The Astronomical League: What’s it all about?

In July of 2016 the Lowbrows became a member society of the Astronomical League. What that means for individual Lowbrows is that you also can join the Astronomical League for only $7.50 a year!

The Astronomical League is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the science of astronomy, focusing on pursuit of astronomy by amateurs. In their words, the Astronomical League’s mission is “To promote the Science of Astronomy; To foster observational and computational work, and craftsmanship opportunities in the various fields of Astronomy; To provide a medium for correlating amateur activities and professional research; To encourage and coordinate activities of amateur Astronomical Societies”.

Individual Lowbrow members are free to join the Astronomical League or not to. If you are still reading then you probably have two questions: “How much will it cost me?” and “What’s in it for me?”.

As already stated your cost as an individual is only $7.50 annually. So what does that $7.50 buy you? Besides a paper and/or electronic subscription to the League’s quarterly journal The Reflector, a major benefit is eligibility to participate in any or all of the Astronomical League’s observing programs. Again, in the Astronomical League’s words these programs “are designed to provide a direction for your observations and to provide a goal. The programs have awards and pins to recognize the observers’ accomplishments and for demonstrating their observing skills with a variety of instruments and objects.” The Astronomical League also provides tools to aid you in your observations. They have observing awards for all observational skill levels. They are a great way to provide you more of a reason to go out observing, while improving your observing skills at the same time. Besides those tangible benefits, Astronomical League members have voting privileges, and may attend conventions and join in other Astronomical League activities.

To participate in any of these programs you must be a member of the Astronomical League – either as part of a member society or as a member-at-large. When you consider that the cost to join as a member-at-large starts at $40.00, joining for only $7.50 as part of a member society like the Lowbrows is a HUGE bargain!

Joining the Astronomical League as an individual member is a no-brainer. You are urged to consider it. The monetary cost is minimal, and the benefits to you if you join are, well, astronomical!

[ To join the Astronomical League through the Lowbrows, please contact the club treasurer. For more information on the Astronomical League, go to https://www.astroleague.org/ ]