Benefits of becoming a CAS member
Many people join CAS simply because they want to be around other people who share their love of astronomy and exploring space, or even just to support amateur astronomy in our area. Others join for specific reasons related to the many benefits of being a member. Whatever the reason you choose to join, you will enjoy all of the benefits listed here
Membership in one of the oldest amateur astronomy groups in the nation
Becoming a member of CAS is like joining a part of history. At over 100 years old, CAS is one of the oldest amateur groups in the nation. We are tied firmly into local Cincinnati history, being intertwined with the history of the Cincinnati Observatory, the tragedy of the Chamber of Commerce fire of 1911, the stone sculpture in Burnet Woods, and the urban legends of the “Buffalo Ridge Crematorium”. CAS also was a major contributor to Operation Moonwatch of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which was tasked with tracking satellites launched during the early years of the Space Race. We have an Ohio Historical marker commemorating CAS’ involvement in the program. We also own a grand piece of history; an 8-inch Alvan Clark refracting telescope, crafted in 1880.
Access to our monthly members meetings.
Every month CAS holds a meeting in which members are updated on Society business by a member of the CAS Board of Trustees. Afterward there is typically a members discussion around current events, plans for the Society, astrophotography, telescope equipment, and in some cases we bring in a speaker to give a presentation on an astronomy-related topic. After the meeting, members usually adjourn to the telescope field for some viewing (on clear nights), or to a local eating establishment for some general revelry.
Access to our many observatories.
CAS has multiple observatories at our Zion Road location (see separate section: Our Observatories. As a benefit of membership, you are eligible for training to learn to operate each of these observatories, and once qualified by the Instrument Committee, you have daily access to each of the observatories on which you are trained. We also own a remote observatory at one of our Dark Sky sites…..
And CAS members have access to both of our Dark Sky Sites.
CAS owns property in Adams County, Ohio (The Stewart Dark Sky Site) and Bracken County, Kentucky (Starfield Observatory). Upon joining you will have access to both sites. Each has something to offer the other doesn’t. Wide open vistas at the Stewart site, and a 20-inch telescope at the Starfield Observatory site (training required). Both sites offer remote skies which provide the darkness needed for naked-eye Milky Way observing, fantastic astrophotography opportunities, and the general peace and quiet that sites provide for camping under the stars. See Dark Sky Sites section for more details.
Membership to the Astronomical League
CAS members are also enrolled as members with the Astronomical League**. The Astronomical League (AL) is the national umbrella organization for amateur astronomy organizations. As a member of the AL, you will also receive their quarterly magazine The Reflector, as well as be eligible to participate in AL Observing programs and receive awards upon completion. The AL Observing Programs are a great way to set goals for your observing and learn how to properly log your observations. There are nearly 100 different programs to choose from at all skill levels.
** Enrollment of the entire membership in the AL by CAS may be revoked at the discretion of the CAS Board on an annual basis.
Access to our private Facebook group
Members can join our private Facebook group for quick discussions about all things astronomy. It’s great way to ask quick questions as well as keep up to date on last minute happenings and gatherings.
Access to our group Slack channel
Members are provided a code to join the CAS Slack channel. Slack is employed by CAS in order to provide a means for members to communicate if they prefer not to use Facebook.
Sidereal Messenger Newsletter
CAS members are also signed up for our Sidereal Messenger monthly newsletter. The Messenger is a great way to stay up to date on happenings with CAS members, events at CAS, and general Society news. The Messenger is delivered once per month to our members via PDF download.
CAS Messenger mailing list
All members are enrolled in our CAS Messenger email list, to receive updates on the Society not appearing in other forums, but mostly for late breaking developments regarding any impromptu events, or issues with any of our facilities.
Priority access for CASkids
Members are given priority access to sign up for our monthly CASkids program***. While this program is open to the public, it frequently sells out, thus we give members first choice of tickets for each monthly event.
*** The CASkids program is on indefinite hiatus due to the ongoing effects of COVID.
