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FVAS - HISTORY, CHARTER AND INFORMATION


The Fraser Valley Astronomers Society , is a non-profit organization. It is the society's intention to bring education and awareness to the general public through lectures, slide presentations, mirror making, as well as telescope construction. The society has made itself known throughout the educational system here in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Teaching children and parents alike about our neighbouring Solar System, Sun and the Stars beyond.

For more information you can contact Victor Pollock at (604)-850-3931
or send email to: Victor Pollock or Paul Greenhalgh (Author of this Webpage)
Victor Pollock (President)
Victorp@uniserve.com
Paul Greenhalgh (Director or Education and Web Author)
Stormkng@uniserve.com
Talks, Slide Presentations and Viewing Sessions
The Fraser Valley Astronomers Charter, is to provide through education an understanding of the Universe around us. Upon invitations from local schools the Fraser Valley Astronomers Society has provided the local school system as well as Home Schooled Children, many hours of talks and demonstrations to children of all ages throughout the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. This Web Site in itself, is designed with the thought in mind that the local area school children as well as parents will have a place to come and find out as much information as possible, with regards to the Planets, Stars, Galaxies and the Universe.
If you are requesting us to provide a presentation outside of the local area, we do ask for an honorarium to help with exspenses when travelling lengthy distances. Which are Greatly appreciated!
The General Public, as well have enjoyed many hours viewing through the society's many telescopes. Especially that of the new 20" Telescope a big hit amongst the viewing public.
Watch for Annoucements, either here, radio or in the papers for General Public Viewing Sessions!~
Club members were given a grant from the Municipality of Abbotsford to purchase a 20 inch Mirror Blank and for that we Thank them! Upon receipt of the Mirror Blank from Colter Optic's, the club members enthusiastically went to work grinding the glass (44 pounds of Pyrex!). The process of grinding, polishing and configuring the mirror took approximately 4 years to complete! Why you may ask it took so long? The club members working on the mirror could only meet on thursday nights and then only for about 4 hours in Victor Pollocks basement! And when the Mirror finally reached the configuration stage, it became a tedious process indeed, in which Victor Pollock never once Complained! Victor shone through, with his dedication towards the perfection of the mirror. He made it his goal to achieve as much perfection towards a perfect parabolic curve as humanly possible although at times the glass would not co-operate and gave poor Vic many a head ache. And to do such a task by hand on such a large piece of glass is quite an undertaking. But our goal was obtained and the 20 inch Telescope is a success!
If you live in the Local Area, why not

JOIN US!

us and enjoy many evenings behind the eyepiece of the telescopes! Time you stopped looking at the ground, and started seeing"Whats out there!
Since the society's formation, the club has turned out several telescopes over the 10 years of it's existance. The club has in it's inventory several 6" telescopes, 10" telescopes and a "Extremely Safe" Sun Telescope, John Dobson's Design! These Telescope's are available to full members who do not own their own telescopes, allowing them to take the telescope home if they wish, enjoying them at their own leisure. Eventually, most members will grind, polish and configure their own mirror's and build a telescope of their own design. Which are greatly enjoyed upon they're completion!
Telescope Making!
Learn how to make a user-friendly Dobsonian Telescope or various other types of Telescopes by joining us! Memberships are available! Full Membership is $20 dollars per year!
See the Stars and Planets with a Telescope you have made. Have fun showing friends, neighbors, & strangers the wonders of the universe! The society will walk you through the building of the mount and initial stages of grinding the Mirror. You will do much of the work at home between work shops. Your progress will be checked and discussed at each workshop. Affording you the best possible end product! And many many hours of enjoyment behind the eye-piece of YOUR Telesope!



© 1998 F.V.ASTRONOMERS, Org. - All Rights Reserved

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