About GHAAS – A Nonprofit Led by Amateur Astronomers
The Greater Hazleton Area Astronomical Society
Founded in 1977, the Greater Hazleton Area Astronomical Society (GHAAS) began with a small group of passionate amateur astronomers united by their love of the night sky. Since then, we’ve grown into a thriving nonprofit science club dedicated to bringing the wonders of space to the public through education, events, and hands-on experiences.
Incorporated in 1995, GHAAS continues to operate exclusively for educational and scientific purposes as a 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission has remained steady: to ignite curiosity and foster understanding of the cosmos.
Our Mission: Astronomy Education & Outreach
We believe that astronomy education is for everyone—from complete beginners to lifelong skywatchers. Through engaging lectures, interactive demonstrations, and public telescope nights, we make astronomy accessible to all ages.
Our astronomy outreach programs are designed to spark wonder and provide real opportunities for people to explore the universe firsthand. Whether it’s observing the Moon through a telescope or learning to capture the stars via astrophotography, GHAAS offers programs that educate and inspire.
A Nonprofit Science Club for the Stargazing Community
As a volunteer-run organization, GHAAS serves as a welcoming hub for the local and regional stargazing community. We encourage collaboration and learning among members, while also supporting public initiatives like dark sky preservation and science literacy.
From casual observers to seasoned amateur astronomers, our club brings together people of all backgrounds to share knowledge, equipment, and enthusiasm for the night sky.
What We Do
- Host regular telescope observation nights for the public
- Organize school visits and community events
- Offer educational lectures, workshops, and astrophotography sessions
- Maintain an active membership with exclusive resources and benefits
- Support dark sky advocacy and space science literacy
