becoming a member

Founded in 1979 to promote and practice astronomy in East Central Iowa, membership in the Cedar Amateur Astronomers, Inc. is open to any individual, student or family interested in astronomy. Since its founding in 1979, membership in the society has grown to over 100 enthusiasts from all walks of life and all levels of interest and ability.

To become a member of the society, fill out the Membership Form in the link to the right, print it, and mail it with your check as instructed on the form. Or fill out the online form below, selecting the membership type and entering your phone or email contact information, then you can check out using Pay Pal or a credit card to complete the application. You may select optional discounted astronomy magazine subscriptions prior to checkout if you wish. During the checkout process your name and email will be obtained and provided with your payment acknowledgement to the society's membership chairman and treasurer for the purpose of sending direct communications from the society to members about events and to send the monthly newsletter. If you are already a member, you may also use either of these methods to renew your membership. For your convenience, the membership chairman will advise you when your membership is about to expire.

Members receive our monthly newsletter The Prime Focus, discounts on astronomy books and magazines, and membership in the Astronomical League. You may wish to social network with other amateur astronomers and interested individuals at our Facebook group page. Members have access to a Members Menu on this web site where members can access past issues of The Prime Focus, view Club Equipment and Resources information and training materials, view a calendar of events at the observatory, and participate in discussion forums. There will also be a sky view camera image with foreground view of what's going on at the observatory.

Members may qualify for discounts at popular online shopping sites just by telling the retailer that they are a member of Cedar Amateur Astronomers.  Astronomics (www.astronomics.com)  promises discounts to Astronomy Club Members, as well as operating the popular astronomical equipment review site CloudyNights.com. If you are contemplating an astronomical equipment purchase (aren't we all?) you could easily save more than your annual membership dues in discounts just by being a member. StarDate Magazine (bi-monthly), Astronomy Magazine, Sky & Telescope Magazine offer special rates. Contact the publisher and tell them you are a Cedar Amateur Astronomy club member to receive their special club rate.

 

Our society meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month. Check the Prime Focus newsletter for location and starting time and Zoom link. Generally the meeting is held at the Pal Dows EIOLC and begins at 7:00 p.m and will also be accessable via Zoom.

Additionally, CAA members are entitled to the use of the facilities at Palisades-Dows Preserve. It's a great opportunity to visit with other society members in an informal setting, get checked-out on the use of society instruments and equipment, browse the library for books and magazines or simply enjoy the beauty of the night sky with other enthusiasts.

The Cedar Amateur Astronomers, Inc. was founded on September 29, 1979, and incorporated in 1980. Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the CAA is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center at Palisades-Dows Preserve is jointly operated by the Cedar Amateur Astronomers and the Linn County Conservation Board.

To pay by check fill out ,  print the Membership Form,  and return it following the instructions on the form.

To pay by credit card or PayPay fill out the form below. When you click on Add to Cart you will be given the choice of using a card or Paypal.

Choose a membership level.

Membership Level

Regular Membership $25.00 USDFamily Membership $30.00 USDSupporting Membership $40.00 USDBenefactor $100.00 USD

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