About the Minnesota Astronomical Society
Frequently Asked Questions
[Note: This section is under
construction. If you have recommendations for additional
questions, please email them to the webmaster.]
Membership questions
How do I join the MAS?
How do I renew my MAS membership?
Star party questions
I'm not a member yet. Can I attend
star parties?
Do I need a telescope to attend?
What should I expect?
I recently attended an MAS star party, and no one else
showed up! Why?
Beginners questions
I have a new telescope, or am considering purchasing
one. Can someone answer my questions?
Membership benefits questions
I understand the MAS has telescopes I can borrow.
How do I get one?
How do I get discounts for subscriptions and purchases?
How do I join the MAS?
Answer: A membership form is available here
on the web at www.mnastro.org/membership.
Fill out the form, write a check for the appropriate amount and mail it to
the address shown at the form. You can also join at any monthly
meeting of the MAS.
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How do I renew my MAS membership?
Answer: If you purchased a Sky and Telescope
subscription with your membership, Sky Publishing will send you a renewal
notice in the mail 6 - 8 weeks before your MAS membership expires.
Do NOT send your MAS or Sky and Telescope renewal to Sky Publishing.
Send it to the Treasurer of the MAS
who will take care of renewing both for you.
If you didn't purchase a Sky and Telescope subscription
with your members, the Treasurer
will send you renewal instructions in the mail when you membership is
about to expire.
In either case, if you don't receive a renewal notice at
least one month before your membership expires, contact the Treasurer for instructions.
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I'm not a member yet. Can I
attend star parties?
Answer: Absolutely. In fact, attending
a star party one of the ways many members first learn about the MAS.
Visit the 'star party' section of the web (www.mnastro.org/starparties) for the current
schedule of events and information regarding what to expect.
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Do I need a telescope to attend a star
party?
Answer: Not at all. In fact, attending star
parties is a great way to 'window shop' before you make a substantial
investment. Star party participants are usually quite willing to
share both the good and bad aspects of their telescopes and to let you
look through their scopes.
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What should I expect at an MAS star
party?
Answer: A lot of fun! For a complete
description of star parties, please visit our 'Star
Parties' pages at http://www.mnastro.org/starparties.
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I recently attended an MAS star party, and no one else
showed up! Why?
Answer: It is unusual that no MAS members attend a
star party. But it sometimes does happen, even when the star party
is announced as being 'on'. If you require the company of others,
either for security, camaraderie or to get your questions answered, you
might want to consider attending a public event at our Onan
Observatory. These are always staffed, even when weather
conditions prevent observing with the telescopes.
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I have a new telescope, or am considering purchasing
one. Can someone answer my questions?
Answer: This is far and away the most frequent
request we receive. Finding a specific individual to answer your
questions can sometimes be challenging. Fortunately, there are four
options you might consider:
-
Attend an MAS star party:
As noted above, this is a great opportunity to see many types of
telescopes in action and speak directly with their owners.
-
Visit a public event at the Onan
Observatory: There are always MAS members available at
these events to answer your questions about purchasing a telescope.
-
Join the MAS
mailing list and post an inquiry: This is probably the
best way to find someone willing to provide one-on-one assistance with
the operation of your telescope.
-
Join the Beginner's
Special Interest Group of the MAS: If you are a member
of the MAS, this is a fantastic way to learn the ins and outs of your
newly purchased equipment or to learn about your options. The
Beginner's SIG regularly conducts observing sessions with the
objective of helping each other out with equipment and observing
questions.
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I understand the MAS has telescopes I can borrow.
How do I get one?
Answer: Loaner equipment reservations are
managed by the Vice President
of the Society. Information regarding equipment is available at http://www.mnastro.org/loaner.
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How do I get discounts for subscriptions and purchases?
Answer: Discounted Sky and Telescope
subscriptions are purchased when your submit your new or renewal
membership application. Astronomy Magazine subscriptions are taken
once a year, usually in November. Contact the Society's Treasurer for complete details
regarding subscriptions.
Sky Publishing Corporation discounts are available simply
by listing "Minnesota Astronomical Society" in the appropriate
place on the paper or electronic order form.
For information regarding discounts through the Astronomical League's
book service, please visit their web site at www.astroleague.org.
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