About

Formed in 1983, the Santa Cruz Astronomy Club is a non-profit educational organization pursuant to 501C3, tax ID Number 77-0215497.  Mailing address is:  Santa Cruz Astronomy Club, PO Box 3439, Santa Cruz, CA 95063 

Club Officers...

• President: James Bahn

• Vice President: Ana Rodarte

• Secretary: Open

• Treasurer: Bill Seiler

• Board member: Chris Angelos

Chairpersons...

• Presentations/speakers chairperson: Open

• Quail Hollow star parties: John Arkley

• Bonny Doon star parties: James Bahn

• Outreach programs:  Open

• Website:  James Bahn

• Social media:  Kirk Bender

• Calendar:  Robert Milby

• Communications:  Robert Milby

• New member orientation:  Open

Volunteer

The SCAC is an all-volunteer organization that relies on the active participation of its members for its success and continuity.  Please contact us if you think you'd like to help provide leadership as a chairperson or officer.

Club

• Bylaws 2014-06-12

• Policy Manual 2014-06-12

• Articles of Incorporation 1988-11-17

Club Star Parties

Club members have exclusive access to our monthly club-only star party at the best observing spot in the county, at 2000' in Bonny Doon.

Our monthly star party at 500' Quail Hollow Ranch is open to everyone and the public is encouraged to attend.  Other, ad hoc parties are usually open to everyone, but contact us if there are any questions.

Loaner Program

The purpose of this program is for SCAC members to borrow scopes to evaluate equipment, help guide them in learning astronomy, and use for personal and club events.  Contact the club for questions.

FEATURED BEGINNER SCOPE:  Recently donated Orion Starseeker 130mm GOTO Newtonian

This scope features a reflector optical tube with moderate 650mm focal length and f/5.0 focal ratio. The entire telescope+tripod setup weighs about 22 lbs for easy transport.  Following a two-star alignment process, the scope can guide you to interesting sights  with its GOTO database of over 42,000 objects.   Once you locate a target, it will automatically track the object's apparent motion and keep it centered so you can enjoy the view as long as you wish.  We've tested this scope and it works great.  Everything's included but you will need to supply a power source, like a household extension cord, or a  small portable Lithium unit like this.  Will fit in any car.  Includes instructions and of course, a club member will get you started.  See more at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2GKmeLYwJk&t=3s