About Us
The Wabash Valley Astronomical Society (WVAS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes the science, hobby, and public knowledge of astronomy. We serve the greater Lafayette, Indiana, area - primarily, but not limited to, Tippecanoe and adjacent counties. Founded in 1971, our membership has included people in an age range from Junior High School to retirees from many different backgrounds. The Society strives to support those with interests in all facets of astronomy: constellation viewing, astrophotography, telescope making, cosmology, and observations of solar system and deep sky objects.
The purposes of the Society are:
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To promote the science, hobby, and public knowledge of astronomy.
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To provide public astronomy education through community presentations.
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To foster observational and computational work, and craftsmanship opportunities in the various fields of astronomy.
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To provide a medium for correlating amateur astronomical activities with professional research.
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To encourage other organizations to promote scientific investigations and educational programs related to astronomy.
Our affiliations include the Astronomical League, the Night Sky Network, and the International Dark-Sky Association.
We are available for group educational presentations and observing sessions. Our Open Meetings are normally held at 7:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at the West Lafayette Observatory, 600 Cumberland Avenue, West Lafayette, IN, 47906 (immediately east of the West Lafayette Elementary School). (Occasionally, meetings are held at other times and/or locations; please see our Meetings section for details.) Most of our meetings are also accessible online via Zoom.
WVAS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy:
The Wabash Valley Astronomical Society, Inc., is a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization where all members, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion or creed, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, are valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach, and we provide equal opportunity for participation in all our activities. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.
Violations of this policy by any member or event attendee should be reported to any of the Society’s officers.
2024 Club Officers:
President: BJ Austin
Vice President: John R.
Secretary: Bill Tilford
Treasurer: George Wyncott
Staff Members:
Newsletter Editor: Lisa M. Wieland
Webmaster: Ed Harfmann
