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"The purposes of the Atlanta Astronomy Club, Inc. shall be educational, literary, scientific, and especially to promote the public knowledge of, and interest in astronomy." The Atlanta Astronomy ClubThe AAC was founded in 1947 By Dr. William Calder, Chair of Astronomy at Agnes Scott College, to promote amateur astronomy and professional and amateur collaboration. It is one of the oldest and, with over 380 members, one of the largest clubs in the southeastern United States. The Club owns an observatory in Villa Rica (VR); and has started a new chapter at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Management Area (CEWMA) to serve our members in the Covington area. Why Join An Astronomy Club?1st To learn about amateur astronomy and observing techniques. The best way to learn how to observe the heavens is to do it yourself, and the club provides both the training and opportunity. 2nd To interface with others who may share your interest in a particular field of astronomy. We offer workshops and training sessions on observing, telescope making, and astrophotography; as well as bringing in the best amateur and professional astronomers as guest speakers. 3rd To enjoy the social aspect of observing and meeting. Our membership consists of people from all walks of life: from students, to dentists; from motorcycle mechanics, to business owners; who all enjoy the beauty and mystery of the cosmos. Our monthly meetings, observing sessions and annual banquet provide an excellent way to socialize and meet new people |
Club Meetings and Events
General Meetings, which are open to the public, are held monthly. We conduct general Club business followed by a guest speaker. Past speakers have included Michael Covington (Astrophotography for the Amateur), Phil Harrington (Eclipse), Janet Mattei (Director of AAVSO), and Mitzi Adams (NASA Astronomer).
Training Sessions, where new members and guests learn how to setup their own telescopes and to find objects. Members are also trained and certified to use of the club observatory and telescopes.
Dark Sky Events, scheduled on new moon weekends, are overnight sessions arranged at dark locations, generally 2 or more hours from Atlanta. In the past, we have held these at Brasstown Bald, Charlie Elliott WMA, Woodruff Boy Scout Camp (near Blairsville), and Fort Payne, AL
Open Houses at VR or CEWMA, where the public is invited to learn about the sky and the AAC.
Sidewalk Astronomy and Special Observing Sessions (such as eclipse viewing ) are arranged at various times.
Peach State Star Gaze (PSSG), an annual 4 day star party, attended by amateurs from all over North America, which features vendors, workshops and guest speakers. The PSSG'00 had over 275 registrants and flew in Anton Rukl (Atlas of the Moon) from Prague.
The Advantages of Membership
Members receive the following benefits:
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Free and open use of the club's permanent observatory in Villa Rica, with its 20" Newtonian, 10" Cave, and 8" Maksutov telescopes. The AAC also owns 24" and 12.5" Dobsonians for members use.
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Voting privileges and full access to all club functions including the club's yearly banquet.
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The club's monthly newsletter the "Focal Point", which is available by mail or e-mail.
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Membership in the Astronomical League, which includes its observing programs and guides, the quarterly newsletter, The Reflector, and book discounts.
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Discounts on Astronomy, and Sky & Telescope magazines, as well as books from Kalmbach and Sky Publishing.
Still Curious?
If you are still not sure about joining, be our guest at any of our public observing sessions or meetings.
The AAC General Meeting is usually held on the 3rd Friday of the month at White Hall, Emory University. (Except in December and special circumstances - please check the AAC website or call the AAC Hotline to verify both the date and location of the meeting.)
Directions to White Hall, Emory
| Take the Claremont Rd. exit south off I-85; turn west onto North Decatur Rd. |  |
Walter F. Barber JR Observatory Villa Rica
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Take I-20 west to exit 24 (Carrollton and Villa Rica). Exit interstate and at end of exit ramp turn right onto GA 61/101. Proceed on GA 61. At the third traffic light, the road shrinks down from 4 lanes to 2 lanes. Continue straight through intersection. Road becomes GA 101. After approximately 1 mile, the road ends at a three-way intersection. Turn left. Proceed for 1/4 mile. Turn right onto Harlan Lane. Travel on Harlan Lane for exactly 2 miles. Turn left onto Tapley Road. Proceed on Tapley Road for 3/4 mile. Observatory is on right side of road. Look for a stone wall with an iron wagon wheel gate. The observatory driveway is about 100 feet before that stone wall on the right. Observatory has four buildings. Two of the buildings are white cinder block, the third building is a dome, and the fourth a large white wooden building. |
Directions to Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center Visitors Center (CEWMA)
Drive on I20 east from Atlanta. Exit interstate at exit 98 which is highway 11. Turn right at end of exit ramp and head south. Drive to the town of Mansfield. Once you cross the railroad tracks proceed south on highway 11 for another 3 miles. Turn left onto Marben Farms Road. Note that there should be a sign for Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center. Marben Farms Road is paved. Proceed on Marben Farms Road for 1 mile to the first paved road on right. Turn right onto Elliot Trail and take the road to the end. You will end up at the visitors center parking lot.
For more information about the AAC, visit our
Website:
or Call the AAC Hotline: 770-621-2661
or Mail us at:
The Atlanta Astronomy Club Inc.
PMB 305, 3595 Canton Road, A9
Marietta, GA 30066-2692
Membership Applications
Membership is open upon payment of appropriate dues to anyone.
Membership dues are $15 for Students and $30 per family.
The Membership Form can be obtained here and printed:
For further information or questions, contact Peter Macumber.