FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Contents
The CAA
What is the CAA?
The CAA is the Cambridge Astronomical Association. Founded in 1959, it is one of the oldest and largest astronomical clubs in the country.
And the CYA & CA+?
The CYA is the Cambridge Young Astronomers' branch of the CAA, aimed at children of ages around 7 to 11. CA+, Cambridge Astro Plus, is for all members over the age of 11; it provides activities to those covered by the CAA.
And the IoA?
The IoA is the Institute of Astronomy, a department of the University of Cambridge, where the CAA holds its talks.
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Subscription and Membership
Can I join the CAA?
Yes you can. You can browse most of the website as a guest but creating an account and taking out a membership plan allows you to access all the content of the sites including Capella, the CAA's online magazine, and videos. You can also choose, if you wish, to receive information and reminders for events and talks.
What are the benefits of membership ?
* All who join, including family members (for family memberships) can access the CAA, CYA and CA+ benefits.
* Monthly meetings and talks ...
.... with tea, coffee, cakes and cookies.
* CAA merchandise.
* Access to the library.
* Purchase and free loan of books from the library.
* The club's newsletter, Capella.
* Observing evenings (in conjunction with the IoA).
* Use of the club's telescopes at scheduled events.
* Visits to places and events of astronomical interest.
* Mixing with people with the same interest.
What are the types of membership ?
There are 3 classes :
Recurring Individual - £ 8 / year
Recurring Family - £10 / year
Yearly Family - £10
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The family memberships cover all immediate family members (children, parents, grandparents). Recurring memberships are automatically renewed until cancelled by the member.
I am new to the CAA; how do I join?
Go to the Home page and click on "Become a member --->" You will be presented with a membership form then, when this is completed, the means of selecting and paying for the membership type you require. Click here for the Home page
I am already a member and would like to renew my membership or take out a different type.
If you have a recurring membership plan, this will automatically be renewed at the end of the yearly term. You need do nothing now.
If you wish to cancel or change your membership, this can be done from the My Subscriptions section of your User Profile Menu.
1. Log in to the CAA website using the "Log In" option at the top of the screen.
2. Your name is now shown instead of Log In. Click on it then choose "My Subscriptions".
3. Click on "Cancel Subscription".
4. You will then be given an opportunity to "Buy New Subscription". Click on this and you will be taken to a page where you can take out your new subscription.
How can I pay ?
You can pay, either for one-off (yearly) or recurring memberships, by credit or debit card
What are the three member-status types?
--- Site Member - You have created a CAA account and can log in.
--- Subscribed - We routinely send emails with details of upcoming events and reminders about events you have signed up for, general notices etc. You can choose whether or not you wish to receive these. on the sign-up form. If you wish subsequently to change your subscription status, click on your name in the menu bar then on My Account > More > Settings. You can then choose your subscription status and which of the email types you wish to receive. We do not make use of most of the email types, usually just sending emails from the Online Programs and General groups. It is recommended that you keep at least all categories from the Programs and General groups.
--- Paid Up - You have paid a membership subscription.
How do I manage my account ?
1. Log in to the CAA website using the "Log In" option at the top of the screen.
2. Your name is now shown instead of Log In. Click on it then choose from the options presented.
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The Website
Why can't I log in ?
Have you created a CAA account? If not, click Create Account at the top of the screen and fill in the form. Once a member, you should be able to log in.
I've forgotten my password; can I still log in?
On the Login page, click on Forgot password? You will be sent an email with instructions about resetting your password. Alternatively, you could log in with Facebook or Google.
What are the icons that appear on each page?
The Shopping Basket shows the merchandise that you have selected for purchase. Click on it to go to Checkout.
The envelope generates an email for you to contact the CAA.
The crumbly cake icon will help you to change your cookies settings.
Why can't I access the Capella page?
You must be a member with a subscription plan to be able to access Capella.
I can't access some of the videos
Some of the videos on the website insist that you enable cookies. If you have denied cookies when you logged in, you can enable them by clicking on the cookie icon at the bottom of the page. The Functional and Analytic cookies are usually the ones that must be enabled though to be sure, you could enable all of them.
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Events and Activities
These are only open to members who have paid a subscription.
What repeating events does the CAA run?
