About 2 years ago I joined a small group of people who enjoy amateur astronomy. Our club, the Central Maine Astronomical Society, is based in Whitefield where we have our own observatory featuring a 16" newtonian reflector telescope. We meet monthly for observing at the Brower Observatory in Whitefield and also meet at the Damariscotta River Association parking lot, and at a private observatory site in Lincolnville. We try to switch up the locations month to month to give the public and club members a chance to come to at least one event nearest to them without having to drive too far.

You can be experienced amateur astronomer or inexperienced first time looking at the sky. Club benefits include access to a wide array of telescopes that you can use on loan, access to our e-mail listserv for advice and assistance, maintenance of our observatory, and more. Membership fee is a very reasonable $20.00 per person per year. We're working on changing fees for a family membership to alleviate the costs.

On Saturday April 30th, we will holding a business meeting in Whitefield to elect new club officers and to discuss the future of the club. Afterwards, if weather cooperates, we will have the observatory open to the public. More details on the event and location can be found on our Facebook group below.

Come check us out. Even if you don't own a telescope, a lot of astronomical objects can be viewed easily using inexpensive binoculars. We'd be glad to assist in advising anyone about purchasing a telescope, help with their telescope, or seek comradery in the pursuit of finding that elusive deep sky object.

For more info: http://www.maineastro.com

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/475695055925182/

E-mail our club president: [email protected]