The NYAA,
Who We Are and What We Do
by Andreas Gada
The North York Astronomical Association (NYAA) is a small but active group of amateur astronomers who pursue (among other things): astrophotography, CCD imaging, camping, deep sky observing, graze gazing, meteor observing, planet observing, solar observing, variable star observing, and telescope making. Some members are seasoned observers who pursue their own interests while others, new to the hobby, are eager and willing to participate and make a contribution to the clubby setting and achieving their own goals, then sharing the results.

Observing sessions are held (near each new moon) at one of two dark sky sites. These sessions enable members to work on their observing projects. At "Og's Bog", near Schomberg, the club has two observatories and a warm-up hut. A small flip-roof observatory housing an equatorially mounted 12.5" telescope is used primarily for CCD imaging, while the 16" Dobsonian in the 12 foot dome is used for visual work. At Oak Heights, northeast of Cobourg, the club has a dark sky site with a warm-up hut/bunk house.

Monthly meetings, held in member's homes, and occasionally in a more formal setting, allow members to share the results of their activities. Once a year, the Association's world-class astronomical observing convention, Starfest, is held near Mount Forest, Ontario. In addition, the club publishes Astrotent every quarter, and maintains a BBS, an Internet home page and a list server to facilitate and encourage communications among the members.

There is always something new. We are in the early discussion stages for setting up and operating a RAT (Remotely Accessible Telescope -- see the article elsewhere in this issue of Astrotent). The club also continues to support other, more specific initiatives such as CCD observing as well as telescope making.

What makes it all happen is teamwork and a willingness to get involved! Club members get involved for their own enjoyment and satisfaction as well that experienced by others. To sum it up, if you are interested in participating in observational astronomy with like minded individuals, the NYAA may be a club of interest to you.

People who are interested in Club membership are encouraged to participate in several Club events before joining. This gives them the opportunity to "test the water" before taking the plunge.

The membership fee structure is:
 
$30 per year   Regular membership 
$20 per year   Student membership 
$40 per year   Family membership 
 
Optional charges: 
Key fee               +$10 per year 
(for use of the club's observatories) 
 
Borrowing telescope   +$20 per 10-day period  
(club refractor for a ten day loan period) 
 
 
Magazine subscription discounts: 
Sky & Telescope             $52 
(paid with membership or upon renewal) 
Astronomy                   $44
For further information, please contact Norm Folkers at
North York Astronomical Association Resources