MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL IS NOW OPEN UNTIL MARCH 13, 2026. CLICK HERE TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE.
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Since 1918 the MVAS has been the face of amateur astronomy in the Miami Valley dedicated to educating the public about science of astronomy and fostering the growth of amateur astronomy and fellowship. To that end, the non-profit MVAS, annually engages thousands of individuals through its monthly meetings, stargazes, and outreach programs. The Society also operates the John Bryan Observatory (JBO) located at John Bryan State Park.
Becoming a Member
MVAS accepts members throughout the year and has four available memberships: Individual, Family, Junior, and Student. Please visit our How to Join page for more information.
If you choose to become a member later in the year, please keep in mind that our renewal period for members is between January and March.
Upcoming Events
Members’ Night
Our next monthly members-only get-together is Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Please see the email newsletter for location and other details.
Public Stargazes
Our next public stargaze will be Saturday, March 21 at John Bryan State Park’s Day Lodge starting at sunset (7:30 p.m.)
General Meeting
Our next General Meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 13, starting at 7:00 PM at the VFW Post #3283, 5074 Nebraska Ave. in Huber Heights. These meetings usually include 30-45 minutes of business and discussions, followed by a brief social period and a 30 to 45-minute main program.
The agenda for the evening includes:
- Steve Hildenbrandt’s Constellations of the Month, Lepus
- Astrophoto Show & Tell
- A 45-minute program, T CrB Update & Variable Stars by Dr. John Graham
Program Details:
For nearly two years, MVAS has provided monthly updates on the status of T CrB, a recurring nova in the Northern Crown. During this program, Dr. John Graham will review the history of T CrB and why we are keeping an eye on it. Along the way, we’ll also give a brief introduction to variable stars and how to observe them visually and with your camera or smart telescope.
About Dr. John Graham
John Graham is a lifelong amateur astronomer, getting his start in the early 1960s with his parent’s 50mm Tasco 6T tabletop telescope, 7×35 Sears binoculars, and a 1950s Voightlander Bessa II camera. John joined the MVAS in 1976 and was part of the second group of volunteers that worked to establish and operate the John Bryan State Park Observatory. Although he is currently known for owning quite a number of mostly vintage telescopes, he spent over 40 years as an active amateur telescope maker and built over two dozen telescopes before buying his first telescope (a 60mm Tasco from Walmart). John even taught telescope-making classes in the original Apollo Observatory when it was a separate facility associated with the Dayton Museum of Natural History.
Note: The VFW has a long driveway and sits behind the American Legion Post 200 on Nebraska Avenue. Please turn into the driveway with the VFW sign and follow back to the VFW building. If you use Google Maps (or similar software) to guide you to the VFW, make sure that the directions include turning onto Nebraska Ave. Do not park on Bellefontaine Rd. or Leeper St. and walk across private property to reach the VFW.
Please visit our Upcoming Events page to view our complete Google Calendar for the year!