Member Benefits

What we have to Offer:

Monthly Member Meetings

The first Friday of each month the members of TAAA meet at the auditorium of the Steward Observatory on the campus of the University of Arizona. We have wide range of programs during the year. We have presentations from members and member groups, seasonal observing tips, and monthly planet reports. Being at the center of the nation’s astronomy industry, and in proximity of so much astronomy talent, TAAA host speakers from all over the discipline often to share cutting edge work in the field.

Volunteering

TAAA offers opportunities for its members to become active contributors to STEM education. We actively offer education to our own members and encourage those members to inspire students and the community by sharing their knowledge of the sky during events we host throughout the year.

Special Interest Groups

Sub-groups formed to study areas of special interest.

Astronomy Fundamentals

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

Starry Messenger

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.

Dark Sites

Access to each of our two dark sites – one to the west of the Tucson Mountains and one south-southeast of Tucson in Pearce, AZ – available to members and their guests.

TIMPA
CAC

Equipment Lending Program

We have telescopes and accessories that members can borrow. This allows members to use telescopes at the dark sites, or to test the various equipment types before buying. The available TELESCOPES link.

TAAA Forum

Participate in the discussion forum to share topical issues in the Astronomy world. Members share observations, astronomy related stories, astro-photos, and ideas on equipment.

Affiliation with National Organizations

Opportunity to meet and associate with astronomy professionals and share your astronomy knowledge with others.

Members Bulletin

Members receive a monthly Desert Skies Bulletin, listing current activities and astronomy related articles of interest. Log into Member Planet (through Members Only Portal) to view the latest Bulletin. Members will also receive an email link for each new Bulletin.

Bulletin (Monthly) – Monthly Bulletins – historic list

Member Apparel – with TAAA Logo

Members have access to apparel from shirts to hats, shorts to active wear all sporting the TAAA logo in the Apparel Catalog.

Magazine Discounts

Periodically, Members will get club discount on Sky & Telescope and Astronomy magazine subscriptions.

Access to Club Library

Our club library contains many books and CD’s that are available to our members. [Read More]

Specialty Workshops

Guided projects to build astronomy equipment. Our current projects include building white light solar filters and lamps which help preserve night vision. The upcoming Classes are listed at this LINK.

Guided Observing Programs

Include observing constellations, the sun, the moon, our solar system, and double stars. We even have a family observing program.

Link to your Website

We will provide a link from our website to yours.

Now that you have seen what we are about, you might want to consider joining with us. If you join with us, you will receive a New Member Packet which includes the following:

Welcome Letter
TAAA Privacy Policy
Star party Etiquette
Getting Started in Astronomy
Astronomy for Beginners
TAAA Lending Programs
Helpful Astronomy Product Reviews

Invitations to member social events

TAAA holds social events at the end of each in person member meeting, at our dark sites during the year, and a celebratory year end Holiday Party where you can mingle with like minded, curious members.

…and we provide mentoring where needed.

JOIN TAAA

Where You'll Find Us

Services We Provide

Community Star Parties

Star Parties for requesting communities [ See Details]

Public Star Parties – Star Parties open to the public

Catalina State Park
Oracle State Park
Parks and Recreation

Member Star Parties – Star Parties for members and invited guests

Monthly and Bi-Monthly our Chiricahua and TIMPA dark sites

Tucson Stargazing Adventures

[ See Details ]

Special Occasions
Conventions
Resorts

Astronomy Extravaganzas

Astronomy Festival
Grand Canyon Star Party

Other Non-Star Party Events

Tucson Festival of Books

Mentoring Youth/Adults

Boy Scouts
Boys/Girls Clubs
Star Party Volunteers
How to observe – Observing Clubs
Astronomy CAMP for teens

Tools We Use

Knowledgeable Volunteers
Excellent Educational Materials
NSN Tool Kits
Quality Equipment – Binoculars, Telescopes and Accessories

What We're About

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

Holds 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

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.

Our Desert Skies

Local Astronomy

Desert skies are ideal for astronomy and the Tucson Desert sky is no exception. Many seek out Tucson as the place to be. Why? Because of our night sky, but also because of all of the astronomy and scientific organizations based here. The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association is the premier amateur astronomy group by virtue of our close ties to many of the astronomy and scientific organizations as well as our educational opportunities and outreach events.

In addition to TAAA events, here are some of the things that are happening in and around Tucson:

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Kitt Peak supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun. Whether you wish to visit during the day to catch a guided tour, learn the constellations and view through a telescope at night, or even reserve a telescope all to yourself, there is something for you. Daytime and evening programs, some very special events, programs for schools and youth groups, tours for organized groups, exhibits, and facilities. Visit the Kitt Peak website for more information.

Flandrau Science Center

The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium explores our universe from earth to space and everything in-between, bringing science alive for young and life-long learners alike. Changing exhibits through the year focus on biology, energy, optics and more, weaving in ground-breaking UA research and revealing the world of science careers for budding scientists. Flandrau’s Observatory is open to the public at no charge each week Thursday through Saturday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Steward Observatory

Since September 1922, Steward Observatory has been hosting public evening lectures in astronomy. The lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held in Room N210 of Steward Observatory. Following all Monday evening talks, the Raymond E. White, Jr. Reflector in the historic Steward Observatory dome will be open for public viewing of the night sky (weather permitting). All of the lectures and the use of the telescope are free of charge and open to the general public. Visit the Steward Observatory website for more information.

Mt. Lemon Sky Center

The SkyNights StarGazing Program is open to the public most nights of the year using the Southwest’s largest dedicated public telescope! This program is a unique awe-inspiring opportunity that lets you peer beyond the blue horizons of our southwestern skies and explore the astronomical wonders of the Universe.

Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory

The Visitors Center features displays and exhibits on astronomy and astrophysics, natural science, and cultural history. Located at the base of Mt. Hopkins in the Santa Rita Mountains, just within the boundary of the Coronado National Forest. For more information, visit the Whipple Observatory website.

National Solar Observatory

The National Solar Observatory at Sacramento Peak welcomes visitors during the daytime. The Observatory offers various kinds of tours.

Mt. Bigelow Astronomy Camp

An opportunity for both young and old to experience the universe in a new and exciting way. Teenage students gain a cosmic perspective of the earth and themselves. Visit the Mt Bigelow Astronomy Camp website for more information.

Richard F Caris Mirror Lab

The Mirror Lab offers a 90 minute tour which provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meters / 27 ft) telescope mirrors in the world on the University of Arizona campus.