Join the Mojave Desert Astronomy Club
Whether you've been observing the night sky for decades or have never looked through a telescope before, there's a place for you at MDAC.
Mojave Desert Astronomy Club was created to bring people together around a shared appreciation for astronomy and the spectacular night skies of the High Desert. Our goal is to build a welcoming community where members can observe, learn, share knowledge, and enjoy the night sky together.
Who Can Join?
Anyone with an interest in astronomy is welcome. You don't need to own a telescope, understand astrophotography, or know the names of every constellation.
Our members may be backyard stargazers, visual observers, astrophotographers, telescope enthusiasts, educators, or simply people who enjoy looking up on a clear night.
We believe curiosity is the only requirement.
What Does Membership Mean?
Membership means becoming part of a community that shares a love of astronomy and a commitment to protecting the places where we enjoy it.
Members are invited to participate in club observing sessions, gatherings, educational activities, and other events. Membership also provides an opportunity to meet other observers, learn from more experienced astronomers, and share your own knowledge and experience with others.
As the club grows, we expect our members to help shape what MDAC becomes. This is a club built by its members, not simply a calendar of events.
Our Dark Sky Community
One of the things that makes the High Desert special is the opportunity to experience genuinely dark skies. With that privilege comes responsibility.
MDAC members are expected to respect the darkness, the land, and one another. This includes following observing etiquette, minimizing unnecessary light, using red light when illumination is necessary, respecting quiet observing areas, and practicing a leave-no-trace philosophy.
Our observing sites are shared spaces. Taking care of them helps ensure that we can continue enjoying them for years to come.
Membership & Dues
MDAC will maintain a simple membership structure designed to cover the reasonable costs of operating the club, including insurance, site maintenance, and other necessary expenses.
Membership dues will be established as the club's organizational structure and operating costs are finalized. Our intention is to keep membership affordable and focused on supporting the club rather than creating unnecessary barriers to participation.
Additional membership details, including annual dues, membership categories, and site access policies, will be published as the club's founding documents are finalized.
Guests Are Welcome
Not ready to become a member? That's okay.
We want people to have an opportunity to experience MDAC before deciding whether membership is right for them. Guests may attend designated club events and observing sessions according to the rules established for each event.
Bring your curiosity, ask questions, and take a look through a telescope. You may find that the night sky has a way of bringing people back.
Membership Responsibilities
Membership comes with a responsibility to help maintain the kind of astronomy community we want to build.
- Respect fellow members, guests, and their equipment.
- Protect dark skies and follow club lighting guidelines.
- Respect private property and observing sites.
- Practice leave-no-trace principles.
- Follow club safety rules and event guidelines.
- Help maintain a welcoming environment for newcomers.
- Share knowledge and help others learn when you can.
More Than a Membership
We don't want MDAC to simply be a place where people pay dues and receive an event calendar.
We want it to be a community.
A place where someone can ask how to find Saturn without feeling embarrassed. Where an experienced observer can introduce someone to a faint galaxy. Where astrophotographers can compare images after a long night. And where friends can sit under a dark Mojave sky and simply enjoy being there.
Come Look Up
MDAC is still taking shape, and our founding members are working on the details that will guide the club into the future.
Membership information and registration will be available once the club is officially launched.
Until then, keep looking up.