Welcome

TAAS is a group of people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels who share an interest in the science of astronomy.   While most members are from the southeastern area of Connecticut, we are fortunate to have members residing in several states.   The only requirements for membership are an interest in some aspect(s) of the diverse field of astronomy and the payment of yearly dues.  Dues are just $10 for individual membership or $15 for family membership.  The club as a whole strives to meet 4 times a year to discuss club issues and there is usually food and drink at these friendly, semi-formal meetings.  TAAS members also meet a few times a month (weather permitting) at one of our dark sky sites for observational activities.  We maintain close relationships with many area educational facilities including Connecticut College and Mystic Seaport.  We do public outreach programs in a number of diverse venues.  In addition to having access to a dark sky site in Salem CT, TAAS also manages and has access to the observatory at Pine Point School in Stonington, CT.

If a member has no equipment of his or her own, other members are happy to shares views through their own telescopes and binoculars.  TAAS also has a limited supply of equipment available for use by club members.

TAAS was originally formed in the 1950s or 60s.  We have been unable to pinpoint the exact date as the number of members waxed and waned in the early years and records were not kept.  Since about 1985 the club has seen steady growth and currently has about 40 members.   The level of expertise varies from novice to professional astronomers.   TAAS prides itself on being a friendly group with no one ever feeling out of place because of a lack of equipment or knowledge.  We maintain relationships with other clubs in New England including Arunah Hill, Stellafane, Sky Scrapers and Frosty Drew Observatory.

If you have ever looked at the sky and wanted to know and see more, please consider joining us and sharing your enthusiasm with others of like minds.  If you are thinking of purchasing equipment but don’t know what to buy or where to get it, let us demonstrate and share our equipment and collective knowledge.   You may even want to build your own telescope like some from our talented group have done.

Whatever you are looking for in astronomy, you’re likely to find it within TAAS.  Follow our links from this website for more information and visit us as a guest as much as you’d like before joining.

For information about joining TAAS, or to request website access, please  CONTACT US