The CAA has a monthly meeting, usually on the evening of the third Friday. There will be a short presentation / discussion of CAA matters with one or more talks given by an external expert and / or CAA member. An invariant at these meetings is the tea/coffee/biscuits/cakes interval.
The CYA has a similar meeting on the fourth Saturday of the month from 10:00 – 12:00 and CA+ too, on the first Monday of the month, from 19:30 – 21:00.
And what special events?
The CYA usually has a Star Party in October and an astronomically-related pantomime in December.
The CAA and CA+ occasionally organise trips to places of astronomical interest such as the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory in Cambridge, the National Space Centre in Leicester and the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London.
Is it easy to find my way around the Institute of Astronomy?
Yes – in the daytime. Talks are held in the Sackler Lecture Theatre in the Hoyle building which is the second building on the right after you leave the main road. See the map of the IoA at the end of the Location of the IoA page.
The IoA is historically a centre for both theoretical and observational astronomy so that, at night, the site lighting is subdued. You may wish to bring a flashlight or use your camera flashlight.
If you are attending an observing night, please do not use the flashlight when you are near an observing site. The eyes of others in the area will have become “dark-adapted” so that a bright flashlight nearby will be uncomfortably bright to them and will spoil their dark adaptation.
How can I find out about these events?
The meetings are advertised on the website on the CAA / CYA / CA+ pages where you will be given an RSVP button link to sign up. If you have authorised us to send you information, we will send you a notice-of-meeting email with an RSVP link and also a reminder closer to the event.
Are there any educational courses run by the CAA?
Yes indeed. An Introduction to Astronomy course is usually held in May and June each year and is open to all.
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Observing Nights
When can I do some observing?
The Institute of Astronomy not only allows the CAA to use its lecture theatre and meeting area for talks but it also hosts observing nights every Wednesday from 7-9 pm October to March.
On CA+ evenings (first Mondays in the month) there may be a chance to use some of the telescopes for observing – if the skies are clear.
Can I help?
Volunteers are always welcome to assist with operating the telescopes and related activities.
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Shop
Do you sell merchandise?
Yes we do. Please see the Shop section.
What items do you sell?
You can buy sweat shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts, beanie and baseball hats.
Can I order online?
Yes, you can, at the Shop section of the website. You can pay by credit or debit card.
Can I buy at meetings?
Yes; merchandise is normally available at the Friday CAA meetings. Payment is by credit/debit card or cash.
I can't see where I enter my delivery details in the online form.
For logistical reasons the CAA has decided that we cannot support a postal delivery system. Goods can be ordered online but can only be picked up, from the CAA library, at a meeting of the CAA (third Friday of the month). Should you want to know if the goods are ready for collection, please contact the Librarian.
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Library
Does the CAA have a library?
The CAA has its own library of astronomy books. These are on display at the main CAA meetings (third Friday of the month). New books can be borrowed free-of-charge and there is a selection of older books for sale.
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How Can I Find The CAA?
Where is the IoA?
The Institute of Astronomy is a 20 minute walk from the centre of Cambridge. Buses to the centre are frequent (8, Citi 4, X3, 905, U1, U2) and stop outside or near the IoA. There are also frequent Park & Ride buses from the nearby Madingley Road Park & Ride which is also suitable for parking to catch the nearby buses . See Finding Us for more details.
Can I park at the IoA?
The IoA has its own car park. If you look at the IoA map, the car park is the second turn on the right after you leave the main road. On Observing nights, this is usually full in which case, carry on past the Hoyle building and follow the bend to the right to the backup car park.
The Park & Ride car park can also be used even if you are not taking a P & R bus. It stays open 24/7 so you could park, take a bus into town for sightseeing, get a bus back to the IoA for a CAA meeting and still get your car out of the P & R.
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How Can I Help?
The CAA is a club run completely by volunteers. If you would like to help, whether it is with observing nights, catering, running the meetings (both adults' and children's), organising trips and visits or any of the thousand and one tasks that keep the club running, please contact us using the email icon on this page or the form at the bottom of the page.
The CA+ group often has opportunities for members to present short talks on astronomical subjects. If you are interested in giving such a talk, please contact the Chair or Vice Chair. The society has a number of experienced presenters who would be available to help you with your presentation and explain the 'local rules'.
Capella, the CAA’s newsletter would love to receive contributions from the members. Submissions can be set to David Davies at editor@cambridgeastronomicalassociation.com.
