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Join the Rockland Astronomy Club
Serving Residents of Rockland and Bergen Counties Since 1958.
The Rockland Astronomy Club is a educational organization composed of more than 200 people who share a keen interest in Amateur Astronomy. Membership in the club is open to individuals and their families regardless of their knowledge about the science of Astronomy. One does not have to own a telescope to belong to the club, but should have the desire to learn about the wonders of the Universe and share his or her enthusiasm with other members of the club.
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Membership Information
Annual Dues - Effective October 1, 2006
- Student (under 19 years) - $10.00
- Senior (65 or older) - $15.00
- Adult - $20.00
- Family - $30.00
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Optional, at extra cost:
- Sky & Telescope Subscription $33.00
- Astronomy Subscription $34.00
- Amateur Astronomer (annual) subscription $20.00
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New members
Various membership plans are offered to suit individual requirements. You may join at any time during the year for a period of twelve months. There are no special requirements for membership other than the payment of annual dues.
To become a member of Rockland Astronomy Club please print the form below, fill it out and send it to us with the appropriate dues. You will receive additional information by return mail. We look forward to having you as a member of our club and look forward to meeting you at one or more of our club functions.
Rockland Astronomy Club Membership Application Form (PDF)
If you would like further information about our club before you decide to join us, we can also send you information by snail mail. Mail your application, dues and or request for additional information to:
Rockland Astronomy Club
ATTN: (see note #1 below)
225 Route 59
Suffern, NY 10901-5203
Note #1: Use a person's name or a department name to expedite delivery: (i.e. Member Services, Magazine Subscriptions, NEAF, SSP, Permits, etc.)
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For additional information, please contact our hotline:
201-768-2238
Box 4 is for Public Events, Box 5 is for Members Only Events.
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Membership Benefits
- Education
Amateur Astronomy is a lot more than just looking at celestial objects with telescopes and binoculars, although this is the main focus of our most active members. In addition to scheduled observing activities, we hold periodic indoor meetings at various locations in Rockland County where programs are presented that focus on specific aspects of Astronomy. Among the most popular are topics relating to the purchase and use of astronomical telescopes -- where to find them, what to look for, and which ones to avoid. Other subjects deal with basic celestial navigation, how to read star charts, and learning how to locate and identify galaxies, nebulae and star clusters that are generally not visible to the naked eye.
- Special Events
Members of the club frequently travel to various worldly destinations in search of truly dark skies or for once-in-a-lifetime events. The 1986 return of Halley's Comet was a good excuse for us to fly half way around the world to Australia. The great solar eclipse of 1991 found entire families spending ten days in Hawaii and Mexico.
- National Star Parties
Closer to home we usually find two dozen members spending a week in February in the Florida Keys at the Winter Star Party. What better way to observe the glorious winter skies than being dressed in shorts and a T-shirt! It has been suggested that some of us go just for the warm tropical breezes and the fabulous sea food. Other popular events include the week long Texas Star Party in May and Stellafane weekend each summer in Vermont.
- Sidewalk Astronomy
Much closer to home the club, in cooperation with the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission, holds monthly "Joy of the Universe" public star parties at Anthony Wayne State Park from April through October. This is where many people obtain their initial exposure to observational Astronomy by viewing through telescopes owned by our club members.
- Annual Telescope Show
Each Spring we sponsor the "Northeast Astronomy Forum and Telescope Show" at the Holiday Inn in Suffem, New York. This full day of talks and lectures by professional and amateur astronomers and a commercial display of astronomical equipment by manufacturers and retail vendors attracts 500+ amateur astronomers from Maine to North Carolina, looking for bargains on equipment to enrich their hobby. The supermarket atmosphere at the show has been likened to a "Wal-Mart of Astronomy." If you ever wished you could "try before you buy", you can do it here!
- Reduced Rate Subscriptions
Members of the club enjoy special "club rate" prices for annual subscriptions to the two most popular magazines, Sky & Telescope and Astronomy. The publishers of both offer discounts to members of participating clubs. Savings can be equal to the annual club membership fee.
- Out Very Own Star Party
Not to be outdone by the big-name national star parties, we hold our own "Summer Star Party and Family Camping Vacation" for a full week each July or August at Shady Pine Campground located in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. Just 3 1/2 hours from home via scenic, uncrowded roads, the dark skies at this site rival some of the best found along the East Coast. It's Astronomy at night and family fun during the long summer days with many nearby attractions to visit and magnificent mountain vistas and natural wonders to capture on film.
- Communications
Members receive the monthly RAC NEWS club newsletter to keep them informed of past and future events. And of course, this Web Site is continually updated with all the latest and greatest RAC events.
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