Q. The name, Astronomical Society of Southern New England (ASSNE), sounds like a group of professional astronomers. Would I fit in?
A. Probably. ASSNE’s motto is "To Educate and Inspire." Our membership is composed of men and women of all ages and with all levels of astronomical knowledge, ranging from rank beginner to professional. We all learn from each other and enjoy each other's company while discussing astronomy or observing together after meetings.
Q. What does membership in ASSNE cost?
A. No need to hold tight to your billfold - annual individual or family membership costs only $20.. If you need printed newsletters mailed to you, the additional cost is $9 per year. Note that the current month’s newsletter can be viewed at no extra charge on the club’s website by clicking the link on the main page. If desired, you may also print it from there for your own noncommercial use.
An additional annual fee of $7.50 will
gain you a discounted, club-sponsored membership in the Astronomical League
(AL), the world's largest federation of amateur astronomers. Visit http://www.astroleague.org/ for more
information.
Q. What does ASSNE do?
A. We meet monthly on second Saturdays to share information, educate ourselves, and just plain socialize. We observe after the meetings, weather permitting. At other times during the month, interested members can also get together at some members’ homes for mutual camaraderie and more observing. (Observing in a group can often be a more satisfying experience than doing it alone.) The hosts maintain email and phone mail invite lists of those wanting them. Some members also attend various regional astronomy events and star parties.
Furthermore, the AL has several observer certificate programs, from easy to very challenging,, designed to keep your interest up as you gain experience and reward your efforts along the way.
At times, we host guest speakers to tell us of their recent interests and activities within the professional or amateur astronomical communities. Upcoming engagements are announced in the club’s newsletter.
The club also participates in public-outreach programs by discussing astronomy and showing the night skies to the public at events such as the Providence WaterFire events, local-school science nights, and the annual club-sponsored Rehoboth Skies event. We also support the annual Friends of the Forrest fund raiser in Freetown, Mass., with public daytime solar observing at the Fun in the Sun event at Freetown State Forrest.
Q. Do I need a telescope to join ASSNE?
A. Absolutely not. Several members usually bring their telescopes to the meetings and are only too happy to share the views. In addition, ASSNE has loaner scopes, which may be taken out by club members for a month at a time.
If you are thinking of buying binoculars or a telescope or are perhaps considering getting into astrophotography, you can get some good advice from experienced members.
How is ASSNE structured?
A. Formally we have been organized, since 1995, as a nonprofit organization within the state of Massachusetts. Club officers are nominated and elected every other November for two-year terms, beginning the following January. Attendance at 50% or more of the meetings is required to be eligible to cast nominations or votes. ASSNE’s constitution and bylaws are available on request.
Q. Does ASSNE offer discounts on merchandise?
A. Your ASSNE membership entitles you to a $10 discount on an annual subscription to Sky & Telescope magazine.
Through your optional AL membership, you will also receive The Reflector, their quarterly publication, and a 10% discount on any astronomy book in print. Shipping and handling are free for domestic orders. Details can be found at the end of each newsletter.
By taking advantage of those discounts, the cost of membership can be quickly recouped.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact a club officer or come to a meeting.