Established in 1949 as the Amateur Telescope Makers, the name was changed a year later. One of the nation's largest and most active
astronomical societies ... since 1949! The Denver Astronomical Society hosts over 145 outreach activities each year, bringing the fascination, perspective, wonder, and joy of astronomy to thousands of children, teens and adults in the Denver metropolitan area. DAS provides trained volunteers who host Public Nights and Open Houses at the University of Denver’s Historic Chamberlin Observatory, which the DAS helped place on the National Register of Historic Places. First light at Chamberlin in 1894 was a public night of viewing, a tradition the DAS has helped maintain since 1949. The DAS is a long-time member in good standing of the Astronomical League, the International Dark Sky Association, the NASA/JPL Night Sky Network, the Antique Telescope Society and Western Area Astronomers (see Affiliations page.) Mission
Our mission is to promote the enjoyment and understanding of astronomical history, lore and phenomena by providing educational and observing opportunities for our members, education to the general public, and outreach activities at the University of Denver’s Historic Chamberlin Observatory and other venues. Activities
The DAS holds monthly meetings featuring outstanding presentations on a wide array of astronomical topics for its members and the public. These meetings feature opportunities to socialize and (except for society functions in March and December) are free of charge and open to the general public . After an orientation, members in good standing have full access to our premier Edmund G. Kline Dark Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, now equipped with a warming hut, fourteen 10-ft x 10-ft observing pads with electricity, and a vault toilet. The Brooks Observatory at the Dark Site features a 14-inch Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope on a Losmandy G-11 Gemini mount. The society’s public outreach activities include monthly open houses and twice-weekly public observing nights at Chamberlin Observatory, as well as lecture and star party programs for local schools and organizations. Each Autumn, the DAS coordinates Colorado Astronomy Day in association with DU, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and other organizations, featuring day-long activities at the museum, Chamberlin Observatory & across the state. The Society’s Van Nattan-Hansen Scholarship Fund provides support to qualifying Denver-area students seeking degrees in astronomy, space-science and related programs. The DAS is also active in the preservation of Chamberlin Observatory, spearheading the drive for its listing on the Register of Historic Places and recent renovation activities, including an extensive optical surface cleaning and mechanical renovation of the historic 20-inch Clark-Saegmuller refractor. The DAS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation and has established three tax-deductible funds:
the Van Nattan-Hansen Scholarship Fund
the General Fund (includes outreach activities)
the Edmund G. Kline Dark Site Fund
To contribute to one of these funds, please see the membership application for details. Society Communication
The DAS publishes The Denver Observer (a monthly newsletter), maintains a page for members and the public and moderates a members-only Yahoo Group. Members who opt-in are sent ConstantContact Email announcements of newsletter publication, General Meeting topics, and special events.
