Amarillo Astronomy Club
Clubs/Astronomical societies
Amarillo, TX 79172
United States
The Amarillo Astronomy Club (based in Amarillo, Texas) was founded in 1981 and currently has about 45 members. Membership is open to anyone age 16 or older with a genuine interest in astronomy. Most club members own telescopes or binoculars, but ownership is not necessary to be in the club. A one-year membership is $15 per family. Members receive a monthly club newsletter and the quarterly newsletter of the Astronomical League (Reflector).
The club meets once a month, usually at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, from September through May. Meetings are held on the Friday closest to the full moon and begin at 7:30 PM. The first part of the meeting is normally a program pertaining to astronomy. Some programs are presented by club members and some are presented by guests. The second half is a business meeting. After the meeting, the club goes to a local restaurant for an informal social gathering. During June, July, and August, the club meets at the restaurant once a month at 7:30 PM for a social only.
Other activities include an annual Christmas party and a picnic at Buffalo Lake in August. Sometimes there is a picnic on the Fourth of July as well.
The club has an observing site on private property about 17 miles south of Claude, TX. At least one observing session a month is scheduled at this site. If the weather permits, additional sessions are often held.
Some members attend star parties during the year such as the Okie-Tex, Nebraska, and Texas Star Parties. The club also goes to Caprock Canyons and Clayton Lake once a year for observing sessions. The club also supports the Discovery Center's Astronomy Day activities each year during late April or early May.
The club's other activities have included the design, building, and modification of telescopes. There have also been classes on mirror grinding.
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