Here’s a list of astronomy clubs and groups that operate in the state of Ohio. Please contact us with any corrections, changes, additions, or deletions that may be needed. We do not speak for any of the listed organizations so, if you have questions regarding membership, programming, and the like, please contact the group directly.

Astronomy Club of Akron — “The ACA has been a distinguished northeast Ohio organization since 1949. The purpose of the ACA is to further an interest in and promote the study of the subject of Astronomy and related sciences. The ACA will promote public interest in these sciences through the use of lectures, forums, discussion groups, publications, programs, research, instruction, and other relevant educational, scientific and literary activities.” Membership is open to all with an interest in astronomy. No equipment is necessary and no special knowledge is needed. The club operates an observatory, featuring a 16-inch SCT instrument, in cooperation with Portage Lakes State Park.

Black River Astronomical Society — The BRAS was founded in 1949 to serve the astronomical interests of North Central Ohio. Meetings include coverage of current observing opportunities, a constellation of the month, and a program of astronomical interest. Help with equipment use and observing instruction and hints is available to new observers. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend meetings. The club operates the John D. Nielsen Observatory in cooperation with Lorain County Metro Parks.

Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society — Founded in 1963, the group actively observes, operates their own observatory, and cooperates with the Geauga Park District and their Observatory Park facilities and events.

Cleveland Astronomical Society — Since its inception in 1922, the CAS has carried on a program of scientific and social meetings during nine months of the year, October to June. Case School of Applied Science took the Society under its wing from the organization’s conception. As a result, CAS has helped promote and provide members the opportunity to see, hear and visit with eminent scientists and engineers who are actively involved in research and contributing to our ever widening knowledge of the universe.

Cuyahoga Astronomical Association — “The Cuyahoga Astronomical Association (CAA) is a nonprofit organization established in 1957. Its purpose is to organize local amateur astronomers and to promote the science of astronomy to its members and the general public. We conduct regular meetings and events that are free and open to everyone.” The CAA operates an observatory for member and public observation opportunities in cooperation with the Medina County Park District.

Geauga Skywatchers Club — “Geuaga Skywatchers Club {is} an astronomy club founded by a consortium of organizations interested in promoting scientific thinking to the young and young-at-heart through the study and practice of astronomy.”

Lima Astronomical Society — The group “was founded as the Lima Astronomy Club in 1952 by Herbert Doughty, a seventh grade student.  Herb obtained the names of people who checked out astronomy-related books from the public library, and contacted those people to see if there was interest in starting an astronomy club. There was a good deal of interest from those Herb contacted, and the club began to meet in people’s homes. Over time, the Lima Astronomy Club grew to include professionals, homemakers, and students, all with a common interest of studying the cosmos and reaching out to others.” Today the organization hosts regular meetings and operates Schoonover Observatory with its 14-inch SCT telescope.

Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society — “The Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society was founded in October of 1939 by 16 dedicated amateur astronomers. By 1949 the club had built a telescope that used a 16 inch diameter primary mirror. This mirror was ground and polished by charter member Jack Draper. Jack was an expert at making telescope optics. At the time, the 16-inch was one of the largest amateur telescopes in the State.” Today the club operates to further the hobby of amateur astronomy in the Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and adjacent counties in Ohio.

Miami Valley Astronomical Society — “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.”

Richland Astronomical Society — “We are a nonprofit organization formed in 1960 to promote the advancement of amateur astronomy. Our membership is as diverse as our hobby. We have teachers, doctors, computer nerds, law enforcement, salespersons, chemists, publishers, computer programmers, building contractors, appliance repairmen, electricians, photographers, factory workers, professional authors, nurses and just about any profession and non-profession you can think of.” The group operates an observatory equipped with a very large telescope featuring a 36-inch mirror. Public observing is offered on a seasonal basis.

Summit County Astronomy Club — “The Summit County Astronomy Club is a 501(C)3 organization to create curiosity about {STEAM} Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math thru exploration of the Universe. Star gazing at Bath Nature Preserve on announced nights and Solar observing at various locations.” The organization operates two observatory buildings at its Bath, Ohio site, featuring a number of pier-mounted telescopes.

Toledo Astronomical Association — The TAA is a group of amateur astronomers from the Greater Toledo Area who gather for the purpose of observing the skies and studying astronomy. The Association takes pride in promoting the study of astronomy in all its aspects including: Participating in community events educating children and adults alike in the wonders of the heavens; Learning the latest astronomical research from reputable guest speakers; Observing and sharing the great sights in the sky with others.

Wilderness Center Astronomy Club — “TWC’s Astronomy Club is a friendly group of people who share a common interest in astronomy. We offer programs and projects that appeal to a variety of interests, knowledge, and skills. We have a special interest in school education through TWC’s in-house and outreach programs. We have members with all levels of expertise, from newcomers to advanced amateurs. We welcome anyone who has an interest in the night sky. We meet monthly for a program and meeting.” The Wilderness Center Astronomy Education Building includes a planetarium and an observatory equipped with an impressive telescope. TWC is located in Wilmot, Ohio.

Zanesville Astronomy Club — The club “invites the public to attend monthly scheduled viewings along with impromptu observations of significant celestial events. Meetings are held the second Saturday evening of each month beginning at sunset. Meetings are announced on our website. Workshops using NASA materials are advertised by email, the website, and the local newspaper, the Zanesville Times Recorder. The 17-inch Newtonian reflector housed in the Lewis Observatory will be used at most events. The Lewis Observatory is located on the NW side of Ohio University Zanesville campus….”