ONLINE – General Meeting – February 2021

TAAA’s general member meeting will be held on February 5 and be conducted online. The meeting will start at 6:30 P.M. All presentations at this meeting are open to the public, to give potential new members a chance to learn more about TAAA. These will be followed by members-only open discussion and breakout rooms at approx. 8:30 P.M. To view the meeting,  please visit       https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/

6:30 pm – Main Public Presentation

Title:  Astronomical League (AL) observing programs

Speaker:  Douglas Smith

Douglas Smith will present a general summary of the new Astronomical League (AL) observing programs and status of our club’s AL membership and awards. The AL, comprised of over 240 amateur societies from across the USA, is dedicated to promoting the science of astronomy.

7:15 pm (Approx) – Open to Public

Title: Update on Chiricahua Astronomy Complex

Speakers:  Jim Knoll, Mike McDowell and Ed Foley

Jim Knoll, Mike McDowell and Ed Foley will provide an update on Chiricahua Astronomy Complex, TAAA’s dark-sky observing site about 100 miles SE of Tucson near the Chiricahua Mountains. The 16 acres, with incredibly dark skies, provide an opportunity for members to observe extremely faint and distant deep-sky objects. We have several large telescopes and observing pads for member use and are in the process of building a state-of-the-art Learning Center with classroom facilities and a building with sleeping rooms for overnight accommodations. This will allow us to provide first class astronomy education outreach to schools and youth groups throughout Southeastern Arizona and enhance our member observing experience. Join us for an update on this member benefit.

Title:  Annual Treasurer’s Report

Speaker:  Treasurer Mike McDowell

 Treasurer Mike McDowell will give the Annual Treasurer’s Report.