Both Sky & Telescope and Astronomy magazine offer special discount rates to astronomy club members. Club members also enjoy a 10% discount on books, posters, etc. from the Sky Publishing catalogue. Note: new subscriptions and renewals must be processed through the club treasurer in order to take advantage of these discounts. Please make your check payable to the Columbus Astronomical Society. Current cost information is found on the application form.

All CAS members receive the monthly newsletter (called Prime Focus). Members are encouraged to contribute images and stories to Prime Focus for publication. Interesting articles about personal astronomical experiences, observing tips, and general "sky happenings." appear each month. In addition, there is a calendar with highlights of the upcoming month's celestial events. The Prime Focus is normally published a week before each meeting.

The Society operates a private mailing list on YahooGroups.com, The_CAS, which enables members to easily communicate in between the monthly meetings. The mailing list helps make short-notice observing sessions, used equipment for sale, and the exchange of other club news possible. Details about how to subscribe and the rules-of-use can be found on the site. (Please note that this is a private mailing list for CAS members only.)

CAS members can also take advantage of a 10% discount on purchases from the Perkins Observatory gift shop (excluding telescopes). Members only need to show their club membership card at the time of purchase.

Set up your telescope at Perkins Observatory for public nights (any clear night!) to enjoy the fellowship of other members. Perkins has a darker sky than Columbus, although not as dark as our private observing sites (see below). The best part of Perkins is the people you meet there. More information >

The Imaging special interest group of the society is involved the capture and processing of sky images. Learn about the computer tools and best tricks during the regular luncheon meetings. More information >

Have you ever wanted to created your own telescope? The telescope making special interest group creates optics and mounts so you can learn from the experts and try your hand at your own creative ideas. There is little to match the pure joy of looking through a telescope of your own craft. More information >

Club members may apply for telescope time on a Celestron C-14, which is housed in the Little Dome. Access to the Little Dome and use of the C-14 is restricted to members who have been active in the CAS for at least six months. More information >

The club's 16" Newtonian reflector telescope was built by Brant Archinal, Tom Burns, John Kerns, Dick Suiter and Doug Wereb then recently refurbished by Bill Burton and other CAS members. Club members may contact the CAS Secretary to initiate a request for use of the telescope.

The CAS has several observing sites, some are more public than others, some offer dark skys within a reasonable drive from the Columbus area. More information >

The club Constitution (PDF) >
History of the CAS >