All About The Astronomy Club of Akron

The Astronomy Club of Akron was founded by a group of students from the University of Akron in 1949. Today, the ACA has about 100 members. The ACA is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose purpose is to further an interest in the study of Astronomy and related sciences through  educational, scientific, literary, and observational activities.

The club offers monthly programs and lectures on astronomy, space exploration, or atmospheric phenomena free to the public. Throughout the year, we offer star parties to club members and the public to view the moon, planets, star clusters, galaxies, comets, double stars, and meteor showers. All programs are free.

Club members range from the beginner to highly skilled Astronomer. Many members donate their time and the use of their telescopes to provide educational programs to such groups as local schools, church groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA groups, as will as the general public.

The ACA Observatory

The club completed the Akron area's first public observatory in 1988. The observatory, is located in Portage Lakes State Park, 5031 Manchester Road, about five miles south of Akron. The ACA Observatory houses a 12.5 inch F=8 Newtonian reflector telescope. With it's long focal length and large mirror it gives superb views of the moon, various planets, star clusters, and other objects in the heavens. The observatory has regularly scheduled public observing nights (see ACA Observatory Public Program Calendar for dates and location) and is available for group tours by special arrangement.

Monthly Meetings

The club has monthly meetings on the fourth Friday of the month at 8 PM at the Kiwanis Club of Portage Lakes Civic Center, 725 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319 and consist of a one hour talk on some aspect of astronomy, space exploration, weather, or atmospheric phenomena. The talk is followed by a monthly business meeting. The date of the meeting will change if the fourth Friday is part of a holiday weekend. Check the calendar, view the most recent newsletter, send E-Mail, or call the numbers below if in doubt.

For more information send E-mail to Gregg Crenshaw or call 330-688-9043 or 330-785-7377

Membership

Membership in the Astronomy Club of Akron includes:
 

• A one year subscription to the club's monthly newsletter THE NIGHT SKY
• Discounts on subscriptions for Sky & Telescope or Astronomy magazines
• Discounts on books published by Sky or Kalmbach Publishing
• Loaner telescopes (when available)
• Access to the Portage Lakes State Park Observatory
• An open invitation to all club star parties, dinners, and picnics.