PHOTO BY SAM MORSE

ABOUT THE OAS

OAS was founded in 1970 by Bob Tillotson, a local WSU student, along with a group of like-minded enthusiasts. For 54 years, OAS has consistently served Northern Utah, providing outreach to schools and organizations.

Our executive committee consists of paying members who are elected each year during the September meeting.

Since the pandemic, we've revitalized our enthusiasm, leading to an increase in both membership and attendance at our Antelope Island Star Parties. The 2024 season saw over 3,000 attendees across six monthly events!

Additionally, we have growing number of astrophotographers and individuals eager to learn how to deep sky and Milky Way imagery!

For a list of our bylaws and procedures, please refer to the OAS Constitution below:

OAS CONSTITUTION

HOW WE DO IT

We meet monthly at the Weber County Library Pleasant Valley Branch on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00pm (except June - August).

We typically have guest speakers as well as watch and discuss astronomy related videos gathered from a rich source of material provided on the internet. Our meetings are open to the public, so come check us out!

We get together for fun activities, including hosting public star parties, and going on camping trips to some of the darkest skies in the western USA, We also join together for special celestial events like eclipses, occultations, and transits.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WHAT WE DO

The Ogden Astronomical Society (OAS) is comprised of local volunteer members of the community who are passionate about stargazing and exploring the heavens.

Promote interest and education in astronomy among people of the Ogden and surrounding communities.
Provide a means for amateur astronomers to meet together and exchange ideas in their particular field of interest within astronomy.
Educate and involve the community through volunteer efforts to host a variety of events

BECOME A MEMBER

FAQ Anchor

How do I join?

You can join through this site! We currently take all major cards, as well as Google and Apple Pay. Join Here
Do I have to become a member to come to an event?

While we don't require you to become a member to join us in our adventures, your membership keeps the society operating and affords us to do more within our group as well as in the community.
Where does my $20 go?

Membership dues go to: - Maintaining and hosting this website - Maintaining the society's scopes - Printing costs public event flyers, signs, and other collateral
Do I have to own a telescope to join?

Not at all! In fact, if you haven't bought one yet, that's even better! We love to assist new astronomers in selecting their first telescope. Chances are, what you've been looking at may not be a good fit.
What type of events do you do?

We get together for fun activities, including hosting public star parties, and going on camping trips to some of the darkest skies in the western USA, We also join together for special celestial events like eclipses, occultations, and transits.
What happens at your monthly meetings?

We typically we have some society business and housekeeping items followed by discussions, presentations, or workshops. Some are facilitated by society members and other times, we'll have guests from local universities or the greater astronomy community.
Where do you hold your monthly meetings?

For the 2023- 2024 year (September - April), we'll be meeting at the Weber County Library Pleasant Valley Branch located in South Ogden near Ogden Regional Hospital. Google Map Link
What time does the star party start and end?

We start within the last hour of daylight (for solar telescope observation) and typically end when the crowds thin or we're falling asleep at our scopes. Typically, this is around 11:00pm - 1:00am. See our events page for upcoming dates and start times.
Does it cost to participate?

We host our star parties free of charge. Antelope Island State Park charges $15 per vehicle to access the causeway and the island. This is paid at the entrance gate on the mainland. They take cash and card.
Where on the island are you located?

We host the parties in the White Rock Bay campground and trailhead parking lot. The exact address can be located on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/1UPogKdrhW9eKSeW7 Or searching "Syracuse, White Rocks Campground Rd, Syracuse, UT 84075, USA" There will be signs posted throughout the island to guide you there! Look for red and white signage that says "Public Star Party." Please try to park facing away (North or West) from the observation area if possible.
How late can I enter or leave the island? Will I be locked in?

The state park's entrance gate closes at 10:00pm. The exit gate is on a motion sensor that will allow us to leave at anytime throughout the night. However, reentry is not possible after the gate closes.
What should I bring?

This is important ! Here's a few tips: 1. Mosquitos can be awful or they can be sparse. It's recommend you bring long sleeves, pants, and closed toe shoes. Bug spray is also a MUST! 2. A headlamp or flashlight capable of emitting a red beam. White light from your headlights, wearables, mobile devices, any other electronic devices will ruin your night vision as well as anyone else's that's near you. It typically takes 30 minutes for our eyes to adjust and "see" well. 3. Snacks and Hydration: Warm summer nights are great, but being on your feet looking through telescopes can take it's toll.
How often do you host Antelope Island star parties?

We host them April - October excluding July on the closest Saturday to the new moon (opposite of when it's full). See our events page for specific dates and times.
Are they family friendly?

Our star parties are great gateway experience for young astronomers. We often have religious and scout groups attend most events. We'll have step stools or small ladders for those vertically challenged folks that can't reach the eye piece of the telescopes (yes, we have some big scopes that are over 6 ft. tall).
Do I have to own a telescope to participate?

Absolutely not! Our team of volunteer astronomers will be on site with their telescopes and expertise to provide a fun experience. And hopefully, open your eyes to the night sky. If you own a telescope or binoculars, feel free to bring them. Subject to the crowd size, we may be able to assist in helping you set up and learn your equipment.
How accessible is the observation area?

The roads are paved 90% of the way and the last 1/4 mile is a well maintained gravel road that is suited for cars. The star party is held in a flat level dirt parking lot at the White Rock Bay Campground and trailhead. It's easily walkable and free of ruts, rocks and other ankle-harming objects. Wheel chairs and those needing assistance can ambulate easily through the area. ADA parking is available close to the observation area. Vault restrooms are available on site.