Western Amateur Astronomers

Western Amateur Astronomers

About The WAA

The Western Amateur Astronomers was formed in 1949 by professional and amateur astronomers as a regional group of astronomical organizations in the western states to combine their efforts to educate the public, promote a better understanding of...
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Our Constitution

Selections from the Constitution of the Western Amateur Astronomers ARTICLE INAME SECTION 1.The name of this organization shall be “Western Amateur Astronomers” (formed August 1949) ARTICLE IIOBJECTIVES SECTION 1.The objectives of this organization shall be...
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The G. Bruce Blair Awards

The G. Bruce Blair Medal is the highest honor which the Western Amateur Astronomers (WAA) bestow to an individual. It is considered the “Nobel Prize” of amateur astronomy and is awarded only to a living...
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About The WAA

The Western Amateur Astronomers was formed in 1949 by professional and amateur astronomers as a regional group of astronomical organizations in the western states to combine their efforts to educate the public, promote a better understanding of the field of astronomy and encourage the collaboration between professional and amateur astronomers for astronomical research.

WAA was incorporated in California as a non-profit educational organization in 1952.

WAA helps local astronomy groups organize, sponsors, and participates in conferences and awards the G. Bruce Blair award.

WAA publishes The New Pacific Stargazer, a newsletter for Amateur Astronomers compiled from articles chosen from our member clubs.

Board Member Contact Information

Contact Email Address: wa.astro@gmail.com

NamePosition
Tim Thompson President 
Tim HogleVice President 
Cecilia Caballero Secretary 
Richard OzerTrustee

Our Constitution

Selections from the Constitution of the Western Amateur Astronomers

ARTICLE I
NAME

SECTION 1.
The name of this organization shall be “Western Amateur Astronomers” (formed August 1949)

ARTICLE II
OBJECTIVES

SECTION 1.
The objectives of this organization shall be to effect liaison between astronomical groups, to conduct or participate in an annual convention of amateur astronomers, to present awards to persons or organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to amateur astronomy during the preceding year or years, and, in general, to educate, encourage, and promote interest in science and astronomy.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1.
The members of the Western Amateur Astronomers (WAA) shall consist of formally organized astronomical groups. Each astronomical group must have at least twelve adult members and subscribe to the goals and to the constitution of this organization.

SECTION 2.
Each member is entitled to one director and one vote in the governing body of this organization. The vote may be cast by any duly recognized representative chosen by a member group.

SECTION 3.
Amateur astronomical groups that meet the requirements of Section 1 of this Article may seek membership on the Board of Directors (Board). An application for membership is approved upon majority vote of members of the Board in attendance at a regular board meeting.

SECTION 4.
Members may withdraw from membership upon giving one year’s notice to the Board.

SECTION 5.
Any member that fails to attend meetings or communicate with the President or the Secretary over a period of three consecutive years shall be dropped from membership.

SECTION 6.
The membership of any group may be terminated for cause deemed sufficient by the Board by a 2/3rd vote at any regular meeting of the Board. Not less than four months notice in writing must be given of the proposed action and the reasons therefor. There shall be an opportunity for a hearing before the Board at the meeting at which the action is to be taken on the proposed termination. The terminated member may be restored to membership by a majority vote at any time the Board deems the cause for termination has been eliminated or rectified.