To Promote the Science of Astronomy
- by fostering astronomical education’
- by providing incentives for astronomical observation and research;
- by assisting communication among amateur astronomical societies.
The Astronomical League is composed of over two hundred and forty local amateur astronomical societies from all across the United States. These organizations, along with our Members-at-Large, Patrons, and Supporting members form one of the largest amateur astronomical organizations in the world.
Our basic goal is to encourage an interest in astronomy (and especially amateur astronomy) throughout America. Many people have seen pictures of the other planets in our Solar System from spacecraft, but have no idea that they too can see these objects with a telescope. We want people to get access to telescopes, whether it is through their local astronomical society, school, or their own instruments, and use them to view the beauty in the heavens.
The mission of the Astronomical League is clearly stated in the masthead: to promote the science of Astronomy. The major benefit of belonging to this organization is receiving the quarterly newsletter, The Reflector, which keeps you in touch with amateur activities all over the country. The chance to meet the people you read about there occurs during our annual National Convention, or at one of the ten regional conventions that the AL sponsors.
The easiest way to become part of the AL is to join one of our member societies close to you. A benefit of membership in this society is membership in the Astronomical League and part of your society dues goes to pay for your Reflector subscription.
The application for a new member society is located at here. If it is not convenient for you to join one of these societies, you might consider becoming a Member-at-Large. If all you desire is a subscription to the Reflector, please fill in the subscription form and return it to us, along with your payment and we will enter your subscription. Astronomical League members can order astronomy-related books at a 10% discount through the Book Service if not already sold through League Sales. Books and other material published by the Astronomical League as well as clothing and jewelry can be purchased from the A.L. Sales Office. The Observing Clubs offer encouragement and certificates of accomplishment for demonstrating observing skills with a variety of instruments and objects. These include the Messier Club; Binocular Messier Club and the Herschel 400 Club.
