About the China Lake Astronomical Society

The China Lake Astronomical Society is a place for people who want to learn about, participate in, and share astronomy activities and education. We are based in Ridgecrest and China Lake, CA, in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert. We are just over the mountains from Death Valley, and some of the darkest skies in the United States.

Monthly Meetings and Programs are Open to the Public

Meetings and programs are open to the public, and are held at the Maturango Museum on the first Monday of every month (except when it falls on a holiday, then we meet the following Monday).

Maturango Museum
100 East Las Flores Avenue
Ridgecrest CA 93555

Membership dues are $25.

All ages and ability levels are welcome.

Membership

Basic CLAS dues are $25 per year - due in January. Student membership FREE

Skywatchers Newsletter FREE.

Members also receive discounted rates for Astronomy magazine and/or Sky & Telescope magazine. The fee schedule is as follows:

  • Verify current magazine prices with Roger!
  • Basic annual membership $25.
  • Membership with Astronomy magazine is $59.
  • Membership with Sky & Telescope magazine is $58.
  • Membership with both S & T and Astronomy is $92.

Send your Check or Money Order (do not mail cash) to:

Roger Brower, Treasurer
China Lake Astronomical Society
PO Box 1783
Ridgecrest CA 93556

CLAS Officers

PRESIDENT – Ralph Paonessa – (760) 384-8666 (ralph@chinalakeastro.org)

VICE-PRESIDENT – Keith Weisz – (760) 375-9114 (kerniew@gmail.com)

SECRETARY – Ted Hodgkinson - (661) 754-0561 (ghodkinson@sbcglobal.net)

TREASURER – Roger Brower - (760) 446-0454 (brower@iwvisp.com)

NEWSLETTER EDITOR – Ted Hodgkinson – (661) 754-0561 (ghodkinson@sbcglobal.net). Send any newsletter items to Ted.