Benefits
Monthly Meetings
The PAS conducts a General Meeting, open to the public, once a month. These meetings include PAS business discussion and a presentation on a topic of general interest to amateur astronomers. Meetings may also include astrophotos by members taken during recent sky events. Information is exchanged in a friendly and social atmosphere following the adjournment of the meeting. Casual observing is sometimes held in the parking lot - weather permitting. See the Events Calendar for dates.
Free membership in The Astronomical League
Access to a secure, dark sky observing site
The Sandras-Paulk Memorial Observing Site (SPMOS) is located in Franklinton, Louisiana, approximately a one hour drive north of New Orleans. The site is situated on three acres of land, surrounded by a developing pine forest. The area is rural and provides a unique setting for observing. Dark skies here are as good as it gets in Southern Louisiana.
SPMOS SITE FEATURES:
- A 3m observa-dome, housing a Celestron 11" Schmidt Cassegrain.
- A utility barn that stores maintenance equipment.
- A heated and air conditioned bunkhouse that sleeps 10, including a bathroom facility consisting of a toilet, sink, shower and new water heater that helps to make the SPMOS one of the finest Dark Sky Observing Sites in the country.
- 120 volt power is available on the observing field & picnic area.
Annual PAS Family Picnic and PAS Christmas Party
These events are open to members only!
Access to the PAS Library
- Past issues of PAS newsletters are stored here in the document library
- Unlimited storage of members astro-photos
Astronomy magazine discounts
Members are entitled to discounts on Sky and Telescope and Astronomy magazine
Astronomy Day
Observed each year by the PAS with exhibits and a star party for the public
Star Parties
Many informal events are held throughout the year
Community Outreach
- Opportunity for you to share your telescope and knowledge of the night sky with our neighbors
- Brush up on your speaking skills by presenting astronomy topics in the local community or at one of our PAS meetings