Regional Non-Profit Astronomy Associations, Clubs, and Societies.

Updated December 2006

These are non-profit organizations for the advancement of the science and hobby of astronomy, education of their members and the public. You are encouraged to seek counsel and experience through participation in their meetings, lectures, classes, practical activities (star watch activities, national and international travel expeditions), and lecture series.

1. Air & Space Museum Einstein Planetarium at
   Contact: Mr. Fean O'Brian or Tom Dietz at 202-357-1529
   National Air & Space Museum, Room 3368
   Washington DC, 20506
   

   Hot Line "Dial a Phenomenon": 202-357-2000
   

2. Analemma Society
   Contact: Mr. Charles Olin at 703-759-6616
   Analemma Park, Great Falls Observatory
   Springvale Road
   Great Falls, Virginia 22066
   

   For the education of children and adults in science through astronomy.
   Operating at Great Falls Observatory and assisting local schools.
   

3. Anne Arundel Assoc. of Amateur Astronomers
   Contact: Dr. Beth Hufnagel, Astronomy Professor at 410-777-2271
   Anne Arundel Community College
   101 College Parkway
   Arnold, MD 21012
   

   Observing open to the public 2nd Sat. of month, call 410-777-1820 in advance for weather updates.
   

4. Baltimore Astronomical Society
   Contact: Lawrence K. Brady, BAS: 410-545-5919
   Maryland Science Center, Inner Harbor
   Baltimore, MD
   

   Meet at the Science Center.
   * Newsletter posted at Company Seven
   

5. Greenbelt Astronomy Club
   Contact: Russell Waugh at 301-918-8750
   or George Gliba and Lynne Gilliland at 301-345-4760
   Howard Owen Science Center
   Greenbelt Road at Soil Conservation Road
   Greenbelt, Md. 20770
   

   Open to the public, meet and observe in Greenbelt
   * Newsletter posted at Company Seven
   

6. Harford County Astronomical Society
   Contact: Warren Hoover at 410-836-4155
   or Bruce Wrinkle at 301-604-2500
   P.O. Box 906
   Bel Air, Maryland 21014
   

   Observatory at Harford County Community College
   

7. Howard Astronomical League
   Contact: Mike Hall at 410-247-8965
   5167 Viaduct,
   Relay, Maryland 21227
   

   Meet 7:30 p.m third Thurs. each month, Howard County Parks Bldg, Columbia, MD
   Observe at Alpha Ridge (H.C. Nature Conservancy), and Carr's Mill Park.

8. International Occultation Timing Association
   Contact: David or Joan Dunham at 301-474-4722
   

9. Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Astronomy Club
   Contact: Bruce Gotwolls at 301-953-5000
   

   For Laboratory employees and contractors only.
   

10. NASA-Goddard Space Flight Ctr. Astronomy Club
    Contact: Fred Schumann at 301-513-7782
    or Don Haxton at 301-286-2983
    

    Open to NASA GSFC & NASA Contractor Employees Only
    

11. Maryland Science Center
    Baltimore, recorded "Star Line" at 410-545-5918
    

    Supported by Baltimore Astro. Society (above)
    * Newsletter posted at Company Seven
    

12. National Capital Astronomers, Inc.
    Contact: Jay Miller 301-530-7942
    National Capital Astronomers Computer Bulletin Board
    

    Meet at University of Maryland Observatory, Adelphi, MD
    in Washington, D.C. and at sites in Virginia
    Telescope Making Class: Guy Brandenberg 202-635-1860
    * Newsletter posted at Company Seven
    

13. NOVAC-Northern Virginia Astronomy Club
    Based in Springfield, Virginia
    Contact: Pete Johnson, President at 703-830-7513
    or Ed Seward, Vice President
    

    Open to the Public. Meet at George Mason University,
    Fairfax, VA on second Sunday of the month.
    Observe at Crockett Park (phone 703-358-6070), or Savage
    Park (703-729-0596).
    * Newsletter posted at Company Seven
    

14. Patuxent River Astronomy Club
    Contact: Tom Quesinberry at 301-286-3436
    

    Limited to active observers only.
    

15. RAC - Rappahannock Astronomy Club
    based in Fredericksburg, Virginia
    Contacts: Arondo Holmes, President
    or Myron Wasiuta 540-972-3290
    13506 Bugelnote Way, Spotsylvania, Va. 22553
    

    Open to the Public. Meet at Central Rappahanock Library (540-372-1144),
    downtown Fredericksburg on 2nd Wed. night of month.
    Observe at Caledon Natural Area in King George (540-663-3861),
    Lake Anna Winery, Spotsylvania Mall and downtown Fredericksburg
    

16. SMAS-Southern Maryland Astronomical Society
    Nanjemoy Creek Observatory, 4300 Turkey Tayac Pl., Nanjemoy, MD
    Contact: Mike Conte, President at 301-292-0753
    

    Open to the Public. Meet at Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Ed. Center,
    Nanjemoy, MD. Meetings and Star Watch activities monthly.
    

17. U.S. Naval Observatory at
    34th & Mass. Ave., N.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20392
    Contact: Steve Dick or Geoff Chester at 202-762-1438
    

    Monday night tour and observing at USNO. Support observing sessions
    open to the public at "Sky Meadows" State Park near Paris, Virginia