Written words do not replace experience. By Joining the DRAA, you will learn a lot about the night sky and telescopes by stargazing with other members and trying different telescopes. Becoming a member is easy, simply download the DRAA Brochure and complete the form within it. You can either mail it in to the Association to the address found on the Contact Information page or deliver it to us in person at either our next Monthly Meeting or Astronomy in the Park event.
If you are paying by cheque they are to be made payable to "The Durham Region Astronomical Association".
Being a member of The Durham Region Astronomical Association provides you many benefits, such as:
Monthly Meetings
Monthly Meetings are held each month from September to June, and are open the the public. Admission is FREE. The monthly meetings provide the opportunity to hear presentations from amateur and professional astronomers, watch DVD astronomy features, and share information about doing astronomy and using telescopes and related equipment.
Annual Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is called to review the past year's activities, events, finances, and to discuss the general health and future of The DRAA. The AGM is not open to the public. All members are encouraged to take part in this process to help shape the Association into a better organization for the benefit of its members and the community. Members can view the latest Annual Report on the Member Services page.
Special Meetings
Members can call Special Meetings of the Association to discuss a specific issue involving Corporate business. These meetings are not open to the public. Members should refer to the Corporate By-Laws for more information about Special Meetings.
Discussion Forum
Stay informed on Association activities, events, observing sessions, items of special interest, and share your experiences through the Association's on-line discussion Forum. This is great way to let others know you are heading out to DRAACO or to find out if others are planning to go! The Forum is the primary tool for members to communicate and collaborate. Members can view the rules that govern Forum use within the Forum.
Astro Workshop
The Member Observing Committee conducts Observing Workshops to acquaint amateurs of all skill levels (but especially the novice) with new and proven techniques to observe celestial objects and using a telescope and related accessories. Non-members may participate at ONE workshop session as guests of a member. New members can get details and register at the Observing Workshop page.
Telescope Making Workshop
A Telescope Making Workshop is also being offered. Details TBA.
Telescope Rentals
Don't own a telescope or maybe you would just like to try out another? Then borrow one from the DRAA. The association owns several telescopes that are available to its members for a small rental fee. If you are new to astronomy this is an excellent way to learn hot to use a telescope before purchasing your own. If you are unfamiliar with how to use the equipment we will be more then happy to give you a guide on is operations. For more information on renting a telescope, including the fee structure and available equipment please see the Telescope Rentals link on the menu.
Dark-Sky Observing Site and Observatory
The Durham Region Astronomical Association Centre for Observing (DRAACO) is a members only "dark sky" site. DRAACO is located east of Orono, and is situated on private property. The land owner has graciously permitted the Association to use this property for astronomical observation. The site is open year round but access up the lane way is not guaranteed to be cleared of snow in the winter months. The site provides a sky that ranks on the Bortle scale of approximately 4.5, that equates to a limiting magnitude of 6.1 to 6.5 naked eye. As well, because the property is private and not readily visible from the road, there is less of a worry for stray cars to pull in without shielded lights or other unwelcome individuals.
In 2013, the Association commissioned a roll-off roof observatory that includes a 25 cm Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. The observatory was established in memory of Walter Huron, a local amateur astronomer. Members that become Qualified Observatory Operators can schedule the use of the Walter Huron Observatory (WHO) through the Observatory Reservation member forum.
Members that organise a large observing group should adhere to the site plan details to ensure that suffiecient room is available for everyone, especially during ingress and egress to the observing site.
Member group observing can be organised through the draaco list serv.
Library and DVD Media
Looking for a good book on astronomy or a great documentary? They may be in The DRAA's library. The library has been acquired through donations from its members, the public, and from acquisitions made by the Association. The library includes books, periodicals and media that are all available for signing out by members free of charge. To see the full inventory of what is in the library click the link Library in the menu.
Committees
Being a member of the Association allows you to become an active participant in the community. You can do so by joining one or all of the Associations committees. A committee is a structured group of members that work together towards a goal that enriches the contribution that the DRAA makes to the community by increasing the awareness of the science of astronomy to the general public. Committees within the Association are started when needed and are dissolved once the goal has been met. The Forum contains a significant amount of information about past and future Committee work. The following Committees are currently active:
Public Relations Committee develops fact sheets and handouts, and its members serve as key point persons at public stargazing and other DRAA events to answer questions, manage our guest book, and sign up new members; and
Member Observing Committee develops observing programs for new and seasoned observers and present observing programs at monthly meetings.
Welcome
Interested in Astronomy?
The DRAA is for everyone from beginners to advanced amateurs, the club caters to all levels. - Monthly Meetings - Workshops - Dark Sky Site - And much more Still not sure? Find out more!
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