RAS Membership Benefits
- An opportunity to request time on the Warren Rupp Observatory computer assisted. 36" f/7 Newtonian Reflector. This telescope is also able to be used in a non-assisted manner. (Qualification required).
- Upon availability, the use of the Club's 10" dobsonian mount telescope.
- Upon availability, the use of the Club's 16" Meade LightBridge telescope.
- Use of all club telescopes, including the 10" Discovery dobsonian, the 8" Meade Dobsonian, the 4.5" Orion dobsonian and the 150 Intes Maksuktov Cassegrain.
- An opportunity to request time for use the Observatory grounds for personal scopes.
- Full spectrum of 2" eyepieces and 1.25" eyepieces as well as a full range of filters.
- Use of the Club's Coronado Personal Solar Telescope and Cemax Eyepieces.
- Use of the Club's Video Eyepieces.
- Use of the Club's StellaCam Imaging Equipment (with proper instruction).
- Use of Club Binoculars.
- Use of the Club's green laser pointers.
- Access and use of the Club's StarLab Portable Planetarium (with proper training).
- MegaStar equipped laptops available with proper instructions. Training will be provided.
- An opportunity to be trained in public astronomy outreach and a chance to travel and teach!
- An opportunity to work with skilled amateur astronomers. Many of our members are highly proficient will computer assistance, as well as many who still manually aim their scopes and read maps. A true learning environment...
- Upon availability, use of the Club's library materials, video resources and outreach training materials.
- Free admission into the Hidden Hollow Convention.
- Discounted subscription to Sky & Telescope Magazine.
(Please Note: Subscriptions will start the following JANUARY after dues are paid.)
- Member only observing nights, as well as other scheduled Club Activities.
- Unlimited fun and opportunities for learning!
Coronado Personal Solar Telescope: If you've never had an opportunity to work with a solar telescope, now is your chance. Not only does the club have white light solar filters to fit some of our telescopes, but we also have this dedicated h-alpha solar telescope and we are very happy to show you how to use it. Our Sun is a living star and it is very exciting to watch prominences and loops appear and well as living tounges of flame as our Sun shoots off solar flares. It's a wonderful experience and we'd love to share!
Cemax Eyepieces: Along with this is a speciality eyepiece called the Cemax series that allows for an even more detailed look than you could ever dream possible. The Cemax series won't work for astronomical observing, but there are two cases filled with Club eyepieces to help you decide what type of eyepiece that you would like to purchase for your telescope - or to use while you are here.
Discovery Telescope: Perhaps you don't have a telescope of your own? This Discovery Dobsonian is very easy to use and it's just waiting on you to drive. It's as easy as point and shoot and all of our Club members are very happy to show you how to use it. Just ask! It's all part of being here and just one of many telescopes that are the benefit of being a member of the Richland Astronomical Society.
Meade LightBridge: Have you ever wanted to use a really, really BIG telescope, but you're not ready to graduate to the 31" just yet? Then when not step up and cut your baby teeth on this telescope? Able to be used with or without the computer guidance system, this is also an easy-to-use and easy-to-learn telescope that's available to our members. It's all about having fun and learning and we want you to take a journey to the stars!
Maybe just sitting at the picnic table and stargazing with binoculars is more your speed? That's great! We've got equipment for that, too. As a matter of a fact, we've got three pairs of binoculars meant just for club use and they are there for you whenever you want. All you have to do is ask!
