Established 1989
© 2005 North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club

BACKGROUND

The NSAAC was established in March of 1989 as an association of amateur astronomers who meet and observe from a local site on the North Shore of Massachusetts. It is registered as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

Our members come from diverse backgrounds with interests in astronomy ranging from casual to serious. Yet each shares in the beauty of the night sky and the belief that becoming familiar with it should be fun and relaxing.

Two of the principal goals of the NSAAC are to promote a wider appreciation of astronomy and to help people choose the most appropriate telescope or binocular for their interest and budget. You do not need a telescope for stargazing, and you do not need one to become a member of the NSAAC ! In fact, we recommend that you join us for a few observing sessions and look through the many varieties of telescopes owned by our members before making a purchase.

MEETINGS

A general business meeting is held at 8:00 pm on the first Friday of each month at Veasey Memorial Park, 201 Washington Street in Groveland, Ma. (near Haverhill). Here we decide the direction and activities that the NSAAC undertakes. Following the meeting we generally provide a program that addresses a topic of interest to our members. We also conduct a monthly Board of Directors meeting at this same location. This is held separately to expedite business that would otherwise encumber the general meeting. Though normally attended only by NSAAC officers, other members are welcome. The date and time are published in the Celestial Observer, the official club newsletter.

OBSERVING

The NSAAC also holds regularly scheduled Friday night observing sessions for its members (weather permitting ) at Veasey Memorial Park. Members typically arrive at dusk and set up at in the main parking lot. The public is welcome to attend. Please dim your headlights before entering the parking lot.

STAR PARTIES

Another facet of the NSAAC is our commitment to public education. We do this by conducting star parties at the request of schools and other interested organizations at the rate of approximately one per month. The NSAAC does not impose a charge for these programs, although tax deductible donations are gratefully accepted.

These events usually consist of a slide presentation, lecture and observing session. We strive to tailor each presentation to the particular needs of the requesting party. Many of our members consider Star Parties to be the most enjoyable aspect of being part of the NSAAC.

S.H.A.R.E. - System for Handicap Accessibility, Recreation, and Education

The members of the NSAAC are have developed a new Public education/observing program utilizing real-time video observing. This is a very exciting area that has many unique advantages and possibilities for bringing astronomy to those who would non-traditionally have access to observing the objects of the night sky!

INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATIONS

The NSAAC enjoys the privilege of being associated with both the Merrimack College and Salem State College Observatories. We also have a close working relationship with the Dunn Middle School Planetarium in Danvers.

The mutual goals of each college are for the NSAAC to provide support in conducting public observing nights at their respective observatories. Members also enjoy the opportunity for personal use of the equipment with certain restrictions.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

As a member of the NSAAC, your yearly membership dues entitle you to certain benefits and privileges. This is only a partial listing!

• The unique opportunity, especially for the novice, to share and expand your interest in astronomy with a group of friendly, like minded individuals.
• A one year subscription to the Celestial Observer.
• Full voting privileges.
• A convenient location for regularly scheduled observing sessions.
• Members only e-mail system. When you join you will receive instructions on how to sign on.
• Club membership in the International Dark Sky Association, dedicated to educating others in the responsible use of outdoor lighting for the reclamation and preservation of dark skies.
• Club membership in the Astronomical League, and quarterly receipt of the AL newsletter, The Reflector ( May not be available in your first year due to subscription requirements ).
• An opportunity to develop, participate in and attend educational programs presented by the NSAAC for members, local schools, colleges and other organizations ( star parties and conferences ).
• Participation in conducting public observing using the 12" Classical Cassegrain/Newtonian of the observatory at Salem State and the 20" Ritchey Crétien telescope of the Merrimack College Observatory in North Andover, MA.
• Astronomy and Sky and Telescope subscription discounts (available in March).
• Exclusive merchandise discounts to club members by manufacturers and publishers.

CONTACT INFO

Directions and Information on Affiliated Sites:

Veasey Memorial Park
201 Washington Street
Groveland, Ma. 01834

The monthly business meetings and Friday night observing sessions are held here.

Take Rt. 95 north to exit 54B, Rt. 133 to Georgetown. Go straight through the lights at Georgetown center, (you are now on Rt. 97). Turn left on Salem Street (Tea Garden Restaurant @ intersection). Turn left onto Washington Street. The Park entrance is a short ways down on the right, between the two field stone pillars.

The parking lot/observing area is on the right before the top of the hill. Please dim your lights before entering the main parking area.

If you need directions from a different location try MapQuest, or email us at info@nsaac.org and tell us where you are coming from (City/Town., State, n,s,e,w) for a prompt reply.

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (IRWS):

1) From Boston and the south: Take Rt. 95 north to exit 50 and follow Rt. 1 North into Topsfield. At the junction of Rt. 1 and Rt. 97, turn right onto Rt. 97 South (towards Beverly and Danvers).

From the north: Take Rt. 95 south to exit 53 andfollow Rt. 97 south. At the junction of Rt. 1 and Rt. 97 in Topsfield, stay on Rt. 97 south.

2) Once you have reached the junction of routes 1 and 97, and have travelled about 0.5 miles along route 97 South towards Beverly and Danvers, you will encounter a rather well lit intersection. On the left-hand side of this intersection you will see the sign of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, a bird within a triangle. Turn left onto the road marked by this sign. It is called Perkins Row.

3) Perkins Row is a long, windy road. After about a mile, you'll encounter another, identical, Audubon sign. Shortly thereafter, you'll come across yet another. This last one marks the entrance to the Sanctuary. Note that at this entrance is a wooden gate. It is very unlikely that the gate will be closed. However, if the gate is closed simply get out of your car and swing it open. It won't be locked.

4) As you drive through the gate, you'll find yourself proceeding up the sanctuary driveway. As soon as you catch sight of sanctuary signs posted along the driveway, look for an opening for the entrance to a dirt parking lot on the left-hand side.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you encounter the buildings at the end of the driveway, then you've gone past the dirt parking lot. Immediately turn around and go back down the driveway a short distance, carefully looking for what will now be a right-hand turn into the parking lot.

 

Merrimack College Observatory
Science, Engineering and Technology Building
Rt. 114
Andover, MA.

For current observatory status, click here.
(978)837-5011 Recorded message

Conveniently located on Rt. 114 off of 495 in North Andover, you can't miss the new building with the observatory on the roof! Park at the south end of the building and proceed to the fourth floor where the observatory is located. Public Observing is held every clear Wednesday night  This event is free and open to all ages. Special events for the membership and the general public are announced in the Celestial Observer.

 

Salem State College Observatory
Meier Hall
Rt. 114, Salem, MA

For current observatory status, click here.
(978)542-6452 after 7pm Mondays to verify opening

Wednesday evenings, weather permitting, Sept. into May. Closed June - August.

Also on Rt. 114, ( Lafayette St. ) but in Salem, MA. Parking is tight - we suggest you use the student parking lot. Meier Hall is the second building from the parking area. Enter from the long flight of outdoor stairs. Turn left to the elevators. Press floor "PH". Turn right on leaving the elevator. Turn left after the hall doors and go out the glass doors to the roof. Take the stairs on the left to the observatory.

 

Dunn Middle School Planetarium
Cabot Street
Danvers, MA
Friday evenings throughout the year.
Starts promptly at 7 pm. $2.50 admission fee

The school is has a fully equipped 55 seat planetarium and offers shows of seasonal interest every Friday night. NSAAC members often set up telescopes in the parking lot for brief observing sessions following the show. The school is adjacent to Danvers High School.