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In the Neighbourhood
What are the nearby buildings?
Opposite the IoA is the Cambridge West site of the University. Originally the new home for the Cavendish (Physics) Laboratory, this has recently been extensively developed to include more University departments as well as high-profile, high-tech companies.
Next to the IoA, on the town (east) side, is Churchill College.
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Contact Us
How can I contact the CAA?
Our email address is Cambridgeastroassoc@gmail.com Clicking on the email icon will create an email for you to complete.
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Useful Contacts - in CAA, other sites
How can I get in touch with specific members of the CAA committee?
General enquiries may be submitted using the mail button at the bottom of any page. Contact addresses for individual committee members can be found HERE.
Do you know of any other astronomical societies?
There are, of course, many but some of the most prominent ones are:
British Astronomical Association (amateur-biased)
Royal Astronomical Society (professional-biased)
Cambridge University Astronomical Society (open to those not at the university)
Go Stargazing (lists local societies' events) The link here is for Cambridgeshire societies but there are also links for societies in nearby areas such as that for the Stour Astronomical Society in Cavendish, Suffolk.
The CAA
What is the CAA?
The CAA is the Cambridge Astronomical Association. Founded in 1959, it is one of the oldest and largest astronomical clubs in the country.
And the CYA & CA+?
The CYA is the Cambridge Young Astronomers' branch of the CAA, aimed at children of ages around 7 to 11. CA+, Cambridge Astro Plus, is for all members over the age of 11; it provides activities to those covered by the CAA.
And the IoA?
The IoA is the Institute of Astronomy, a department of the University of Cambridge, where the CAA holds its talks.
Top
Top
Subscription and Membership
Can I join the CAA?
Yes you can. You can browse most of the website as a guest but creating an account and taking out a membership plan allows you to access all the content of the sites including Capella, the CAA's online magazine, and videos. You can also choose, if you wish, to receive information and reminders for events and talks.
What are the benefits of membership ?
* All who join, including family members (for family memberships) can access the CAA, CYA and CA+ benefits.
* Monthly meetings and talks ...
.... with tea, coffee, cakes and cookies.
* CAA merchandise.
* Access to the library.
* Purchase and free loan of books from the library.
* The club's newsletter, Capella.
* Observing evenings (in conjunction with the IoA).
* Use of the club's telescopes at scheduled events.
* Visits to places and events of astronomical interest.
* Mixing with people with the same interest.
What are the types of membership ?
There are 3 classes :
Recurring Individual - £ 8 / year
Recurring Family - £10 / year
Yearly Family - £10
Top
The family memberships cover all immediate family members (children, parents, grandparents). Recurring memberships are automatically renewed until cancelled by the member.
I am new to the CAA; how do I join?
Go to the Home page and click on "Become a member --->" You will be presented with a membership form then, when this is completed, the means of selecting and paying for the membership type you require. Click here for the Home page
I am already a member and would like to renew my membership or take out a different type.
If you have a recurring membership plan, this will automatically be renewed at the end of the yearly term. You need do nothing now.
If you wish to cancel or change your membership, this can be done from the My Subscriptions section of your User Profile Menu.
1. Log in to the CAA website using the "Log In" option at the top of the screen.
2. Your name is now shown instead of Log In. Click on it then choose "My Subscriptions".
3. Click on "Cancel Subscription".
4. You will then be given an opportunity to "Buy New Subscription". Click on this and you will be taken to a page where you can take out your new subscription.
How can I pay ?
You can pay, either for one-off (yearly) or recurring memberships, by credit or debit card
What are the three member-status types?
--- Site Member - You have created a CAA account and can log in.
--- Subscribed - We routinely send emails with details of upcoming events and reminders about events you have signed up for, general notices etc. You can choose whether or not you wish to receive these. on the sign-up form. If you wish subsequently to change your subscription status, click on your name in the menu bar then on My Account > More > Settings. You can then choose your subscription status and which of the email types you wish to receive. We do not make use of most of the email types, usually just sending emails from the Online Programs and General groups. It is recommended that you keep at least all categories from the Programs and General groups.
--- Paid Up - You have paid a membership subscription.
How do I manage my account ?
1. Log in to the CAA website using the "Log In" option at the top of the screen.
2. Your name is now shown instead of Log In. Click on it then choose from the options presented.
Top