Introduction
If you're just starting out in astronomy, congratulations! You are about to enter realms far
beyond most people's awareness, to gaze on immense vistas of the Universe.
You're also entering a hobby that involves a fair amount of learning and that needs to be
approached with certain attitudes to make it rewarding and fun. One of the most useful
resources of help to the budding astronomer is the local astronomical group. Our "star
group" is called The Indiana Astronomical Society, lnc. It is a cluster of amateur
astronomers with a wide variety of interests; If you are having problems or are frustrated,
it is certain that we can help you.
The I.A.S. provides a relatively large knowledge base for amateur astronomers. Our
membership comprises people of all ages and in many types of professions.
During the winter months of November through April, this group holds
a formal public meeting on the campus of Butler University at the Holcomb
Observatory on the second Saturday of every month beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting is held at the same time at Link Observatory during the summer
from May through October.
Other gatherings include Technical Meetings, Telescope Making Classes, Structured
Observing Sessions, Star Parties, Astro-Seminars and New Moon Group activities. The
I.A.S. provides public programs where members display telescopes and share views of the
night sky. Members also give talks or slide/tape presentations to students, boy/girl
scouts, senior citizens and other community groups. The Society publishes a monthly
newsletter called the Bulletin.
The main contribution our group provides is enthusiasm. Most societies have the goal of
promoting astronomy. With us, you are the Society's goal. You are the reason for its
existence. The Indiana Astronomical Society, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization, that
offers the opportunity to share and learn about one of the most ancient and at the same
time most contemporary of sciences. Whether your primary interest is observing, physics,
astrophotography, computers, space technology, telescope building, mythology or the
literature of space and imagination, you will find, as one of many 200,000 astronomy
amateurs in the United States, a fascinating and exciting challenge through membership in
the I.A.S. Joining this organization provides access to local sky-events, dark sky sites,
large telescopes and other astronomical activities from the Indiana perspective.
©2005 Indiana Astronomical Society