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MOHAWK VALLEY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Clinton, NY · EIN 161559934 · Form 990EZ · FY2021 · NTEE U31 · Science & Technology · Micro (<$100K) · mvas-ny.org
revenue
$2K
expenses
$4K
net assets
$20K
employees
—
mission · from form 990

SCIENTIFIC, EDUCATION

profile · synthesized from sources

Astronomy club based in Clinton, NY, founded in 1989 to promote public education and scientific observation of the night sky. Hosts monthly meetings with guest speakers on topics ranging from planetary science to astrophotography, and operates the Apollo Observatory for member and public viewing sessions. Engages in outreach, amateur research, and collaborates on astronomy-related projects and events across Central New York.

named programs · 4 · from sources

What they call their work

Apollo Observatory
16-foot Ash Dome observatory housing a 16-inch Meade LX-200 telescope, used for member and public observing sessions; dedicated in 2003.
Monthly Public Meetings
Held the second Wednesday of each month featuring educational programs, guest speakers, and member presentations on astronomy topics.
Starfront Observatory Project
Proposal to establish a robotic telescope at Starfront Observatory in Rockwood, Texas for remote astrophotography and imaging.
Telescopic Topics Newsletter
Monthly publication summarizing meeting minutes, upcoming events, and recent developments in astronomy and space science.
activities · 4 groups

What they do

  • Public Astronomy & Space Science Education 8 activities
    • Administers member recognition and observing programs
      Runs the MVAS Observing Club 1, a program that recognizes members who complete specific observational astronomy activities, fostering engagement and skill development among members.
    • Conducts solar observing events
      Hosts public solar observing events using specialized solar telescopes and equipment to enable safe viewing of the Sun, including events such as the solar star party held on October 11, 2008.
    • Engages in astronomy research and publication
      Conducts and publishes astronomy-related research, including authoring articles such as "The NEAF Solar Star Party" in peer-reviewed publications like Astronomy Technology Today.
    • Hosts public stargazing and educational events
      Organizes regular public stargazing events at multiple locations in the Mohawk Valley, including the Barton-Brown Observatory, featuring educational programs and telescope viewing of celestial objects such as stars, star clusters, galaxies, and planets. Events include seasonal meteor showers and special viewings like lunar eclipses.
    • Operates the Barton-Brown Observatory
      Maintains and operates the Barton-Brown Observatory on the grounds of the Waterville Public Library, featuring a 20' by 20' open observing area with permanently mounted telescopes and a 10' by 14' enclosed warm room for remote telescope control, astroimaging, and public use.
    • Organizes monthly educational meetings
      Holds monthly meetings with guest speakers and educational programs focused on astronomy topics, including post-meeting stargazing when weather permits, and provides refreshments except during the summer Star-B-Que event.
    • Produces and shares astronomy educational materials
      Creates and distributes educational content such as guides on observing planets and curated book lists for beginners, and shares astronomy news and event updates through a monthly newsletter.
    • Supports astrophotography and observational projects
      Facilitates member participation in astrophotography and observational astronomy through access to equipment and facilities, and showcases member-created astrophotography at events.
  • Organized Member Social Events 1 activity
    • Hosts annual member events and gatherings
      Organizes annual social and educational events for members, including the Star-B-Que held at the Waterville Library, which serves as a summer alternative to regular monthly meetings.
  • Membership Program Administration 1 activity
    • Offers membership with structured dues
      Provides annual membership categories for individuals, families, and students with dues ranging from $10 to $20 per year, offering access to events, resources, and community participation.
  • Real-Time Environmental Monitoring and Community Engagement 1 activity
    • Provides real-time observatory weather data
      Offers real-time weather condition monitoring for the MVAS BBO Observatory to support safe and effective astronomical observing activities.
financials · form 990EZ · fy2021
revenue
Total revenue$2K
Contributions & grants$59224%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$20%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$4K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
balance sheet
Total assets$20K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$20K
1 years on record · 2021–2021
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

