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Founded in 1978, the Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomers’ League Inc. is made up of amateur astronomers from around the area. Members come in all ages and all expertise levels, from “beginner” to “practically a pro”.
NEKAAL members observe, draw, photograph, document, discover and enjoy astronomy. We have given hundreds of educational presentations, had articles published in scientific journals, participated in projects of research and discovery, and have introduced hundreds of people to the wonders of the night sky through “Star Parties” at Farpoint Observatory and across the area.
NEKAAL owns and operates Farpoint Observatory, located on the grounds of Mission Valley High School approximately 30 miles southwest of Topeka, Kansas.
NEKAAL, Inc. is an educational and scientific nonprofit corporation approved by the federal and Kansas state governments. Our FEIN number is 48-1068689.
NEKAAL is a member society of the International Dark Sky Association, the Night Sky Network and the Astronomical League.
Officers 2018 | |
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President&Board Chair | Russell Valentine |
Vice President | Tim Edwards |
Secretary | Bruce Caler |
Treasurer | David Cromer |
NEKAAL Board | ||
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Jan Burgardt | Gary Hug | Justin Prochaska |
David Cromer | Carolyn Kaberline | Dr. Edwin Woerner |
Support Positions | |
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Education/Outreach Coordinator | Janelle Burgardt |
Facilities/Observatory Coordinator | Gary Hug |
Russell Valentine
Board Position: President/Board Chair
Ocupation: IT, Agriculture
Astronomy Interests: Visual observing and the applications of mathematics, electronic engineering, and physics into the field of astronomy.
Favorite observing targets: Veil Nebula, Milky Way
Tim Edwards
Board Position: Vice President
Occupation:
Astronomy interest:
Favorite observing object:
Bruce Caler
Board Position: Secretary
Occupation: Retired
Astronomy interest: Planets, Exoplanets, and Astrophotography
Favorite observing object: Comets, Moon, and Jupiter
David Cromer
Board Position: Treasurer/Member
Occupation: Principal - Mission Valley High School
Astronomy interest: Everything
Favorite observing object: Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, NEOs
Janelle Burgardt
Board Position: Member
Occupation: computer security specialist
Astronomy interests: Astronomy education; working with novice astronomers, especially visual and binocular observing; mythology of astronomy
Favorite observing targets: star clusters, moon
Gary Hug
Board Position: Member
Occupation: Machinist
Astronomy interest: astrometry of asteroids and comets especially Near Earth
Objects, imaging galaxy clusters, telescope and astronomical equipment fabrication.
Carolyn Kaberline
Board Position: Member
Occupation: Language arts and social studies teacher at Mater Dei Catholic School and freelance writer.
Astronomy interest: legends and mythology associated with astronomy, would like to learn how to photograph some celestial objects
Favorite observing object: the planets and their satellites
Justin Prochaska
Board Position: Member
Occupation: Electronics Tech 1 @ Northrop Grumman
Astronomy interest: Galaxies, Moon, and Planetary Bodies, Nebula's
Favorite observing object: Jupiter and Saturn
Dr. Edwin Woerner
Board Position: Member
Occupation:
Astronomy interest:
Favorite observing object: