Can the Public Attend LCAS Events, and What Observing Opportunities Are Available?

Yes. The Lake County Astronomical Society (LCAS) separates its observing calendar into public events and member-only events. Anyone can attend the monthly member meetings and the public star parties that follow them, while the twice-monthly dark sky sessions from March through November are reserved for members. LCAS has no permanent observatory; its dark sky observing happens at dedicated sites in McHenry County.

Public events anyone can attend

Monthly meetings

LCAS hosts member meetings on the third Friday of each month. These meetings are free and open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend. A map and directions are provided on the site.

Public star parties

After each public meeting, LCAS holds a public star party, weather permitting. This is the main way non-members can observe with the club. Because it depends on clear skies, treat the meeting as fixed and the star party as conditional.

Astronomy Under The City Lights

LCAS also runs Astronomy Under The City Lights events in collaboration with public libraries across Lake, Cook, and McHenry counties. These are another public entry point, typically closer to home than a dark sky site.

Member-only observing opportunities

Note that LCAS does not have a permanent observatory. The dark sky events rely on sites arranged through the McHenry County Conservatory rather than a club-owned building.

If you don't own a telescope

You don't need one to take part. LCAS describes itself as a place to look through other members' scopes before buying your own, and the club owns some basic telescopes that members may rent for a nominal fee. For public star parties, simply showing up gives you a chance to observe through equipment others bring.

Joining, and what it changes

Dues are $25.00 a year, a flat rate covering both individuals and families. If you join during the last three months of the calendar year, that payment covers the remainder of the current year plus all of the following year.

Member benefits listed by LCAS 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

Joining is what unlocks the dark sky events, since those are limited to members. If your goal is only to try observing with a group, the public star parties and library events may be enough to start.

Practical expectations

• Check the weather before any star party; public star parties are held only if conditions permit.
• Plan for travel if you want dark sky observing — the member sites are in McHenry County, not at a fixed club location.
• Bring questions about membership to the Membership Chair, and general questions to the Publicity Chair, using the contacts listed on the site.