About the AAAP--How to Join:
 

Membership Application

The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, Inc. (AAAP) has promoted popular astronomy in western Pennsylvania for over seventy years. With over 500 members, it is one of the larger astronomy clubs in the nation. At monthly meetings (open to the public, see the current club calendar for time and place) we announce upcoming celestial events such as meteor showers, comets, occultations, and rare planetary alignments. We also share observations and techniques so that all members may benefit from the experiences. Each meeting also features a special speaker, sometimes an AAAP member, but also outside experts from various fields. Past speakers have presented topics including meteorite hunting in Antarctica, cosmological modeling using supercomputers, and astrophotography with exotic equipment such as dry-ice cameras.

Club members have been involved in many projects in both the astronomical and general communities. Recent accomplishments include the installation of an official Pennsylvania Historic Marker honoring the location of the first ever astronomical dome constructed from aluminum, the naming of an asteroid after the co-founder of the AAAP, making area zoning boards and other officials aware of the need for careful design and installation of nighttime lighting for schools, malls, and housing to avoid adversely affecting the visibility of the night time sky (Light Pollution).

Education of the general public in the science and hobby of astronomy has always been a prime focus of the AAAP. Through public Star Parties at the club's main observatory and at Mingo Creek State Park (future home of the club's newest observatory), lectures at area bookstores and nature centers, and scheduled classes; AAAP members spread the word about the fascinating and inspiring wonders in the nighttime sky.

The membership of the AAAP includes many experienced observers and telescope makers. AAAP'ers contribute articles to magazines and several have written astronomy books. Our members are interviewed by the local news media during unusual celestial events, and teach adult education courses in astronomy. Many staff members of Allegheny Observatory, Carnegie Science Center and the science departments of district universities are members of the club. Several AAAP members have notable discoveries to their credit, and the club is proud to have one of the largest number of "Messier Certificates" in the country (awarded for observing a large and diverse number of distant celestial objects), a clear sign of our members' skill at the telescope. And the influence of the AAAP extends into the solar system: three members have asteroids named for them!

History

The AAAP was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1929 by Leo Scanlon and Chester B. Roe. It was founded with the express purpose "to promote the interests that are common to amateur astronomers, and the advancement of the science of astronomy through public education programs and scientific research." The AAAP has seen a recent surge in membership in the last several years owing to two extraterrestrial visitors (comets Hyakutake and Hale-Bopp), several exciting, successful, and highly publicized NASA space programs, and the warm charm of the members.

Membership

There are no technical qualifications for AAAP membership. The club includes salesmen, nurses, mechanics, homemakers, teachers, retirees, etc., as well as professional scientists. Students at all levels are welcome and age is no barrier; the AAAP includes teenagers through centenarians.

Benefits of membership

• AAAP members attend monthly indoor meetings. Many meetings are held at the Allegheny Observatory. Here, members and their guests can usually count on a tour of this world-famous facility.
• Members are advised of club activities through our monthly newsletter "The Guide Star."
• Those with e-mail can subscribe to the club's computer mailing list, which provides real-time communications between members and up to the moment reports on astronomical events. The AAAP listserver is maintained independently of these web pages. Check the appropriate box on the membership application to sign-up. (If you are a current member of the AAAP and wish to be on the AAAP electronic mailing list, send your request to the Treasurer John Holtz. He will verify your membership status and subscribe you to the list. )
• During the fair-weather months, members attend "star parties." Hundreds of visitors may gather to eyes-on experience at a wide variety of portable telescopes, including some very large models that give incredible views of celestial objects.
• Several informal "special interest groups" (S.I.G.) exist to discuss particular branches of astronomy. These groups meet as the interest dictates. Whether you are interested in deep-sky observing, astrophotography, occultations, or just basic observing, there is a special interest group for you.
• The AAAP has access to several rural observing sites in the Western Pennsylvania area that are excellent for viewing faint telescopic objects far from the interfering sky-glow caused by poorly designed electric lighting.
• Members have regular access to the club's own observatory, the "Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory" in the "Deer Lakes Regional Park" (near Tarentum). This facility is located on an unobstructed 1340 ft. hilltop far away from major sources of "light pollution." The building features a unique roll off roof design that shows almost the entire sky from inside the building.
• Special award certificates, such as the Messier, are offered to challenge members' observing skills and knowledge of the celestial map. Beginner's-level through advanced certificates are available.
• Many members join telephone calling groups, to be informed of any unexpected celestial phenomena. As a member of such a group, you may be called at any time of the day or night for surprise events such as the Aurora Borealis, a comet, a nova and even rainbows.
• Members can borrow club-owned equipment, such as telescopes, eyepieces and star charts, through the "AAAP Loan Procedure".
• The AAAP adheres to a member-approved Constitution and By-Laws. All members are eligible to run for any office.

What does it cost?

Regular membership in the AAAP is available for a low price of $18 for adults, $13 for people under age 18. Members can subscribe to "Sky & Telescope" magazine and/or "Astronomy" magazine at discount rates. Members subscribing to "Sky & Telescope" through the club can also receive a discount on merchandise from Sky Publishing.

Joining the AAAP

If you would like to join our club click here to get a membership application. Print the application, fill it out and send it in to the address listed on the form.

Contacting the AAAP

Mailing Address:
AAAP, Inc.
P.O. Box 314
Glenshaw, PA 15116

Electronic Mail:
aaap@3ap.org