TEN THINGS WE WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THE SANDUSKY VALLEY AMATEUR ASTRONOMY CLUB (SVAAC)
1) Formed in 1983 from the Fostoria Astronomical Society and interested people from Tiffin who wanted to work with the McMillin 12.5 inch refractor telescope.
2) The main goal of the SVAAC is to promote and provide amateurs, schools, public organizations and teachers, access to knowledge of astronomy and related subject matter through membership in the club. We learn, teach and study what we care about individually. There are no tests or assignments other than voluntary.
3) The SVAAC membership comes mainly from 6 surrounding counties and many towns like Fostoria, Fremont, Tiffin, Findlay, Old Fort, Bellevue, Fort Seneca and Port Clinton. Rural dwellers are also well represented. Members range in age from 9 to 85.
4) The club elects the usual officers. Business meetings are short! When the viewing is good especially! Bad weather allows us to watch the latest NASA videos, share news about comets, eclipses, solar activity and the present night sky. Friendly discussions are what we do best. Whether you look, read, discuss, or just listen to “Astronomy Talk” you’ll be welcome. You may borrow books, pamphlets or other material from the Cranch Memorial Library, which the club owns. There is never a charge.
5) Single memberships are $15 per year. Family memberships are $20 per year. These may be pro-rated.
6) Meetings are the 3rd Monday of every month at 7:30 PM. Location of meetings is the observatory on Seneca County Road #33. A map is located on our web site - http://www.svaac.org/index.html. Guests are always welcome. Occasionally we have guest speakers to provide professional guidance on certain subject mater.
7) SVAAC members own about 30 reflector or refractor telescopes, both home-made and factory made. Plus binoculars. Members share their equipment. They will also provide guidance for those who want to buy a telescope. It would be prudent to ask them! If you own your own binoculars, bring them! If you don’t own, we can loan!
8) Our facilities are not fancy. We have the great McMillin telescope, meeting room with the “necessaries”, a TV set, VCR, slide projection equipment and the desire to help develop interest in the sky no matter what level of accomplishment.
9) We would welcome you to visit with us at the observatory on our meeting night, or by special arrangement on another night if you represent a larger group; ten or more.
10) We want to give you the SUN and MOON and the STARS!