BSAC Gains Tax-Exempt Status
June 30, 2011
The Big Sky Astronomy Club was created during the fall of 2000 as Non-Profit corporation, registered with the State of Montana. This, however, didn't afford us tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service.
During the first months of 2011, club members began the arduous task of assembling the documentation necessary to apply to the I.R.S. for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
On July 30, 2011, we excitedly received word from the I.R.S. that our application had been approved and that the Big Sky Astronomy Club was now (and retroactively to our formation in October of 2000) considered to be a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit, charitable organization. As such, contributions to our club are fully tax deductible.
If you'd like to help out with a donation, the club has a PayPal© account set up. See our "About Us" page for more information.
Transit of Venus, F.V.C.C.
June 5, 2012
The Big Sky Astronomy Club hosted a public observing session and PowerPoint presntation at Flathead Valley Community College during this year's Transit of Venus on June 5.
Unfortunately, poor weather prevented club members from settting up telescopes to witness the event live, but participants viewed the transit on a live web-feed from Mauna Kea, Hawaii.
A.C.S. Relay For Life
June 22, 2012
The Big Sky Astronomy Club participated in this year's Relay For Life, sponsored by the Amercian Cancer Society.
Club members had telescopes set up for participants in the marathon walk to view deep sky objects during their down time. In addition, Club President Mark Paulson had a homemade "cosmic ray cloud chamber" set up, with which indviduals could actually see the tracks left behind as cosmic rays passed through the chamber.
Logan Pass Star Parties, G.N.P.
July 20 & August 17, 2012
Due to poor weather on the 20th of July, the first of the two planned Logan Pass Star Parties was cancelled. The August 17th event, however was a rousing success, with several hundred participants from all over the world being able to view planets, double stars and many deep sky objects.
6th Annual Lone Pine Star Party
July 28, 2012
Due to poor weather conditions, the Lone Pine Star Party, that was originally scheduled for Saturday July 14 has been rescheduled for Saturday July 28th.
(Click on the thumbnail image above to go to our Events Page further details.)
Ruby Valley Star Party
August 16, 17 and 18, 2012
The Big Sky Astronomy Club sponsored a state-wide star party this summer on private property near Twin Bridges, Montana. The property is owned by BSAC club member Joe Witherspoon. Another state-wide star party will be held at the same location next summer. Check back here often for updates.
(Click on the thumbnail image above to go to our Events Page for more information on this year's Ruby Valley Star Party.)
G.N.P. Summer Stargazing
Summer Weekends, 2012
The Big Sky Astronomy Club once again worked with the management of Glacier National Park to put on a very successful Summer Stargazing Program at various locations on the west side of the park. Literally hundreds of visitors got a chance to view sunspots on the face of our Sun during daylight hours and then, each evening, they had an opportunity to view many of the interesting objects visible through telescopes of various types and sizes.
