Introduction
to the EAS
The Evansville Astronomical Society is a non-profit organization fully incorporated in the State of Indiana. It has as its primary goal the advancement of amateur astronomy. Founded in 1952, the society seeks to (1) maintain adequate facilities, both for its members and the public to better study the skies, and (2) promote an educational program for those wanting to learn more about this great and rewarding science.
For more, go check out the History.
The Society's facility is conveniently located in the Wahnsiedler Observatory on the grounds of Lynnville Park near the town of Lynnville, Indiana (Directions are below). Lynnville is about 20 miles northeast of Evansville. Built in 1980, this location serves as the organization's headquarters. The observatory contains a lecture hall, a computer room, a lounge and a dome housing telescopes on a clock-driven, computerized, equatorial mount.
The Society sponsors Public Star Watches and open house events monthly through the warm months. These events give the public free access to the Observatory (or other great dark sites) and to the members of the EAS. The club also holds other free special events during astronomical events such as comets, eclipses, and meteor showers.
Regular meetings are held every third Friday of each Month at 7:30pm at the Observatory. An exception is made during the one summer month selected for the annual picnic when no regular meeting takes place. Usually the meeting runs about one-half hour, then a short program follows after a break.
Take I-64 to the Lynnville exit (#39). Turn north. At the flashing red light, turn left. Lynnville Park is about 1.5 miles to the west. Once inside the Park (cost is FREE for Observatory visitors) turn right, and follow the dirt road around, and up the hill. The Wahnsiedler Observatory is on the left. (We like darkness. IF you can drive SAFELY with only parking lights, please do so in the parking lot).
The rates are currently $65 a year for a single membership and $65 a year for a family membership. The accounting year covered by the dues runs from July 1 to June 30th of the next year. For anyone joining the E.A.S. from January to June, Dues are 1/2 of the amount listed . The rates are subject to change so be sure to check with one of our officers. Your membership also includes our club's own monthly publication, The Observer; Membership in the Astronomical League; and a subscription to the quarterly publication of the Astronomical League, The Reflector.
In addition to the Observer and the AL's Reflector, we highly recommend a subscription to Sky & Telescope and/or Astronomy Magazine. A special rate is available through the club for members.
Members of the EAS are also members of the Astronomical League. The Astronomical League is composed of over two hundred local amateur astronomical societies from all across the United States. These organizations, along with its Members-at-Large, Patrons, and Supporting members form one of the largest amateur astronomical organizations in the world.
The Astronomical League's basic goal is to encourage an interest in astronomy, especially amateur astronomy, throughout America. They do this through educational and observational programs for the amateur astronomer. Anyone may join as a Member-at-Large, or through their local astronomical society.
Each year the League holds a conference. In 1998 the EAS and LAS (Louisville, KY) hosted ALCON at French Lick Springs Resort.
Louisville Astronomical Society
A more complete listing can be found at Sky & Telescope's site.