Giving to the society
The society's public star parties are free, and always have been. Anyone can turn up at the Marina, look through a telescope worth more than their car, and go home again without being asked for anything.
That is paid for by members' subscriptions and by people who give a little extra. If you have looked through one of our telescopes and would like to put something back, this is where.
What it pays for
- Eyepieces, filters and the unglamorous business of keeping four large telescopes collimated and working
- Taking equipment to schools and to Galena Creek, where most of the children looking through it have never seen Saturn before
- The society's share of running a public night: fuel, batteries, red torches, and replacing what gets dropped in the dark
Nobody is paid. There is no office. Every dollar goes on equipment or on getting it in front of people.
Whatever you would like
You type the amount. Payment is handled by e-junkie and PayPal, and the society never sees your card details.
Other ways
Come to a meeting or a star party and hand it to the treasurer. Tell us you are coming and we will look out for you.
Equipment is welcome too. If you have a telescope gathering dust, or eyepieces you no longer use, the society can usually give them a life — either in members' hands or on a table at a public night. Ask us before bringing anything large.
Is it tax deductible?
The Astronomical Society of Nevada is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Nevada corporation. Gifts are generally deductible, though whether that helps you depends on your own circumstances and we are not in a position to advise on it.
If you need the society's tax identification number — for your records, or for an employer who matches gifts — ask us and the treasurer will send it.
If you would rather join
Membership is $30 a year and brings you members' nights at dark sites, the use of the club's telescopes, and the monthly meeting. Join the society instead, or as well.