HAL - About Us

HAL is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3), and qualifies as a non-profit organization under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). HAL is also exempt from Maryland state income and retail sales tax. This means that mebership, contributions / donations to HAL, or the Observatory Fund, are generally deductible from federal and Maryland State income tax by the donor.

HAL Mission

Promote astronomy science education in Howard County to those of all ages
Build an observatory to house the Watson Telescope, open to public at no charge
Hold free public outreach events to make astronomical observing accessible to Howard County residents
Hold monthly meetings with expert guest speakers from our vibrant local astronomy community. Public welcome.
Hold two astronomy observation classes per year co-sponsored by Howard County Recreation and Parks.

HAL History

In 1988, several prominent members of the Baltimore Astronomical Society (BAS) formed an organization called the Friends of the Baltimore Astronomical Society (FOBAS). It was formed in order to receive, restore, and create a home for a beautiful 12" Newtonian telescope donated from the Estate of Paul S. Watson. FOBAS began the telescope's restoration work and raised money to establish an observatory for it. Then, for to a variety of issues, FOBAS and the restoration project stalled until 1999. At that time, FOBAS and the BAS conducted a vote and decided to discontinue FOBAS as an organization and gift the Watson telescope and cash assets ($2,144) to help start a new club. Founding members - Dana Boltersdorf, Michael Hall, ZoAnn Lapinsky, Mary Kay Sigaty, and Malcolm Willette formed the Howard Astronomical League as non-profit corporation on December 5, 1999.

The Early Years

Soon after formation, HAL's leaders established a relationship with the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks and obtained permission to utilize Carrs Mill and Alpha Ridge Parks for astronomical viewing. HAL now has a contract in place with the Department of Recreation and Parks allowing our meetings to be held in their headquarters building. In exchange, HAL conducts several astronomy-related classes. During this time HAL also began an ambitious public star party and public outreach program and conducted countless educational and astronomical viewing events for local schools, libraries, scout troops, and the public at large. In March 2003, HAL obtained IRS 501(c)(3) status, thereby making donations to HAL deductible from income taxes under most circumstances.

Looking Forward

HAL has grown substantially since its founding in 1999. Membership numbers are strong and the club continues to conduct an active star party and public outreach program. We have recently expanded our outreach to include joint astronomy events with Howard Community College. Our monthly meetings have evolved to include a variety of member presentations and guest speakers from leading professional astronomy organizations in the Baltimore-Washington area; yet meetings are still appropriate for amateur astronomers at all levels. HAL continues to pursue its vision of observatory construction. Our history is not yet fully written. There are many exciting chapters ahead. Come and join us - either at our monthly meetings or our public star parties - and help us write those next wonderful chapters in Maryland amateur astronomy.

HAL Officers/Positions 2010

2010 Officers

HAL's Past Presidents

Year(s)	President
1999 - 2001	Mike Hall
2002 - 2004	Jerry Persall
2005 - 2008	Marc Feuerberg
2009	Wayne Baggett
2010 -	Bob Prokop