New TAAS Web Page

Background

The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) is an astronomy club in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our members include beginners, professional astronomers, and everything in between. We attempt to make astronomy a rewarding pastime for all our members, and to promote astronomy both as a science and as a hobby. The Society maintains a close working relationship with the Albuquerque Public Schools and the University of New Mexico where we are able to conduct our meetings and aid in the operation of the UNM Observatory. The Society's own observatory, GNTO, is located at a dark site about an hour's drive from Albuquerque where we operate a sixteen-inch Newtonian Reflector on a German equatorial mount. The use of this instrument by all members of the Society and their guests is not just welcomed . . . it is encouraged. Books, videos, and slides are available to members. A Compendium of Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Resolutions, Positions, Responsibilities. and Other Useful Information of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society has been prepared by the TAAS Board of Directors and is available for download.

Activities

TAAS seeks to provide activities aimed at members from all levels of experience and a wide variety of specialized interests. These activities include:

Monthly meetings (usually held at Regener Hall on the UNM Campus) featuring lectures and programs on many facets of astronomy. Our speakers include professional scientists and accomplished amateur astronomers.
Observing sessions at dark-sky sites, both relatively near town and at more distant sites.
Field trips to observatories and other astronomical facilities in New Mexico and neighboring states.

GNTO

TAAS owns and operates a sophisticated, computerized observatory facility near Albuquerque equipped with:

A research-grade 16-inch, equatorially mounted f/6 Cave Newtonian reflector housed in a two-story domed observatory.
A 6-inch AstroPhysics apochromatic refractor in its own dome for CCD astrophotography.
A large, groomed observing field with concrete telescope pads, a warm-up and meeting building, and picnic facilities.
Free training is available to TAAS members covering the use of all the observatory facilities.

Public Service

One of the primary functions of our organization is to bring astronomy to the public and to educational groups. To do this, we:

Make the lectures and programs of our monthly meetings open and free to the public.
Provide exhibits and demonstrations at special events.
Provide volunteer assistants to help the University of New Mexico on nights when its Campus Observatory is open to the public.
Provide volunteer speakers to school and club groups which desire programs on astronomy.

Membership

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in astronomy. There are no age restrictions and one need not own any astronomical equipment to join. Indeed, we encourage you to join our organization and attend a few star parties before buying a telescope! Among the benefits of membership:

Our monthly newsletter, The Sidereal Times, which will keep you abreast of celestial events, Society meeting and dark-sky observing sessions.
Use of Society-owned Telescopes.
Access to the Society's Astronomical Library.
An astronomical public domain software exchange for computer owners.
Access to the Society's Observatory and large telescopes through cooperative agreements with other organizations
You can download our TAAS Membership Application Here
The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization devoted to astronomy.

The Albuquerque Astronomical Society, TAAS, is a non-profit organization of over 300 amateur astronomers from all walks of life across New Mexico. TAAS has been sharing New Mexico skies for more than 40 years, and is Albuquerque's leading public education resource for astronomy. Since 1959, our primary function has been public education, research, and the enjoyment of a common passion, the heavens. TAAS can be contacted on the TAAS HOTLINE at 254-TAAS (254-8227).
School kids love TAAS! TAAS brings astronomy to our schools, through an ambitious Educational Outreach program that brings astronomers, telescopes, demonstrations, a planetarium, and other exhibits to kids, parents and teachers at no cost to them. Our little house on the mesa TAAS enhances and educates people who are already interested in astronomy, with programs in Amateur Telescope Making, CCD Imaging, Backyard Astronomy, our own Observatory, and special dark site events.
To find out more about TAAS, please come to one of our Free Meetings at UNM, bring the family to one of our many Star Parties, or contact us for the latest events.