The Etna Astros was formed in the summer of 2003 by Chris Reich and a small group of people interested in learning astronomy.  Our specific interests are diverse and the universe is large enough to stimulate us all to think and learn. Some of us are interested in the mythology of the constellations, some find the scientific statistics most exciting.  We have a member who is very interested in lunar study.  Some are mainly interested in observing night sky objects.  Some are interested in studying the sun!  When we meet, we share our interests and everyone learns something new!

We are an adult group.  Children under 18 years of age may attend meetings or observing sessions only when accompanied by a responsible adult. A child who demonstrates a serious interest in astronomy may be considered for membership by the other members of the club. 

As a member society of the Astronomical League, our members are eligible for many observing awards.  What better way to appreciate the wonders of the night sky.  Young members are also eligible for the national youth awards such as the National Young Astronomer Award and the Horkheimer Service Award.  We welcome young astronomer members under the age of 18 when accompanied by a responsible adult.

If you have kids that are interested in astronomy,  contact us and we will arrange something special for your kids.  We would be happy to make a presentation to your child's class at school or his/her group. If your child is home-schooled, we can come to you with an exciting demonstration or evening observation! We want to encourage interest in astronomy.

 The Etna Astros is chartered with the Astronomical League.  We charge an annual membership fee of $15 which covers the cost of League membership.  All members receive the quarterly magazine published by the League. As a member of the national organization, each member is entitled to participate the observing clubs sponsored by the league.

Annual dues are payable in June.  Members joining Between January 1 and April 30 pay a partial annual membership fee of $8 and then will pay $15 in June for a full year.  Our meetings are open to guests but it helps us plan if we know you're coming!  Please contact us if you'd like to attend any of our meetings.

As a group, we are working toward Messier Certificates for all members.  We plan to locate, record, and "lightly" study all 110 space objects.  We've seen nebulae, star clusters and super nova remnants!  We've seen the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter!  We've seen things millions of light-years away. Join us and you'll see more than you would have imagined possible!

We meet twice a month.  Once, around the full of the moon to broaden our minds and share our excitement about the upcoming "Star Parties".  These planning meetings are usually held at  The Etna Library.  Attendance is encouraged! Little Debbie will always be there.

Our other monthly meeting is one of night sky observing of planned targets. Generally, our observation nights are on the Saturday of the New Moon but this is always subject to the whims of Mother Nature. And, on occasion, we might choose to study the moon!

The Etna Astros first meeting in 2003

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,

I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace

Where never lark, or even eagle flew -

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untresspassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

(Image of M64, Hubble Space Telescope)

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee

No 412 squadron, RCAF