Mount Diablo Astronomical Society

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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.

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, Tom Harris, who will take care of all of the details. Just e-mail him at: Membership Information @ MDAS.

Our first year dues are $27.00, with subsequent years at $22.00--dues are assessed on a per household basis. The extra $5.00 in the first year provides you with a MDAS name badge. You may arrange for discount subscriptions to "Astronomy" and/or "Sky and Telescope" at this time.

Click here for our Membership Application. Just print the page from your browser, then mail it to the address at the bottom of the form.