About
“Hello” from the members of the Naperville Astronomical Association (or “NAA”, as we call it)! Our club was founded in 1973 in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, and in the decades since has grown to a membership of well over 200 people.
Our Mission
The NAA’s mission is to share astronomy, in all of its aspects; from the cutting-edge science, to its history, to the workings of the instruments that astronomers use, and, of course, through the many forms of stargazing out under the heavens.
Our monthly meetings always feature a program of some sort on an astronomy-related topic; these are often presented by visiting scientists and lecturers. Our monthly Astronomy Fundamentals presentations are given by members, and are focused on giving introductory information on specific topics of interest to amateurs.
Astronomy Education Center
Our Observatories
Together, and with some other added features, the two observatories form our Astronomy Education Center; our gathering place for looking upward and exploring the Universe!
Since 1973
Our History
The NAA was founded by high school students, and in the five decades since it has opened up as a public organization, has always strived to remain a welcoming, encouraging place for people, of any age, who are new to our hobby. We also offer a place for seasoned stargazers, and even professional astronomers, to share their enthusiasm with others who “have their heads in the stars”.
In the Community
Outreach
Our events range from staffing STEM tables and presenting to groups to sharing the views through telescopes during the day and at night, at our observatories, on the Riverwalk, and at schools, libraries and community events around the area.
Public Programs
Our programs are almost always open to the public, free of charge. See our Calendar for upcoming activities, and the Directions page for maps. Our Contact Us page has information on arranging astronomy sessions for schools and youth and community groups.
Public Nights
We host free Public Nights at our Astronomy Education Center all year ‘round. And, we also bring our portable telescopes to share our stargazing with people at parks and events.
For Members
The Focal Plane
Our monthly newsletter.
Lending Library
Over 500 titles, many of which won’t be available at most public libraries.
Dark Sites
Parcels of land more distant from the bright night skies of Chicagoland than our Astronomy Education Center; they are available for members to use on any night.
Members-Only Observing
Observing sessions that are members-only; both at our AEC and at the dark sites and elsewhere.
Observatory Training
Members can train on the operation of either club observatory, and earn the ability to use them independently, on any night that the club doesn’t have an activity scheduled there.
Officers
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President
Tom Cole
Presides at meetings; chairs the executive board
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Vice President
Drew Carhart
Director of the Astronomy Education Center
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Secretary
Kathy Nunes
Meeting minutes, club records and property inventory
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Treasurer
David Martin
Funds, financial records and tax filings
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Registrar
Bill Ward
Dues, membership database and roster
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Publications Editor
Andy Salata
The Focal Plane and club print publications
Appointed Officers to the Board
Appointed by NAA President Tom Cole.
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Internet & Social Media Officer
Neal Clary
Social media and public event listings
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Website Manager
Tom Krush
Club website and email accounts
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Member Services Officer
Ed Ellis
Member activities, the annual dinner and field trips
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Program Chair
Alan Gornik
Programs and locations for monthly meetings
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Librarian
Mary Vacula
Lending library and permanent club records
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Astronomical League Correspondent
Elias Shaikh
League memberships and club business with the League
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Fundamentals Program Chair
Mary Loye
Monthly Astronomy Fundamentals presentations
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Public Outreach Officer
John Ehlert
Public contact, outreach events and volunteers
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Technical Media Officer
Vacant
Recordings, livestreams, YouTube and A/V equipment
For more details on membership and club events, visit our calendar or membership pages or contact us directly at info@naperastro.org.