Check out the link above for our 2012 Viewing Night schedule at the NMC Rogers Observatory.

About Us

The Grand Traverse Astronomical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to to education and enjoyment of the night sky. Established in 1982, the GTAS has about 50 members from the Traverse City and the Grand Traverse area of northern Michigan.  Meetings are held on the first Friday of every month beginning at 8 p.m. at Northwestern Michigan College's Joseph H. Rogers Observatory, though one of the summer meetings may be preempted by the annual picnic at another location. Guests are always welcome.

Over 750 attended the society sponsored Comet Hyakutake Watches March 23, and 24th, 1996. The farthest traveler came from Detroit to enjoy the dark skies and the spectacular comet through many telescopes. Comet Hale-Bopp attracted approximately 1,400 during the three scheduled viewing nights that were clear.

GTAS members Jerry Dobek and Judy Wieske took a spectacular photograph of Comet Hyakutake with the Rogers Observatory's Schmidt camera, and can be viewed from the Rogers Observatory Web page.

The GTAS belongs to the International Dark-Sky Association and participates in Project Astro.

We are also participating in the International Year of Astronomy in 2009 and beyond.

Upcoming Meetings and Outreach Events,

January 6, 2012

GTAS regular meeting. 8 p.m. NMC Rogers Observatory.

Program: Storm Strausheim – Black Holes

Public Viewing Night at 9 p.m.

February 3

GTAS regular meeting. 8 p.m. NMC Rogers Observatory.

Program: Tentative - Star Bowl? Quiz pitting the NMCAA vs. the GTAS.

Public Viewing Night at 9 p.m.

Outreach

Our members are ready with their telescopes to visit schools and civic events in Grand Traverse and surrounding counties to provide viewing of the wonders of the heavens for students and their families.  For more information contact us at info@gtastro.org.

Outreach Memories

May 6th, 2010 Visit to Elk Rapids High School to view the sun

Students finally get a chance to view the sun through Ron Uthe's 8” telescope. Photo by Thomas M. Vranich, Editor, Elk Rapids News

Mr. Courson's class checks out Richard Kuschell's telescope. Photo by Eileen Carlisle

Students look at their magnified images in the 25” telescope's primary mirror. Photo by Eileen Carlisle.

The GTAS crew. Clockwise from the bottom: Gary Carlisle's cap with Gary in it, Eileen Carlisle, Ron Uthe, Bob Moler, Richard Kuschell, Bill Renis, and Trixie Pickard. Photo by Thomas M. Vranich, Editor, Elk Rapids News

May 16, 2010 – NMC Barbecue

Photos by Eileen Carlisle

Members' telescopes set up to view the sun. Outside were Richard Kuschell, Ron and Jan Uthe, and Gary Carlisle.

Joe Brooks, society president shows his collection of meteorites

Bob Moler, left discusses astronomy with visitors.

On a loop: GTAS produced video From Here to Infinity. Viewing it is Trixie Pickard who brought her Space Shuttle and other NASA memorabilia.

Archives

Links

Bob Moler's Ephemeris contains transcripts of current Ephemeris programs; calendars of sunrise, sunset,moonrise and moonset for the Grand Traverse area of Michigan, and other locations in northern Michigan; plus star, planet and comet charts and observing data for those without a telescope or with binoculars..  Now added:  Bob's Ephemeris Blog

Northwestern Michigan College's Joseph H. Rogers Observatory

If you'd like to donate

From Article II, B of the Articles of Incorporation of the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society:

The Society shall operate a scientific and educational organization with the goal of increasing interest in, the knowledge and enjoyment of astronomy; cooperate with similar organizations; and cooperate with Northwestern Michigan College to increase the benefit of the college observatory to the community.

As you can see by the statement above the society is inexorably linked to the Joseph H. Rogers observatory.  However in the past year members have been also taking telescopes out into the community, on sidewalks and street corners, and in the street on Friday Night Live.  We find that many folks in the area have never been out to the observatory.  This way we are going to them.  And having a huge telescope will really be a huge attraction, not to mention the superb views of the heavens it will provide.  That's part of the reason the board of directors has been interested in obtaining a large telescope.
We have purchased a 25 inch Dobsonian telescope with trailer to use and to take around for our outreach program. There's pictures of it on this page.
You may contribute to the fund to help us upgrade as add accessories to the societies telescopes online by going to http://www.gtrcf.org/ and select the find a fund button.  Type in “Grand Traverse Astronomical Society” in the name search box.  Click on the fund.  From there you can click on the “Make a donation” link.  There you can make a donation by debit or credit card.  You can also send a check to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation offices at 250 E. Front Street Suite 310, Traverse City, MI 49684. Checks can be made out to the Community Foundation with the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society Fund noted on the memo line.  Or you can mail a check to the GTAS, C/O the society treasurer Gary Carlisle, 1473 Birmley Rd, Traverse City, MI  49686.

Thank You!

Updated: 01/02/12 01:18:39 PM