BBAA Constitution

BBAA By-laws

Public Disclosure

BBAA Incorporation Documents

Scholarship By-laws

2022 Scholarship Application

Event Etiquette - What to do or not do around the telescopes.

Event Guidelines - How to have a successful event.

BBAA Toolkits from the NSN - Kits that NASA has sent us to help do outreach events. You can request a specific topic for us to cover.

Chippokes Permit

Observing at Chippokes State Park is a privilege that we club members have worked hard to maintain. It requires adherence to some rules outlined in our special use permit that we must obtain each year.

At least one individual must have a copy of the permit for the observing group. We have decided to place the permit online for BBAA members to download and printout their own copy.

Please protect our privilege to use Chippokes by following their rules. If you have any questions, please ask any of the other members and we can help you with any concerns you may have.

For more information about Nightwatch at Chippokes, please see our event information page.

Cornland Permit

Corn Watch @ Cornland Park, Chesapeake, Va. is a BBAA's "observers only" session at Cornland Park, in Chesapeake.

This is where we can work with new members on using their equipment or just getting together. The session runs from dusk until dawn. Our night use of the park requires a permit and your BBAA Membership Card, in case your presence is questioned by law enforcement.

Please make sure you download a permit. As always, this is a city park and no alcohol is permitted. Please try to leave the are as you found it and remove all trash from your observing area.

NOTE: To turn off the new LED security light in the parking lot, go to the Firehouse, let them know you are with the BBAA, and ask them for the key to the switchbox. Unlock the box and leave the padlock unlocked, shut off light, and return the key to the firehouse. Please do not keep it with you. At the end of the night the last person there must turn the light on and then lock the box.

For more information about Cornwatch at Cornland Park, please see our event information page.

Back Bay Observer Newsletter

Our club newsletter editor is: Richard Roberts.

editor -at backbayastro -dot org

The Observer welcomes any contributions (articles, pictures or both) from any club member on topics ranging from reports on observing, outreach events, observing trips, star parties, equipment reviews, do-it-yourself projects, news of member's achievements & honors, general interest astronomy/space articles, etc. So, if you have something you'd like to share, please send what you have to the email address above and our editor will work with you to get those items into the newsletter. Please note that our editors job is to make it easy for you to submit an article. So don't worry about grammar, article length, polishing up, etc. Just send it to them and they will work to make it great!

Meeting - Minutes / Video / Audio

Currently our elected Secretary is Gabriel Dandrade.

secretary -at backbayastro -dot org

Meetings that were recorded on video will have a camera icon 🎥 next to the month that links directly with the video online.

Meetings that were recorded using Zoom automatically generate an audio only 🎧 file. You can download this file and listen to it on your mobile device or in your browser.

NOTE (1): In 2019 the club officers decided to start broadcasting the club meetings on Facebook Live. Initially this was sporadic so there are some gaps in what videos are available. We switched to Zoom in 2020 due to its popularity at the time.

NOTE (2): Due to various reasons i.e location of the meeting, technically difficulties, there is no audio or video available for this meeting.

BBAA Adjustable Frame Design for NSN Banners

Telescope_Buying_Guide_Handouts

Cheat Sheet Astronomical League Observing Programs

Messier Marathon Presentation

The Lighting Revolution Presentation - June 2025