activities include our yearly conventions-produced by our member clubs and special activities such as setting up observing sites for special events like eclipses. OTAA's objective is to unite all the clubs of Ohio, by coordinating the dates of conventions to avoid conflicts and by keeping the lines of communication open between our members and amateurs astronomers through the OTAA newsletter, The Asteroid Belt. Ohio Valley Astronomical Society OVAS is dedicated to hosting public observations of astronomical wonders. We hold stargazes regularly for the public and small groups. Most of our stargazes are held at Missionary Baptist Church. This is also the sight for our monthly meetings. We go to Beech Fork State Park when we could use dark skies for observing.
The Richland Astronomical Society is a nonprofit organization formed in 1960 to promote the advancement of amateur astronomy. Operating the Warren Rupp Observatory with its’ 31" f/7 telescope, conducting an active public education program, regular monthly public nights, and comet observing programs are just some of it's many activities. Sandusky Valley Amateur Astronomy Club Stillwater Stargazers The Stillwater Stargazers are a family oriented Astronomy club which has monthly public stargazes at the Bruckner Nature Center on the third Saturday of every month. Club Meetings are the third Tuesday at the Bruckner Nature Center above nature center building. Toledo Astronomical Assn. Tuscarawas Co. Amateur Astronomical Society Wayne County Astronomical Society Westerville Astronomy Interest Group
The Wilderness Center Astronomy Club (WCAC) is affiliated with The Wilderness Center, Inc. (TWC), a non-profit, private nature center located near Wilmot, Ohio. TWC owns about 600 acres at its main tract at Wilmot, and
OLPAC's primary mission is to minimize the negative environmental impact and energy waste due to inefficient outdoor lighting in Ohio. Our principal tool for achieving this is education. By building awareness of light pollution, and about the value and effectiveness of well-designed lighting, we can make a difference. We can save energy, preserve dark skies, eliminate driving hazards, improve the appearance of our neighborhoods, and save money at the same time. OLPAC is the state charter organization of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), 3225 N. First Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719. |
The Moon 
Ohio Light Pollution Advisory Committee