Cedar Amateur Astronomers
The Cedar Amateur Astronomers promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through astronomy.
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ABOUT
The Cedar Amateur Astronomers (CAA) is an all-volunteer organization that was founded in 1979 and incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1981. In 1984, in cooperation with Linn County Conservation, a portion of Palisades-Dows Preserve was made available for CAA’s use. The Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center (EIOLC) was completed in 2008. This 4,600 square foot facility consists of several observatory facilities with research grade telescopes and instruments, a classroom, a large presentation room, a small catering kitchen, bathrooms, a library, and several exhibit areas.
CAA currently has approximately 170 members and over 1,800 Facebook followers. Our mission is to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education through astronomy.
A substantial portion of the CAA membership is comprised of former or current employees of Collins Aerospace and former or current faculty staff and students at the University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy. Consequently, CAA has earned a unique and well-earned reputation in the field of astronomy, providing exceptional and unique opportunities for residents of Cedar Rapids, Linn County, and Eastern Iowa.
Each year CAA hosts at least 12 Public Nights and a Solar Saturday, which include educational and fun activities for adults and children. Our member volunteers also host on-request observing sessions, educational lectures, and special programs for the public, including school groups, scouting groups, church groups, college/university groups, as well as area businesses and organizations. We also make our Public Night educational talks available to virtually anyone using Zoom. This year CAA in on track to welcome over 2,300 guests and visitors, including over 300 youth participants.