Who We Are

The Cape Fear Astronomical Society (CFAS) of southeast North Carolina is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of amateur astronomy founded in 1983. We are enthusiastic people with the desire to learn, share, and explore the universe around us. We observe the heavens, hold cookouts for the whole family, take field trips to sites of astronomical interest, and meet with other astronomers throughout the southeast.

Monthly Meetings

We meet the second Sunday of most months in room 212 of DeLoach Hall on the campus of  UNCW. Meetings are free and open to the public. The business portion of our meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and cover club business, activities, and upcoming events. After a brief intermission, CFAS members or guest speakers make presentations on astronomy and space science. Presentations start at 7:40 p.m.

We usually meet before the meeting at a local restaurant for supper and astronomical conversation.

Observing

We hold regularly scheduled public observing sessions during most months, and on occaision for special astronomical events. During good weather we may also hold unscheduled private viewing sessions under darker skies, away from urban light pollution.

Public Outreach

Cape Fear Astro members actively educate the community about astronomy through public observing sessions, public exhibits, and outreach programs to local schools, Scouts, and other organizations. Our schedule of events and next meeting information are on our Schedule page. T learn more about what we can do, please visit our Public Outreach Page. To request an event at your site, please visit our Contact page.

MEMBERSHIP

You don't need any equipment to join our society: You can use just your eyes. Many of our members are happy to share the views through their telescopes or binoculars. If you are the kind of person who wakes up at four in the morning to catch a comet on the horizon, are fascinated by the detailed physics of optics and astronomical phenomena, or just like learning about the beauty of the cosmos, you'll fit right in.

Individual membership is $25 a year; family memberships are $32. Advantages of becoming a member include:

• Membership in the CFAS email list to stay updated on club events and astronomy news.
• Society membership in the Astronomical League
• Reduced subscription rates to Astronomy and Sky and Telescope magazines