No matter your level of expertise, Lake County Astronomical Society (”LCAS”) can help you choose the right equipment, explore a particular area of interest, such as astrophotography, and learn about the latest space discoveries While many of our members are accomplished observers and astrophotographers, others are new to the hobby.
LCAS hosts monthly member meetings on the third Friday of each month. These meetings are free and are open to the public.
Everyone is invited to attend our meetings. (Map and directions) If you decide to join, the dues are $25.00 a year. This is a flat rate for individuals and families.
Member benefits include:
- Monthly meetings
- Invitation to all club activities
- Fellowship with club members
- Club trips to remote dark sky locations
- Observing opportunities during the year
- Use of rental scopes and binoculars
- Monthly book club discussion group
Welcome to our Society!!
- Send your questions about joining to the Membership Chair
- General questions and comments may be sent to the Publicity Chair
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I don’t own a telescope?
- No problem! LCAS is the perfect place to look through other members’ scopes before buying your own. There are also some basic telescopes owned by the club that members may rent for a nominal fee.
- What if I join in the middle of the year?
- Our dues are $25 per calendar year. If you join in the last 3 months of the current year, your dues will cover the remainder of the current year and all of the following year.
- Does the club have an observatory?
- No, we do not have a permanent observatory. However, we use dedicated dark sky sites provided by the McHenry County Conservatory for member-only observing events, held twice a month from March through November at locations in McHenry County.
- Can the public observe with the club?
- Yes. While our dark sky events are limited to members, the public is welcome to attend our public star parties, which are held after each public meeting, weather permitting. We also host Astronomy Under The City Lights events in collaboration with public libraries across Lake, Cook, and McHenry counties.