Who runs it

board members · 3
  • KURT WIEHENSTROER — DIRECTOR
  • RODMAN ALLEN — DIRECTOR
  • TOM BATTLES — DIRECTOR
relationships · 29

Who they work with

  • Alfred University Partner — Provides guest speakers for MVAS educational programs through its astronomy faculty.
  • Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers Partner — Linked as a collaborative organization in planetary observation
  • Astronomical League Network — MOHAWK VALLEY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY is an affiliate member of the Astronomical League
  • Astronomical League Network — Member organization linked through MVAS's resource page
  • Astronomical League Network — Member organization of the Astronomical League, enabling electronic payment for dues and participation in a national network.
  • Astronomical League Partner — Collaborates through the Night Sky Network initiative.
  • Astronomical Society of the Pacific Partner — Collaborates through the Night Sky Network initiative.
  • Astronomy Magazine Partner — Recommends subscription to and use of Astronomy Magazine as an educational resource for beginners.
  • Colgate University Partner — Partners with MVAS through joint presentations utilizing the Ho Tung Visualization Lab Dome.
  • DarkSky International Partner — Partner organization focused on dark sky preservation
  • Herkimer College Partner — Collaborates with MVAS through staff participation in public outreach programs.
  • Herkimer County Community College Partner — Hosts solar observing events in collaboration with the Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society.
  • Ho Tung Visualization Lab, Colgate University Partner — Hosts MVAS monthly meetings at its facility.
  • International Meteor Organization Partner — Collaborative partner for meteor observation and data sharing
  • International Occultation Timing Association Partner — Partner in observational timing and occultation events
  • NASA Government — Engages with MVAS through NASA Solar System Ambassadors presenting on Artemis II and the International Space Station.
  • NASA Government — Federal space agency providing data and resources used by MVAS
  • NASA Government — Partnered with through participation in the Night Sky Network.
  • NEAF Partner — Collaborated on the Solar Star Party event, as documented in a published article.
  • NOAA Government — Government agency providing geomagnetic and space weather data
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory Government — Linked federal scientific facility for radio astronomy
  • Night Sky Network Network — Member of the Night Sky Network, a partnership of amateur astronomy clubs and organizations.
  • Prospect Library Partner — Sponsors public stargazing events hosted by the Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society.
  • U.S. Naval Observatory Government — Government source for astronomical data and timekeeping used by MVAS
  • University of Colorado at Boulder Partner — Collaborates with MVAS by presenting on exoplanet discoveries and NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory mission.
  • Waterville Library Partner — Hosts MVAS events including the annual Star-B-Que and monthly meetings.
  • Waterville Public Library Partner — Hosts MVAS monthly meetings at its community room.
  • Waterville Public Library Partner — Hosts the Barton-Brown Observatory on its property at 206 White Street, Waterville, NY.
  • Waterville Public Library Partner — Partnered to construct the Barton-Brown Observatory on the library's grounds.
strategies · 4

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Accessible Infrastructure for Public Astronomy Education
    methodology: community-access_observatory
    By maintaining a dedicated observatory with permanent and remotely accessible telescopes, the organization enables consistent, high-quality public observation and education, because reliable, well-equipped infrastructure lowers barriers to participation and supports ongoing learning regardless of individual equipment ownership.
  • Community-Based Observational Learning
    methodology: community-based_learning
    By combining direct telescope observation with peer-led education and mentorship, the organization fosters public engagement and deeper understanding of astronomy, because hands-on experience and social learning increase accessibility and retention for amateur and novice observers.
  • Member-Driven Peer Learning and Content Creation
    methodology: peer_learning
    By creating space for members to share personal projects and lead astrophotography efforts, the organization strengthens engagement and skill development, because peer-to-peer knowledge exchange fosters ownership, motivation, and community cohesion.
  • Progressive Skill-Building Through Accessible Observation
    methodology: progressive_skill_building
    By guiding participants from unaided-eye viewing to binoculars and then telescopes, the organization builds foundational sky literacy and confidence, because a structured, low-barrier entry point increases long-term participation and reduces intimidation for beginners.