~ Membership ~

please CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR society

Membership is for one academic year which starts in September of each year. Membership is accepted at any time during the year towards the current academic year.

We encourage current members to renew each September, when we focus our membership drive.

Adult

$ 25.00

Basic membership includes benefits listed below

Student

$ 15.00

Active Student ID qualifies regardless of age

Premium Members

$ 35.00 +

For those who can express extra support!

Membership benefits:

The only astronomy club in Philadelphia that meets regularly in a planetarium; the Fels (one of the nations leading planetariums).
Regular access, weather permitting, at our meetings, to the Bloom Observatory on the rooftop at the Franklin Institute (newly refurbished)! Always a front seat view to celestial objects!
The location of our meetings at the Franklin Institute and our support of the Institute's activities enables us to attract an amazing professional array of guest speakers.
Exclusive private membership networking site (web based) to communicate with other interested members.
Inclusion on the RAS mailing list for our monthly newsletter.

Abrams Planetarium- Michigan State University Campus

Your membership includes a subscription to the Sky Calendar from the staff of the Abrams Planetarium. This is a monthly overview of what the beginning or casual observer can observe in a calendar style format. It also includes an easy to read sky map for each month.
" Sky Notes" is now a feature on our website that is updated daily with tips of what to view each evening in the night sky.

Discount subscription rate for "Sky and Telescope" magazine.
"Sky and Telescope" with club membership only $32.95 per year (20% savings on regular rate).
All members may receive upon request a Member in Good Standing frame-worthy certificate.
Premium Member certificate is printed on gold foil frame embossed paper.
And most importantly, you help promote astronomy education in Philadelphia and the surrounding community.

Please submit dues by mail to our mailing address:

Rittenhouse Astronomical Society
P.O. Box 283
Feasterville, PA 19053-0283

Membership dues cover the cost of the monthly mailings, web hosting, Abrams Sky Calendar subscription, and continued promotion and support for our astronomical and science related programs.

Remember to check the address label of your monthly newsletter for the expiration date of your membership (at the top of your label). Membership is now due in September of each year. Memberships run from September to September following the student academic year.

Nominations are always open and excepted for a position as Member-at-Large. Executive officers are appointed biennially by the members-at-large who are eligible for office after two years of active service.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED Please contact us for further information or to apply. Members are always welcome to get involved. We are a volunteer organization which means the volunteers are key to the success of our society.

Membership Certificate Coordinator ~ Print and distribute members certificates at meetings

Meeting Reviewer ~ If you attend regularly, consider posting a review of our meetings for our website. This position would be for an active member that attends 8 of 10 meetings each academic year.

Observatory Operators ~ The Joel Bloom observatory atop the Franklin Institute is looking for enthusiastic volunteers (some astronomy knowledge helpful) to receive training to operate the 10" Zeiss refractor and 8" Meade reflectors. Contact Derrick Pitts-Chief Astronomer TFI

Office of Member-at-Large

Member-at-Large is a two year term. The member is a liaison officer between the RAS and other groups and organizations.
Purpose: 1) To enlighten the community and others about RAS 2) To gather information related to astronomy for the RAS that we can share with members and the public.

Available Positions:

PR with new members at meetings. Be on the lookout at meetings for new faces to make them feel part of us with a "Hello. Glad you could come tonight." Ask if the new member/ visitor has a special interest or question so that, if desired, could be referred, privately, to an RAS member for assistance.

PR with media: television and radio stations, and newspapers.

PR with schools and colleges.

PR with other astronomy clubs.

PR with Public Relations at the Franklin Institute

Areas of information gathering for RAS:

Stores, etc. local, that sell telescopes, binoculars, cameras, and accessories. Stores and websites that sell these items on a national basis. We need brands, catalogues, and prices (if available).
Most of the gathered information will be made available on our expanding website. As Member-at-Large, you will help us serve as the focus of astronomy in the Delaware Valley where the public and professionals will have access to all areas of interest. We will cross-link with the Franklin Institute, our host.

Member-at-Large functions will be divided up among the officers accepting the positions. We will help you interact. The workload will be light and rewarding.

As a Member-at-Large, you will be listed as an officer of RAS and your name will be placed on mailing lists. You will receive our RAS Certificate that will also have your name specially listed. You will be included in RAS Board Meetings and part of RAS decision making.

Dr. Friedman, President

~ Membership Certificate ~

Your basic membership entitles you to a Membership Card and a Member in Good Standing Certificate. Since many display or frame their certificates, we prefer not to mail them, but will bring them to the next meeting after your request for one has been made. Your membership card can be obtained at an RAS meeting. Please contact any officer to request your card or to have your certificate printed.

Premium Certificate: Some members have the ability to contribute more for their yearly membership. If you contribute $25.00 towards your yearly dues, you are entitled to a gold embossed certificate.

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