Membership/Benefits

Learn about telescopes and "smart Telescopes" in 2025!!

Whether you are an experienced observer or just starting out, membership in the Central Texas Astronomical Society (CTAS) brings you together with a fun group of people who are passionate about all aspects of astronomy. We will hold your hand in setting up your new telescope or chat with you about your latest photos or just stargaze with you!

As a member, you can enjoy many benefits including: access to our world class observatory (Meyer Observatory) and a dark sky observing site, discounts on subscriptions to "Sky and Telescope" and "Astronomy" magazines, access to our monthly members-only star parties, the campus (Turner Research Station) for camping and stargazing 24/7 and other exclusive events. You also gain membership to the nation-wide astronomy club, The Astronomical League (AL) and their free newsletter "The Reflector." As of 2025, current annual dues are ONLY $35 for an individual or $50 for a family membership. To join CTAS and the Astronomical League, click on: 

                                                              Member Signup / Information

The 2025 CTAS Newsletter is released quarterly in March, June, September, and December. Each membership receives the newsletter via an email that can be download from the website. It contains Society news and articles written by amateur astronomers on various issues concerning astronomy. In 2025, CTAS has a new Editor and a new look/revision and name! Stay posted for the "new look".

Joining CTAS includes membership with the Astronomical League. The Astronomical League publishes a digital & paper quarterly magazine,"The Reflector". This year the 2025 March issue of Reflector is a digital issue only. This one-time digital edition will assist te League in transitioning to a new publisher beginning with the June 2025 edition an in covering post-COVID convention expenses.

The Reflector also includes current information on the ASTROCON 2025 in Bryce Canyon National Park (Scheduled for June 25-28, 2025 in Ruby's Inn, Bruce Canyon City, Utah.) that will be simulcast online for a nominal fee. Even MORE participation!

CTAS also offers online Board meetings too! All may participate in these open meeting events. A great way to become an active member is to know about all the ideas, activities, and interest of the various forums and groups!

The additional benefits including membership in the Astronomical League are that you also get eligibility for various observing awards such as Messier Certificates, Double Star Observing Certificate, and Lunar Certificate just to name a few. There is are also other AL awards such as the Mabel Sterns Newsletter Award, the Sketching Award, and the the League's Webmaster Award!

STEAM education is also important scope too with league youth awards: National Young Astronomer Award (under the age of 19), Youth Service Awards (under the age of 19), Youth Imaging Award, Youth Journalism Award (ages 8-14).

Awards for WOMEN ONLY... are the Williamina Fleming Imaging Awards for members who are 19 and older! There are four categories: Deep Sky, Solar System, Rich Field and Wide Field. (See flemingaward@astroleague.org for more information.)

Each member is welcome to attend our monthly Member Star Party held on the Turner Research Station site at Meyers Observatory near Clifton Texas. Members also have access to set up personal telescopes at the Turner Research Station or to use our! This site enjoys dark skies, while being reasonably accessible to Waco, Temple, Gatesville, Clifton, and Killeen.

For new members: Our CTAS Member Star Party "gatherings" begin pre-sunset as the members set up their personal telescopes outside and socialize. This is great fun and very social so bring your telescope, binoculars, folding chairs, water bottles and if needed blankets or bug spray (depending on the season)! Pack your red-lens flashlight too! As it is helpful not to have a bright white light as you walk between telescopes to see the fun views of the stars and planets from other member's telescopes. As a note, there are two bathrooms for convenience!

CTAS welcome's all ages! See you there around the new moon of each month...refer to the online calendar for our dates. Rain or shine we show and either chat inside Meyer Observatory if raining or find us outside with the stars! In the Spring and Fall, at times it is cloudy during the very early evening but clears up beautifully by night and the sky is crystal clear!