The International Association
for Astronomical Studies
The International Association for Astronomical Studies (IAAS) is a group of junior high and senior high school students from the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area. These students share a common interest in astronomy, amateur radio, aerospace, the sciences, and engineering, and want to share that interest with others.
A Brief History of the IAAS
The IAAS was founded in June of 1978. The first group numbered six for the first semester of the year. The premise for initiating the IAAS was to create an environment for high school students that would enhance current skills and capabilities and expand individual interests and knowledge. More importantly, these motivated young people would be encouraged to succeed in a scientific program and be allowed to contribute their talents to the advancement of science and engineering in the schools.
Since 1978, these students have been involved in various scientific projects including the study of Saturn's ring systems, eclipses (both solar and lunar) and the study of radio emission spectra. These students have contributed to and assisted in the development of astronomy curricula for kindergarten through adult education. Also to their credit is the development and performance of world-class planetarium productions and guest lectures for conferences and seminars.
Many students have traveled extensively and have given presentations at conferences locally, nationally and internationally. They are sought after as international speakers on the topics of youth astronomy research and scientific programs.
The IAAS has developed numerous educational programs over its many years of existence. Each one is designed specifically to make understanding science fun.
In 1990, the IAAS also became known as Boy Scout Explorer Post 2268 named after the black hole Cygnus X-1 (companion to the star HDE 226868).
Some of our projects - past and present - include:
- Archeoastronomy at Chaco Canyon
- Radio Astronomy ö Tracking the Mars Global Surveyor
- Research package for space shuttle mission STS47
- Solar and Lunar Eclipses
- Spring camp-outs at Mount Evans Observatory
- Scope Nights at State and Federal Parks
- Colorado State Ham Radio Convention
- Colorado 14er Amateur Radio Event
- ARRL Field Day Amateur Radio Event
- Regional Boy Scout Expos
- High Power Rocket Launches with Tripoli Colorado at Hartsel, CO
- Remote Control Aircraft Flying at various local RC flying fields
- SkyWarn - Severe Weather and Storm Monitoring Operations
- Radio Jove - Radio Astronomy Research
One of our major programs presented by the IAAS is:
The IAAS Star Labs
These exciting labs include hands-on demonstrations and activities.
The Star Lab presentations include the following labs:
- Chemistry of the Universe
- Comet Making
- Cosmology
- Cratering and Planetary Colonization Dangers
- Cryogenics
- JPL Solar System Ambassador Program
- Observational Astronomy - Telescopes
- Planetarium Lecture
- Rocketry Demonstrations
- Spectroscopy
Contact one of our members to arrange for a Star Lab at your school.
The IAAS Teams
The IAAS is made up of different teams of students. Each team has several students who are interested in a particular aspect of science. Currently, the active teams of the IAAS are:
- Observational/Radio Astronomy Team
- Aerospace Sciences Team
- Communications Team - Amateur Radio
- Archeoastronomy Team
- Aviation Team
Observational/Radio Astronomy Team
The Observational Astronomy Team is instrumental in providing expertise in the use of research quality telescopes and equipment. The team observes the heavens searching for comets, recording eclipses and occultations, satellite tracking, studying NASA and JPL planetary and interplanetary missions, as well as observing planetary events. These students also teach the public about the heavens at our Star Carnivals and Star parties. The Radio Astronomy Team is conducting research for the Radio Jove Project which entails building systems to receive and analyze radio signals from the planet Jupiter.
Aerospace Sciences Team
As part of the Tripoli Colorado High Power Rocketry Club, the IAAS Rocket Team launches very large rockets with experimental payloads aboard to thousands of feet above the ground. These payloads are then recovered for data analysis. The team also experiments with conventional and exotic propellants, such as nitrous oxide and acrylic for their rocket engines. The Rocket team currently has a rocket under construction that they hope to launch to altitudes over 50,000 feet.
Communications Team
The IAAS Communications Team (callsign WØNHS) provides communications for many IAAS research projects. The team hosts an Astronomy Net on the Rocky Mountain Radio Leagueās Denver area wide coverage amateur radio repeater operating on 146.940 Megahertz on Tuesday Nights at 7 P.M. The IAAS is a part of the local Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) network The team also participates in the ARRL Field Day event and other radio outings. The radio team also participates with the local Skywarn group chasing tornadoes and monitoring severe storm activity reporting directly to the National Weather Service.
Archeoastronomy Team
The Archaeoastronomy Team has lead several expeditions to the Chaco Canyon region of Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona to study the ancient Anasazi ruins. The National Parks Service now uses the IAAS developed Study Guide for their own tours. The IAAS has also made significant discoveries, which have explained many of the mysteries of the ruins. This year, the team has been asked to develop an expedition package for North H.S. for a trip during spring break of 2003.
Aviation Team
The aeronauts are building and flying R/C aircraft with a goal of developing an aerobatic formation flying squadron. Another project will be to build a 13 foot R/C blimp with a lit ad board. The team has begun construction of a full scale replica of the WW1 French fighter Morane Saulnier Type-N aircraft to be flown in airshows.
The IAAS is looking forward to another great year!
For more information, contact the IAAS:
Email us
Visit us on the World Wide Web at
http://www.iaas.org
Subscribe to the IAAS Monthly Astronomy Newsletter:
SUBSCRIBE
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