Celebrating 25 Years of Astronomy in the Umpqua Valley
Founded in May 1986, after the return of Comet Halley. At first,
a handful of astronomy enthusiasts gathered to share a common
interest in stargazing. The new club was the only active group
in Southern Oregon at that time. Blessed with nearby dark skies,
the club emphasized observing and learning the sky. As the club
gained new members, community outreach and regular monthly meetings
were added. Sidewalk astronomy, Umpqua Valley style, was begun
with community star parties in city and county parks. John Dobson
was hosted at Wildlife Safari and Umpqua Community College during
the time of Comet Shoemaker Levy 9’s impacts on Jupiter. Especially
popular community outreach events included viewing of Comet Hale-Bopp
and the close opposition of Mars.
The club has slowly grown from five original members to it’s current
list of 24 active members and several more semi-active members. Not
bad for a small town in a mostly rural county of Southern Oregon. The
club has members throughout central Douglas County from Camas Valley,
to Oakland, to Myrtle Creek and down to Canyonville and Tiller. The
club holds two astronomy community star parties each late spring and
early fall with club member star parties in between. Monthly club
meetings keep members attuned to the latest news in astronomy, upcoming
must see celestial events for the next month, and a wide variety of
month programs about telescope making to black holes.