Welcome to Westchester Amateur Astronomers

We are a not–for–profit organization open to people of all ages with the desire to learn more about astronomy and who share an interest in viewing the universe. We range from enthusiastic amateurs and educators to casual stargazers and families. Everything you need to know about our organization is outlined below. Current astronomy news, feeds and astronomy resources can be found on the right side of the page.

You can reach the WAA via email at info (at) westchesterastronomers (dot) org

Events

During most of the year we have events twice monthly. All events are free and open to the public.

Monthly Lectures

February and March are Mars Mania Months!

In anticipation of the August landing of the Mars Curiosity Rover, February and March will feature talks on Mars from Br. Robert Novak, Professor and Chairman of the Physics Department at Iona College.

Friday, February 3rd at 7:30 pm

Telescopic Infrared Spectroscopy to Measure Planetary Atmospheres

Br. Novak will describe the images taken by an infrared spectrometer attached to a telescope and review methods used to interpret those images. The end result is a global map of the distribution of the atmospheric gas across the planet.

Friday, March 2nd at 7:30 pm

The Latest on Water on Mars with a Description of the Launch of Mars Curiosity

Br. Novak will discuss the temperature/pressure state of water followed by a description of the nature of water on Mars. He will show data on what are believed to be outflows of water along the sides of Martian craters and will review the isotopic distribution of Martian water. Part of the talk will review the instruments on the recently-launched Mars Curiosity rover, including pictures of the mission’s November 26, 2011 launch.

All lectures are free and open to the public.

The lectures are held at the Pleasantville Campus of Pace University in the Miller Lecture Hall. The best way is to enter the Campus is through Entrance 2, and follow the road around to Miller Hall. Meetings are held on the ground floor in the Miller Lecture Hall.

Directions and a campus map can be found here

Join us at 7 PM for our social hour, a WAA tradition!

Starway to Heaven

Starway to Heaven is our monthly observing night at The Meadow, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. WAA Directions.

2012 Observing Dates

• March 17 (rain date March 24)
• April 14 (rain date April 21)
• May 12 (rain date May 19)
• June 16 (rain date June 23)
• July 14 (rain date July 21)
• August 11 (rain date August 18)
• September 15 (rain date September 22)
• October 13 (rain date October 20)
• November 10 (rain date November 17)

We typically set up and start observing within a half hour after sunset. You can find the time for sunset at Ward Pound Ridge here

"Starway to Heaven" is free and open to the public through the generosity of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. We encourage you to bring your telescope — especially if you need help using or setting it up.

Don't have a telescope? You can look through our members' equipment.

Call 1–877–456–5778 for weather cancellations. A good rule of thumb: Don't show up if you can't count more than 10 bright stars. Please read our General Observing Guidelines. The WAA cannot guarantee the turnout of members and telescopes during the winter months.

Newsletters

Read the latest SkyWAAtch newsletters:

We also have archived newsletters.

Membership

Annual dues are $25.00 per family which includes discounts on subscriptions to Sky and Telescope and Astronomy magazines (see below). To join the WAA, fill out our application and send it along with a personal check or money order to our P.O. Box.

Magazine Discounts

For WAA members only. Sky and Telescope — $32.95. Make check payable to Sky Publishing. Astronomy — $34.00. Make check payable to Kalmbach Publishing. Please mail the completed renewal form, your payment and the return envelope (with proper postage) to our P.O. Box. If you subscribe to both magazines you need to fill out two separate renewals. New subscribers please enclose a note stating new subscription. Note any change of address.

Contact Us

We'll be glad to answer all your questions; just send your inquiries to info (at) westchesterastronomers (dot) org

2011 Officers

• Douglas Baum - President - email
• Dr. Lawrence Faltz - Senior Vice President - email
• Paul Alimena - Secretary & Membership Chair - email
• Rob Baker - Treasurer - email
• David Parmet - Webmaster & Public Relations Chair - email
• Bob Kelly - Field Events - email
• Pat Mahon - Speaker Coordinator - email 
• Thomas Boustead - Newsletter Chair
• Charlie Gibson & Darryl Ciucci - Equipment Donations Chairs

News

The WAA gratefully acknowledges a $250 gift made on behalf of Andrew and Katherine Bonczyk in memory of Katherine’s Father--George Klaus.

George was a long time member of the WAA and served as our past Secretary. He passed away in 2006.

About The "W"

The constellation Cassiopeia in its familiar "W" orientation as it appeared just above the treetops on Thursday, June 13, 1991 — the night the WAA was founded.