Fort Worth Astronomical Society
From AstronomyOutreach network
Our members have a wide range of experience from beginners to professional astronomers. Historically, the Fort Worth Astronomical Society has taken a positive and active role in sharing our expertise and time with the public. We conduct numerous star parties and astronomy-related presentations for local schools, clubs, and other organizations throughout the year as part of our public outreach.
We invite and encourage our members to participate in the many activities we have to offer. Helping out with star parties and our active young astronomer group, serving as a club officer, organizing public events, and contributing to the monthly newsletter are just a few of the ways you can get involved. The best part is no experience is required. A simple desire to help is all the experience you need.
The Fort Worth Astronomical Society has many experienced amateur astronomers who are ALWAYS willing to help individuals who are new to the hobby. Don't hesitate to ask us anything. Our membership knowledgebase spans decades of experience, from the seasoned veterans, all the way down to members who have just taken up the hobby recently.
Mission Statement
It shall be the mission of this society to:
Actively promote the science of astronomy; Encourage and coordinate the activities of other groups interested in astronomy; Foster observational work and research among its members; Foster craftsmanship in the constructions of astronomical instruments and to make instruments available for the use of its members to the extent practical.
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Membership
Membership in FWAS is open to anyone with an interest in amateur astronomy (no telescope required).
FWAS membership includes:
Use of the club's dark observing site (70 miles north of FTW)
Use of the club's communal telescopes and equipment (all large aperture Dobs)
Automatic free membership in the Astronomical League
Automatic free membership in the NASA Night Sky Network
Special FWAS discount subscription rates to Astronomy, Sky & Telescope, and StarDate magazines
Our award winning newsletter Prime Focus, keeping you informed of club activities and news
Access to the FWAS Yahoo E-Group electronic mailing list.
Awards and Recognition
Clubs and Certification Programs
Outreach
FWAS conducts, and participates in, several astronomy related events outside of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History star parties schedule throughout the year. We try not to miss an opportunity to share our love and knowledge of astronomy. If your school or organization would like for our members to come out and bring our telescopes or speak about amateur astronomy, please click one of our links to fill out our online request form to get on our schedule.
We attend community sponsored public events such as Earth Day, Moon Day, community outdoor movie nights, Spring/Fall festivals and other municiple public events, in Fort Worth and the surrounding North Texas area.
We also attend public and private school science fairs and observing nights, College For Kids (TCC), Home School group events, and vitrually any space or science learning group event you can think of. We provide the equipment and personnel for those and many other types of events. And as usual we never charge a fee for our services. This is our hobby and our passion as our promotional video states.
FWAS also provides astronomy instruction and support to local Boy and Girl Scout troops throughout North Texas. These events usually give us some of the best local dark sky locations to really present the night sky wonders in its proper setting - a truely dark sky.
Usually located far away from the city lights on remote, rural campground and state parks, these are some of the funnest events FWAS participates in. Also knowing we are helping scouts to earn their astronomy badges is a plus too!