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| The Astronomical
League is composed of over two hundred and forty local amateur
astronomical societies from all across the United States. These organizations,
along with Members-at-Large, Patrons, and Supporting members form
one of the largest amateur astronomical organizations in the world.
The basic goal is to encourage an interest in astronomy (and especially amateur astronomy) throughout America. Many people have seen pictures of the other planets in our Solar System from spacecraft, but have no idea that they too can see these objects with a telescope. The League wants people to get access to telescopes, whether it is through their local astronomical society, school, or their own instruments, and use them to view the beauty in the heavens. The mission of the Astronomical League is: To promote the science of astronomy by fostering astronomical education; by providing incentives for astronomical observation and research; by assisting communication among amateur astronomical societies. The major benefit of belonging to this organization is receiving the quarterly newsletter, the Reflector, which keeps members in touch with amateur activities all over the country. The chance to meet the people you read about there occurs during the annual National Convention, or at one of the ten regional conventions that the AL sponsors. The easiest way to become part of the AL is to join one of the member societies close to you (the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society is a member society). A benefit of membership in this society is membership in the Astronomical League and part of your society dues goes to pay for your Reflector subscription. If it is not convenient for you to join one of these societies, you might consider becoming a Member-at-Large. If all you desire is a subscription to the Reflector, please fill in the subscription form and return it to the Astronomical League, along with your payment and they will enter your subscription. Astronomical League members can order astronomy-related books at a 10% discount through the Book Service. Books and other material published by the Astronomical League as well as clothing and jewelry can be purchased from the AL Sales Office. The Observing Clubs offer encouragement and certificates of accomplishment for demonstrating observing skills with a variety of instruments and objects. These include the Messier Club; Binocular Messier Club, Herschel 400 Club and the newly released Earth Orbiting Satellite Observer’s Club. |
