MDAS Membership
MDAS Goals
The goals of MDAS are twofold.
MDAS brings a knowledge of astronomy and space science to the general public. The society offers programs that give the public an opportunity to view celestial objects.
MDAS offers its members on opportunity for celestial study and viewing.
It enhances their enjoyment through informative lectures and other
programs. It provides an opportunity for members to discuss their ideas
and expertise with others who share their interests.
We invite you to become a member of the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society and enjoy all the benefits of membership
Initial dues for new members: $30 ($25 annual membership + $5 MDAS name
badge).
Annual membership dues include all members of your immediate family at
the same address.
Please take these two simple steps to become a member of MDAS:
1.
Click
here and complete the membership application form.
Members of Mount Diablo Astronomical Society:
Click here to renew your
membership and choose "Membership Renewal."
Donations are always welcome to support the club: Click here to make a donation..
History
MDAS was formed in 1957 as part of the National "Moon Watch" program
established to time the first man-made satellites so accurate orbits
could be calculated. Within months of the club's formation, astronomy
and space science made a giant leap into the households and classrooms
of Americans with the launching of Sputnik, and soon afterwards Explorer
I. The space race was on, kindling a desire in many to understand more
about space and astronomy, and what the newly formed NASA was planning.
The club and amateur astronomy flourished in this environment, evolving
along with new technologies and an ever increasing world-wide space
awareness. Today, it is not uncommon to see amateur astronomers
utilizing lasers, integrated circuits, and powerful home computers in
pursuit of their hobby.
General Meetings
The monthly general meetings are held at 6:45 pm on the fourth
Tuesday of each month--except for November and December, when they are
held on the third Tuesday. The meetings are held in the Concord Police
Association Facility located at 5060 Avila Road in Concord. The only way
to get to Avila Road is from Willow Pass Road. Turn east onto Avila Road
approximately 300 yards south of the Willow Pass Road off-ramp from the
Route 4 freeway. Turn right into the Police Association Facility at the
crest of the first hill.
Our meetings typically last about two hours. The first half hour is the
society's official "gab" session. Members gather in various sized
clusters and tell of their latest exploits with their telescopes. If
there is nothing to tell or hear, coffee, juice and cookies are
available.
The meeting is called to order about 7:15. First on the agenda is
"What's up?" in which a member discusses a topic of interest. This is a
short presentation that generally previews what is currently available
in the heavens for observation, but may be an any subject of general
interest. Next, announcements are made and pending business is
discussed.
At 8:00 comes the piece de resistance--our feature presentation,
generally a distinguished speaker from outside the club. The subjects
are highly variable. They can range from "how to" to lectures on current
astronomy or space related research.
Public Star Gazing
Throughout the viewing season (March through October) Mount Diablo
Astronomical Society, Mount Diablo Observatory Association and the Mount
Diablo State Park Service sponsor star gazing programs for the public.
These occur about once a month. Upon occasion a session will feature a
slide show or constellation identification or visible satellite passes.
Sometimes a session is scheduled to coincide with astronomical events
such as eclipses or meteor showers. It is through these public programs
that many of our current members first became aware of opportunities
that we provide.
Most sessions last from two to four hours. They are held at the lower
summit parking lot in Mount Diablo State Park. The park gates close
around sunset, so be certain to arrive in plenty of time. The
temperature on the mountain can drop considerably during the evening, so
dress warmly. Keep in mind that this is a state park and, as such, park
rules apply--including any gate fees.
At the end of the session, visitors will be escorted off the mountain.
Departure will be by way of the North Gate (this becomes Oak Grove Road
in Walnut Creek once you are outside the confines of the park.)
Once these sessions are scheduled, they are only canceled due to rain or
fire hazard. Don't be put off by slightly overcast skies. Often, when it
is overcast in the late afternoon, by the time night arrives on the
mountain viewing is fine. If you would like advice on current
conditions, you can usually reach a person in the South Gate kiosk until
sunset at (925) 837-0904.
Advantages of Membership
The advantages of being a member of MDAS are as varied as your
interests in astronomy; we address about any interest that you may have.
First of all is the opportunity for viewing the heavens. MDAS
sponsors--or at least cosponsors--many viewing opportunities. In
addition to the public programs as mentioned above, we schedule society
star gazing sessions. The society star gazing sessions provide the
members an opportunity to pursue their own individual interests in
observational astronomy.
Another program is run in cooperation with the National Park System.
This is our annual trip to Yosemite National Park. This is a public
event similar to our local star gazing sessions. All of the astronomy
clubs in the Northern California area take a turn in providing a program
at Glacier Point.
Sky Publishing Corporation and Kalmbach Publishing Company offer
discounts on their books and magazines ("Sky and Telescope" and
"Astronomy", respectively.)
MDAS is a member organization of the Amateur Astronomers of Northern
California (AANC). AANC sponsors several activities each year. These are
a workshop (a series of "how to" lectures) in March and the annual
"Star-B-Que" on Fremont Peak in August.
And finally, not the least, but probably the most important is in our
monthly general meetings. These meetings provide informative lectures
and an opportunity for amateur astronomers at all levels of expertise to
discuss any phases of theory and observation.
Membership
The only qualification for membership is a desire to better understand our universe and to participate in club activities. We operate on a "try before you buy" policy. You are invited to attend a meeting or two to decide whether or not you wish to become a member--meeting times and locations are indicated above. If you decide to become a member, ask around, and someone will direct you to our membership chairman, who will take care of all of the details. Just e-mail him at: Membership Information @ MDAS.