Section I:  Background

A.  Purpose

Charter

Through its programs and the use of its facilities, BPAA will:

1.  Create an astronomical complex, located within the "Helix Building" on Battle Point Park, Bainbridge Island.  This complex shall include, but not be limited to:

A.  An astronomical observatory, housing one or more telescopes.

B.  An archaeological astronomy system, including but not limited to sundials and naked eye celestial markers.

C.  A group activity area, including but not limited to:

  1. A remove viewing projection system;
  2. Conference facilities;
  3. An historical exhibit;
  4. Support complex, including construction and repair facilities, storage facilities, and building sanitary and environment control systems.

2.  Providing for the development, construction, procurement and use of astronomical systems, used within the complex;

3.  Providing a nucleus, encouraging growth of a group of amateurs interested in astronomy, composed of experienced, student and prospective astronomers;

4.  Providing for instruction of students interested in astronomy, conferences for astronomical matters, and public demonstrations of the history, current activities and future prospects for astronomy;

5.  Providing a working system that can network with other systems, incorporate joint observation programs, view remote satellite systems, and cooperate on celestial events of current interest.

[From Charter as non-profit association, Jan. 10, 1994 (#601 519 780) by Secretary of State, Washington State and By-Laws.]

Reflections on the Purpose

The construction of facilities and use, financial support and program are all prioritized by the following considerations:

BPAA envisions a collection of equipment, with programs and administration that will permit its members to learn and use the state of the art of current amateur astronomy, and then to advance that state in cooperation with other serious astronomical and educational organizations throughout the world.  The tools provided by the Association allow its users to probe beyond the known celestial boundaries and explore unknown volumes of space.  The capital and operating budgets are minute compared to those of the major governmental and institutionally financed and operated facilities used for astronomical purposes, but are still beyond the reach of the typical amateur and young budding astronomer.

Currently, the Association is soliciting funding for capital improvement and annual expenses to supplement those obtained from membership dues and contributions.  Skills within the organization permit much of the construction and equipment to be built with amateur labor.

(document)  Section I.A:  Purpose and Charter  

(document)  Section I.B:  History and Chronological Development  

(document)  Section I.C:  History of Battle Point  Park  

(document)  Section II.A:  Facilities:  Physical Plant

(document)  Section II.B:  Facilities:  Operating System and Equipment

(document)  Section II.B:  Facilities:  Operating System and Equipment, part 2

(document)  Section III.A:  Organization and Administration

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