One of the most satisfying aspects of amateur astronomy is the communication of enthusiasm and knowledge, and especially the sharing of these with beginners. Such is the popularity of astronomy nowadays that almost every city has its own local clubs and activities that bring amateurs together. Your public library will have information on these groups. Following is a selection of the major national societies and a few of the best known annual events.

Addresses

American Association of Variable Star Observers 25 Birch St., Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

American Astronomical Society 2000 Florida Ave. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009, USA.

Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers PO Box 143, Heber Springs, AR 72543, USA.

Association of Planetary and Lunar Observers New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA.

Astronomical Society of the Pacific 390 Ashton Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112, USA.

British Astronomical Association Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1V 9AG, UK. (Meteor Section: ‘The Harepath’, Mile End Lane, Apuldam, near Chichester, West Sussex, PO2O 7DZ, UK.