Welcome to the
Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society
Founded 1963 · community stargazing in northeast Ohio
Dear prospective member,
No organization can thrive without new members — so you are important to us. Our club was founded in 1963 and has been in continuous operation ever since. Part of our mission is to share our knowledge and love of astronomy with the public.
If you would like to know more about our club, please contact our President, Conny Meier, through our office email [email protected]. You may attend any of our monthly meetings as a guest — you’ll find us a friendly bunch who welcomes new members.
What we offer
Monthly meetings
Presentations on astronomy — some aimed at novices, others at advanced topics. A great place to ask questions, get help with a telescope, or learn observing technique. If you'd like to present at a meeting, contact Conny Meier (President) at [email protected] at least one week in advance.
Public observing sessions
We schedule observing sessions throughout the area and at our own observatory. Nights at Nassau happen every third Saturday of the month, weather permitting. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Indian Hill Observatory
We are proud owners of the Indian Hill Observatory — three observatories on 12 acres of land. As a member you have full access to all the facilities and grounds. Any member can observe at Indian Hill at their leisure, camp on the grounds, and stay for the night (or weekend). We also own an extensive collection of equipment, which any member can borrow and use for up to six months at a time.
Mentoring & expertise
Our members include people who have worked for NASA, educators, lifelong hobbyists, and true beginners. Many pursue astrophotography and are well versed in the craft. We help newcomers get started and make every effort to mentor them.
The summer convention
Each summer we host a convention of local astronomy clubs — a pot-luck dinner with as many as fifty participants. Walk around, talk telescopes, sample the views, win prizes at the raffle, and if the skies are clear, observe late into the night.
The Valley Skywatcher
Our quarterly newsletter, available to members only. Anyone can submit an article — contact our Editor, Chris Powell, at [email protected].
Membership
Membership pricing and the pay button are at the bottom of this page. Please read the rest of this page first — jump to membership ↓ when you’re ready.
Meeting schedule
November – April
First Sunday of the month at 4:00 PM.
We meet either in person at Montville Observatory Park or virtually via Google Meet.
May – October
First Saturday of the month, in person at Indian Hill Observatory.
Meeting time varies with the shifting onset of darkness. Several members stay and observe together right after the meeting.
If you’d like the agenda for the upcoming meeting, please contact our President.
How does an amateur astronomer get started?
“…go out, breathe deep, and look up — and there the stars will be…” — H. A. Rey
Almost everyone has experienced enjoyment of the night sky — counting shooting stars, taking a stroll in the moonlight, getting caught up in an eclipse or a comet. But when you consider taking that enjoyment deeper, it’s easy to assume you need to spend a lot of money and be a technical genius. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Don’t buy a telescope yet.
What? You’re considering joining an astronomy club and they tell you not to buy a telescope?! The point is simple: the majority of new members who lose interest in astronomy do so because they bought a telescope without really knowing what they were buying. They grow frustrated with the operation of the scope and eventually give up.
Resist the temptation to rush out and buy the first (or most expensive) scope you see. While you’re learning, come to our star parties and look through all the different types. Ask their owners about characteristics and operation, take advantage of CVAS loaner scopes, and use those at the observatory. And perhaps most importantly — get to know the sky. Honing your skills as an observer will let you make the best use of whatever equipment you eventually acquire.
Useful apps for getting started
You don’t need any gear to start enjoying the night sky — just your eyes, a planisphere, or a free app on your phone. Once you join, you’ll also get free access to our society-level Astrospheric premium subscription and a suite of CVAS-built tools.
Recommended websites
Accurate weather forecast for astronomers. The link above is specific to Indian Hill, but you can search for any location in their database.
Forum-style platform — the best resource for amateur astronomers.
Telescopius.com
DeepSkyCorner.ch
Our Facebook page is at facebook.com/groups/412277979236798. Contact our FB Manager, Jeff Ratino, at [email protected] for posting privileges after joining.
Ready to join?
It is our sincere hope that you will consider joining CVAS. You may attend any of our monthly meetings as a guest — you’ll find us a friendly bunch who welcomes new members.
— Conny, Willie, Eric, Patrick, Dan, Chris, Laszlo, and Rob
CVAS Officers, & all the members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society
Questions? Use the Contact Us menu in the header to reach an officer directly.
Membership
Our annual membership runs July through June. Fees are prorated if you join mid-year.
A perk that pays for itself
Membership with CVAS includes membership with The Astronomical League, a nationwide astronomical society. An individual at-large membership would normally cost you $40–$50 per year. As a CVAS member you get this free of charge — the club pays your annual $6 fee directly. You'll receive their quarterly publication, The Reflector (one copy per family).