In the Spring of 2000, several valley residents were attending a Continuing Education astronomy class at our local Flathead Valley Community College. As a result of their common interest in the subject, the instructor and several of the class participants began discussing the possibility of forming a club. The Big Sky Astronomy Club was formed in August of that year. Today, the club claims a membership of about 20 amateur astronomers of all ages and backgrounds.

The Big Sky Astronomy Club is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit corporation, registered with both the State of Montana and the I.R.S.

Donations to the Big Sky Astronomy Club are 100% tax deductible and your support will be very much appreciated.

The "Donate" button below will take you to our secure PayPal© donation page.

Our Mission:

The mission of the Big Sky Astronomy Club is to share our varied interests in, our collective knowledge of and unbridled passion for the science of astronomy amongst its members, with the residents of our fair valley and, to the extent possible, the rest of the residents of our Pale Blue Dot.

Our Vision:

• To deepen our club members understanding and knowledge of the science of astronomy.

• To gain a personal appreciation of the beauty of the universe through actual physical observation of objects in both the nighttime and daytime skies.

• To promote public awareness of astronomy through the sponsorship of public presentations and star parties.

• To acknowledge the detrimental effects of light pollution and to promote and encourage the use of night-sky-freindly lighting amongst our members and the general public.

Why Join the BSAC?

• Our members bring with them a wide range of interests and experience. Whatever your interest is, it is likely that one or more of our members also share that interest. No matter what your level of knowledge of astronomy is - from novice to PhD - all that is required is a basic interest in or simple curiosity about the marvelous wonders that exist in our awe-inspiring universe.

• Our meetings and star parties offer our members a chance to make new friends, to discuss our own personal astronomical "discoveries" and to learn about exciting, recent developments in astronomical research.

• The club meets monthly a the fire hall at the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department on Farm-To-Market Road. Located several miles west and north of Kalispell, the facilities offer a very nice meeting room under relatively dark skies. Our meetings are scheduled during the dark of the moon each month. This provides us an opportunity to set up our scopes in the large parking area at the fire hall and, as a group, do some observing following the meeting (weather permitting, of course).

Additional Benefits of Membership

• Magazine subscription discounts - Both Astronomy Magazine and Sky and Telescope offer our club members discounts on subscriptions to their magazines. To be eligible for the discount, you must process your initial subscription or renewal through the club.

• Star Parties - We typically sponsor several public star parties each year. Undeniably, these events are the highlight of our summer observing season. Check our Events Page Calendar for details on this year's upcoming events. parties.

• Other Public Outreach events - Throughout each year, BSAC club members provide Public Outreach services to many different groups. Various youth groups, such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies, have taken advantage of programs offered by the BSAC. Club members have provided classroom astronomy programs to elementary, junior and senior high students and, for several years, offered a Continuing Education Course at Flathead Valley Community College. Upcoming outreach programs can be found on our Events Page Calendar.