Joining Edmonton Centre
Formed in 1932, the Edmonton Centre is one of twenty-six centres affiliated with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. The RASC, as it is generally called, has been a national society since 1903, and has roots dating back to 1868.
Membership in the Edmonton Centre provides an opportunity for anyone interested in astronomy, whether just beginning or experienced, to have links with other amateurs and professional astronomers - locally and across Canada.
By joining the Edmonton Centre you will have an opportunity to meet members who are interested in planetary, deep-sky observing, telescope making, astrophotography, radio astronomy, public education, and the study of any of the many facets of astronomy. As if that was not enough you'll also get our own monthly publication Stardust, and the much anticipated annual April "Starbust" issue.
Edmonton Centre holds public meetings ten months of the year (September through June), generally on the second Monday of the month. Centre observing nights are held monthly at a dark site within an hour's drive of the city. We both have an observer's group, as well as an astrophotography group for those interested in a more "hands-on" approach to astronomy.
We also maintain a comprehensive astronomical library including many recent titles that would appeal to amateur astronomers. Currently the centre has a number of deck and rental scopes for members' use during observing sessions, as well as an educational telescope loaner program for schools and organizations.
Please feel free to browse our website. You are also invited to attend our upcoming meetings and / or observing sessions. There is no charge to attend either of these. You are also able to visit us out at the Telus World of Science Observatory deck where many members volunteer their time to answer any questions you might have about the club, or the Night Sky.
Membership Benefits
A benefit in joining is that members also become members of the National organization and thereby receive the internationally acclaimed Observer's Handbook, The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and a Subscription to SkyNews magazine.
Some of the other benefits of becoming an Edmonton member are:
- Monthly meetings with excellent discussions at an amateur level and occasional special guest speakers.
- An excellent library of astronomical books and periodicals which can be signed out by members.
- Telescopes - several to choose from which can be loaned out (some only to members.
- People - A great group of amateur & professional astronomers who are eager to share their experiences.
- Publications:
The RASC Observers Handbook. This world renowned handbook is published yearly in September, and mailed directly to you from National office. It contains a wealth of information on the subject of astronomy at both a amateur and professional level.
The Journal of the RASC. The national journal of the society is puublished six times per year, and contains articles news from the various other centres, etc. It is available in either a printed format or as a electronic file.
SkyNews Magazine. A one year subscription to the Canadian Astronomy Magazine - SkyNews, which is published six times per year.
Stardust. Ten issues of the Edmonton Centre's own Stardust, which includes local news, events, observing reports, & centre news.
Becoming a Member
The National office of the RASC coordinates the membership applications and renewal for most of the regional RASC Centres. To become a member of the Edmonton Centre or to renew a membership in the Edmonton Centre, please go to http://www.rasc.ca/join/index.shtml
Assosciate Memberships are only available through Edmonton Centre.