BPAA Brochure

Building a New Center for Learning and Discovery

Battle Point Astronomical Association

BPAA:

a unique amateur organization

-- is dedicated to education for young and old in astronomy and its many related fields.

Its purpose is to create awareness among all students through --

instruction in astronomy on all levels;
providing viewing through first-class equipment;
support to school programs both at the Helix House and at the schools;
lectures, demonstrations and conferences on astronomy;
providing work areas for optical and machine shop equipment;
housing astronomical equipment including telescopes and electronic devices;
providing a library, meeting and conference rooms;
sponsoring Star Parties'
setting up an internet link to other organizations for transfer of images, data and papers.

Since our founding

(star party) we have ------ attracted 300 members and attention from amateur and professional astronomers from around the United States ------ reached an agreement with the Bainbridge Island Park and Recreation District to use the Helix House at Battle Point Park ------ received tax-free status by the IRS ------ completed the Helix House restoration ------ constructed a mirror and lens grinding machine with sophisticated electronic testing devices ------ received the gift from the Boeing Company of two world-class mirrors (41.5" and 27.5") ------ ground and figured the 27.5" mirror to astronomical tolerances ------ built a charge couple device to receive (video classroom) images and translate them for viewing and manipulation on a computer ------ received as gifts two telescopes ------ provided public lectures on astronomy and archaeoastronomy including programs in the Bainbridge Island public schools ------ been offered software for the system operations and data handling and storage by the Microsoft Corporation ------ become a member of the Bainbridge Foundation which will help provide ongoing funds for operating expenses ------ met a challenge "matching grant" from the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club and Francis Hodges for use toward completing our observatory ------ received six computers from Box Light and Boeing ------ been boosted by volunteer amateur help and in-kind donations.

(Welcome image)

The Community is Responsive
"Your generosity with your knowledge, equipment and time is stunning. Our Star Party was a huge success and your contributions were so important. People are really charged up by what they saw. You helped spark the interest and imaginations of many children and adults." -- Blakely School Enrichment "Since our memorial is adjacent to the proposed observatory, Kiwanis would like to document our support for the idea to have an observatory at Battle Point Park. We see that it can be a valuable addition to the educational facilities of the community as we understand that it can be used by the general public and especially school children." -- Kiwanis Club	"Based on your proposal and review of initial site plan, the Bainbridge Island Park and Recreation District is in full support of the development of an astronomical center and observatory at Battle Point Park." -- Bainbridge Island Park and Recreation District "The creation of a planetarium/observatory available for student and general use is very consistent with school district curriculum goals and is a good example of the community partnerships we are seeking." -- Bainbridge Island School District No. 303 "BPAA, what an outfit! Where else can you get such a bang for your buck... I signed on as a helper in the building of our astronomical site, the Helix House. It takes many teams to get the telescope made by Ed Ritchie up and running and I am lucky enough to help the leader, John Rudolph with his team of helpers transforming a concrete block house into a warm, learning, teaching and socializing place. To get where we are, many man-hours of work were involved, but the meeting of new friends and camaraderie make it worth while." -- Jack Fleming

The Community

is Responsive

"Your generosity with your knowledge, equipment and time is stunning. Our Star Party was a huge success and your contributions were so important. People are really charged up by what they saw. You helped spark the interest and imaginations of many children and adults." -- Blakely School Enrichment

"Since our memorial is adjacent to the proposed observatory, Kiwanis would like to document our support for the idea to have an observatory at Battle Point Park. We see that it can be a valuable addition to the educational facilities of the community as we understand that it can be used by the general public and especially school children." -- Kiwanis Club

"Based on your proposal and review of initial site plan, the Bainbridge Island Park and Recreation District is in full support of the development of an astronomical center and observatory at Battle Point Park." -- Bainbridge Island Park and Recreation District

"The creation of a planetarium/observatory available for student and general use is very consistent with school district curriculum goals and is a good example of the community partnerships we are seeking." -- Bainbridge Island School District No. 303

"BPAA, what an outfit! Where else can you get such a bang for your buck... I signed on as a helper in the building of our astronomical site, the Helix House. It takes many teams to get the telescope made by Ed Ritchie up and running and I am lucky enough to help the leader, John Rudolph with his team of helpers transforming a concrete block house into a warm, learning, teaching and socializing place. To get where we are, many man-hours of work were involved, but the meeting of new friends and camaraderie make it worth while." -- Jack Fleming

Return to the information page of the

BPAA Logo Battle Point Astronomical Association

P.O Box 10914

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

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