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Astronomical Society of the Toms River Area
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Become a Member - Events Schedule - Meeting Schedule - Newsletter "Astral Projections"  - Message Boards - ByLaws

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The Astronomical Society of the Toms River Area (A.S.T.R.A.) is open to anyone who is interested in astronomy and space sciences. Members are of all ages and all levels of experience. Many are novices, some are advanced observers. 
Beginners are especially welcome. A.S.T.R.A. is associated with The Robert J. Novins Planetarium
Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ.
The objective of A.S.T.R.A. is to provide an open forum for those interested in astronomy to explore all aspects of this fascinating science.
While A.S.T.R.A. is based in Ocean County, many members come from surrounding counties, and several live out of state. There is no geographical restriction, and a number of members belong to more than one club. See our Links Page for more information about related organizations.


Next Meeting

Due to renovations at the Planetarium, ASTRA Meetings will start at 7:00pm at Ocean County College in the College Center Solar Lounge Bld # 15 (Campus Map)

January 9th 2009 -Telescope Workshop- Starts at 7:00pm open to anyone who has a telescope and needs help to put it together, or how to use it. Bring the family, telescope and all the parts you want help with.
Start collecting dues for 2009.


Next Event

Check message boards
 

Welcome to the International Year of Astronomy
Credit: IYA2009, IAU, UNESCO

Explanation: Astronomers all over planet Earth invite you to experience the night sky as part of the International Year of Astronomy 2009. This year was picked by the International Astronomical Union and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization because it occurs 400 years after Galileo turned one of the first telescopes toward the heavens. Peering through that small window, Galileo discovered that the Moon has craters, Venus has phases, Jupiter has moons, and Saturn has rings. This year you can discover these and many modern wonders of the amazing overhead tapestry that is shared by all of humanity. If, like many others, you find the night sky wondrous and educational, be sure to attend an IYA2009 event in your area, and tell any schools and children that might be interested. Also, please feel free to explore the extensive IYA2009 web pages to find international media events that include blogs, webcasts and much much more.


Recent Events

ASTRA Elections Results!
Elected Officers
President: 
Rich Brady President@astra-nj.org
Vice President-Secretary: Ed Mullen VP@astra-nj.org
Treasurer: Ro Spedaliere
Treasurer@astra-nj.org
Appointed Administrators
Newsletter Editor: Allen Malsbury Newsletter@astra-nj.org
Webmaster: John Endreson Webmaster@astra-nj.org

Click on images to see full screen.

 
 Old Barney from across the Bay               Orion rising above Barnegat Bay 

Barnegat Lighthouse shines again, but don’t worry astronomers…
The Barnegat Lighthouse doesn’t add any more light pollution to our skis. I went to the bay shoreline in Lacey Twp. and looked across at the Barnegat Lighthouse to see its new light beacon and it’s neither that much bigger nor that much brighter than the house lights that line the shore on Long Beach Island. So all though Maj. Gen. George G. “Meade” designed Barnegat Lighthouse years before he commanded the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War, we “Meade” telescope owners (and others) don’t have to worry about being blinded by the light from Old Barney. John


HOW TO JOIN ASTRA

Print this Membership sign up form , fill in the information and mail it to the address enclosed, or bring it in to the next meeting.
If you have trouble accessing the file, hit cancel when it asks for User Name. It will then load.

Dues are $30.00 for a new membership and $25.00 for a returning membership. The additional $5.00 for the new membership will go to the telescope fund.

 Visitors are always welcome at meetings. It's not necessary to pay dues immediately; many people attend several meetings
before deciding whether or not to join.

 Privileges of membership 


If you'd like to help support A.S.T.R.A., you can always make a donation to our club
"Please make checks payable to A.S.T.R.A." and mailing it to the address given below,

A.S.T.R.A.
Robert J. Novins Planetarium
Ocean County College
P.O. Box 2001
Toms River NJ 08754-2001

You may also call the
Robert J. Novins Planetarium at 732-255-0343 or e-mail one of ASTRA's Administrators listed on our Club Contacts page and let them know how you would like to help support our club.

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT"

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