The Denver Astronomical Society hosts over 145 outreach activities each year, bringing the fascination, perspective, wonder, and joy of astronomy to thousands of children, teens and adults in the Denver metropolitan area.

DAS provides trained volunteers who host Public Nights and Open Houses at the University of Denver’s Historic Chamberlin Observatory, which the DAS helped place on the National Register of Historic Places. First light at Chamberlin in 1894 was a public night of viewing, a tradition the DAS has helped maintain since 1952.

The DAS is a long-time member in good standing of the Astronomical League, the International Dark Sky Association, and the Antique Telescope Society.

Mission
Our mission is to promote the enjoyment and understanding of astronomical history, lore and phenomena by providing educational and observing opportunities for our members, education to the general public, and outreach activities at the University of Denver’s Historic Chamberlin Observatory and other venues.

Activities
The DAS holds monthly meetings featuring outstanding presentations on a wide array of astronomical topics for its members and guests. All of these meetings feature social opportunities. After 6 months, members have full access to our premier dark sky site near Deer Trail, Colorado, now equipped with a warming hut, fourteen 10-ft x 10-ft observing pads with electricity, and a vault toilet.

The society’s public outreach activities include monthly open houses and twice-weekly public observing nights at Chamberlin Observatory, as well as lecture and star party programs for local schools and organizations.

Each Autumn, the DAS coordinates Colorado Astronomy Day in association with DU, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and other organizations, featuring day-long activities at the museum, Chamberlin Observatory & across the state.

The Society’s Van Nattan-Hansen Scholarship Fund provides support to qualifying Denver-area students seeking degrees in astronomy, space-science and related programs.

The DAS is also active in the preservation of Chamberlin Observatory, spearheading the drive for its listing on the Register of Historic Places and recent renovation activities.

The DAS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation and has established three tax-deductible funds:

• the Van Nattan-Hansen Scholarship Fund
• the Public Outreach Fund
• the Edmund G. Kline Dark Site Fund

To contribute to one of these funds, please see the bottom of the membership application for details.

JOIN THE
DENVER ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Download a membership application (52k PDF file)

Membership in The Denver Astronomical Society is open to anyone wishing to join. Membership fees are $35 for adults and $12 for students under 23 years.

Benefits of DAS Membership

• Learn more about astronomy and CCD imaging! Contact with 300 professional and amateur astronomers through educational monthly meetings, the DAS Listserv, public outreach activities.
• Hone your observing skills! Participate in Messier marathons, star parties, and other activities.
• Access to dark skies! Use of the E.G. Kline Dark Site near Deer Trail for observing & imaging.*
• Contribute Useful Data to Science. Use your skills to collect scientific data on variable & double stars, asteroids, occultations & eclipses.
• Subscription to The Denver Observer, the monthly DAS newsletter. Learn about upcoming astronomy & social events, including star parties.
• Access to the DAS Yahoo Group including the ability to post and view messages, images, and files.
• Discounted subscriptions and book offers from Sky & Telescope and Astronomy magazines.
• Checkout privileges for the extensive and historic collection of books and periodicals in the Chamberlin Observatory library.*
• Access to a variety of club-owned telescopes for personal observing.*
• Special social activities, including a summer picnic in July, holiday party in December, and annual banquet in March.
• Participation in public education programs, providing observing opportunities, multimedia presentations, and speakers at Chamberlin Observatory and for Front Range schools and civic groups; Colorado Astronomy Day in the Fall.
• Free membership in the Astronomical League, which includes a subscription to The Reflector, book discounts, and recognition of your observing & imaging achievements through access to the AL’s observing certificate and Master Observer programs.

* After six months of membership. New members may use the dark site immediately but must be accompanied by a DAS member during the first six months of membership.

More information about the DAS, its activities, and the special tax-deductible funds is available on the DAS web site at www.thedas.org.

Please call our Info Line at (303) 871-5172 and/or drop by the General Membership meetings. Become a member and enjoy speakers, facilities, events, the DAS Listserve, and our monthly newsletter, The Denver Observer.

Click for Application Form (pdf).

Questions? Ask an E-Board member or Club Officer.