The Astronomy Section of the Rochester Academy of Science, also known as ASRAS, is Rochester's astronomy club. As a section of the Rochester Academy of Science we are a dedicated and active organization devoted to promoting and enjoying the hobby of amateur astronomy.

Our Mailing Address

ASRAS
PO Box 20292
Rochester, NY 14602
Phone: 585-987-5330

ASRAS Members enjoy all aspects of astronomy, including:

  òÀâ astrophotography and astro-imaging
  òÀâ education and public outreach
  òÀâ astronomical computing
  òÀâ telescope making
  òÀâ and more  

 

   ASRAS is a diverse group that includes people of all levels of interest and experience. Members share a common love for astronomy and space sciences. Some are well-versed and experienced amateur astronomers. Others have little or no expertise, but more than make up for that in enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Most members have little or no formal training in astronomy, math, physics, or the space sciences. A few members are professional astronomers.

   If you're interested in any aspect of amateur astronomy, why not join us? We can help you learn your way around the sky. We can help you choose the right telescope to buy. We'll help you learn the fascinating science behind the hobby. And, we'll help you have fun while doing all that.  

Benefits of Membership

There are many benefits to membership in ASRAS, including:
  òÀâ Monthly meetings that include presentations by guest speakers or members on topics ranging from elementary to advanced. 
  òÀâ Access to our dark sky observing site, the Marian and Max Farash Center for Observational Astronomy,
    including access to a variety of observing and imging equipment
  òÀâ Star parties and sidewalk astronomy
  òÀâ Opportunities to participate in public outreach events, including operation of the Strasenburgh Planetarium telescope, scouting events at the observing site.
  òÀâ Access to our Young Astronomers program for kids, plus a variety of social events
  òÀâ Periodic meetings at the Strasenburgh Planetarium that include a free star show
  òÀâ The Rochester Astronomer, the group's newsletter (monthly except July and August)
  òÀâ The RocheStar Fest, Rochester's star party.
  òÀâ Reduced price on magazines, including Sky & Telescope and Astronomy Magazine.
  òÀâ Membership in the Rochester Academy of Science, giving access to RAS activities.
  òÀâ Friendship, fellowship and camaraderie - Come and learn the sky with us!
 

    

NEW MEMBER HANDBOOK (click this link to get a copy of the ASRAS new member handbook)

Already a member ?
Want to get more involved ?
Consider becoming a ASRAS board member :

Click on the link below to learn about the ASRAS Board of directors and see if it might be for you !

ASRAS BOD info page

ASRAS and the community

Our observing site in Ionia is the perfect place to bring  your boy scout troop, girl scout troop, or school class for a fascinating and educational field trip !

We have several telescopes to look through both at night and during the day, as well as many members who are experts on astronomy related topics. We can help complete merit badges, and have over 3 acres of camping area with short grass for overnight stays as well as on-site restrooms available.

Contact OUTREACH coordinator Joe Alteri to make a reservation for your group soon !

Donations to the Astronomy Section of the Rochester Academy of Science
 
The goal of the Rochester Academy of Science Astronomy Section is to encourage observational astronomy and astronomy education in the greater Rochester area. Maintenance, operation and future improvement of Astronomy Section facilities (such as the Ionia Wolk Observatory site) requires continual funding.
We offer several methods for you to donate to the Astronomy Section:
  òÀâ Click the Red Button to Join Rochester's Astronomy Club
  òÀâ We invite you to donate your time in serving the community in one of our educational areas.
  òÀâ We have opportunities to help maintain the Astronomy Section facilities from lawn and garden improvements, building maintenance to volunteering to serve at public events.
  òÀâ Donate directly to one of our Endowment Funds:
 ò׬The Facilites Endowment fund ensures money is available for ongoing and future operations at our section facilities such as the Wolk Observatory site.
 ò׬The John Chapman Endowment Fund.
 ò׬The Kenneth J. Brown Endowment Fund.

Note: Requests for information on one of the above endowment funds should be addressed to the treasurer.

Remember, your support provides to the public and volunteer members:
  òÀâ Public access phone information and message system (1-585-987-5330) to serve the community.
  òÀâ Heat and electricity to our section facilities.
  òÀâ Free monthly public and members Astronomy meetings (1st Friday of each month at 7:30pm)
  òÀâ Frequent public and members observing sessions in various locations in the area.

Thanks for your support,
Treasurer - Astronomy Section - Rochester Academy of Science

(The Rochester Academy of Science is registered with the Internal Revenue Service of the U.S. Treasury Department as a tax-exempt, educational and scientific organization. The Rochester Academy of Science is classified in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are deductible by donors as provided in section 170 of the Code. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers or gifts to or for use by the Rochester Academy of Science are deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes under the provisions of section 2055, 2106 and 2522 of the Code. )

Monthly Meetings

Our monthly meetings are held on the first Friday of every month from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. From roughly September to May they are held at RIT (see map below). Spring and Summer meetings are held at the Marian and Max Farash Center in Ionia. Check the Main Page Announcements for each month's location.
We usually have a main speaker, and/or a couple of short talks. There are assorted refreshments before and during the break, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch up with the other members.
After RIT meetings we typically head to Applebee's restaurant for a look at the Chicken Wing nebula or the Veggie Patch Pizza Cluster.

RIT Map to Meeting Location (click the map for a larger printable image)

 

Gosnell Science Bldg
1st floor room A-300 lecture hall
Jefferson Road
Rochester, NY14623