About TAAA

Our Purpose

The Association shall be an educational, service, scientific, and technical organization devoted to the study of, and promotion of interest in, Astronomy and its related allied sciences.

We are a friendly group of individuals like you with a common interest in astronomy.

Special Interest Groups

Sub-groups formed to study areas of special interest:

Astronomy Fundamentals

afsig-logoHolds monthly meetings on topics of interest to the budding astronomer as well as the seasoned veteran. This multifunctional group presents a basic astronomy course; sponsors workshops and guided observing programs.

Starry Messenger

Starry Messenger Banner

This multi-faceted group reaches out to the public in many ways to share the awesomeness of our universe.

Astronomical Imaging

Members meet monthly to share their images and discuss astro imaging, hardware & software and the issues that may arise.

TAAA Publications

Monthly Bulletin: Members receive a monthly bulletin listing the events of the following month. The current Bulletin is available only to members.

Desert Skies Newsletter: A journal published quarterly that includes articles of interest on various astronomy topics.

What We Provide to Members:

The opportunity to learn and understand the magnificence and grandeur of the universe There are various services and programs available only to our members . Join us!

What We Provide to Tucson:

Brief glimpses of the awesomeness of the universe and the opportunity to enjoy the allure and elegance of the night sky through star parties and hands on activities. You’re invited!

A Brief History of TAAA

Founded in 1954, we quickly grew to a group of 50 people known as the Tucson Amateur Astronomers (TAA). Activities then included tracking artificial satellites from a Moon Watch station at the U of A. The Moon Watch Program, coordinated by the Smithsonian Institution, helped the early US space-flight engineers perfect their science. Our Moon Watch station was recognized as one of the top three stations in the U.S. These activities led to a name change and we became the Tucson Astronomical and Astronautical Association (TAAA), a real tongue twister.
As the Moon Watch Program came to an end in the early 70s, our emphasis moved away from astronautics and focused on astronomy, but it wasn’t until 1978 that we became the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. [Read More About Our History]

Non-Profit Status

In 1987 we were incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit organization with the dedicated purpose of studying and promoting astronomy and its allied sciences.

Please help us further our goals.