“The purpose of the club is to pursue educational and recreational programs pertaining to astronomy and its related scientific fields and shall be operated as a nonprofit organization”
The West Valley Astronomy Club (WVAC) was founded in 1986 by Jim and Vivian Chrisman, originally as a Sun City West club.
For many years the club was located outside of Sun City West, AZ, but in the fall of 2022 we returned to a new meeting location in the Beardsley Recreation Center.
Our club is famous for being friendly, engaging, and informative. Our annual membership is affordable and offers several benefits. Click below to read more about member benefits and how to join
Member Meetings
We currently meet nine (9) times a year from September to May. Meetings normally take place on the first Tuesday of our active months with December being our Holiday Party/Business meeting, and in May we may have a club picnic and star party.
Our meetings feature great guest speakers, including on-staff Astronomers from Arizona observatories and professional Astronomers from Arizona Universities.
Upcoming Events & /Outreach
We do numerous public outreach events at local libraries, schools and public parks.
Star Parties
Weather permitting – our Star Parties are held monthly; imagine numerous telescopes set up and operated by experienced Dark-Sky astronomers. Viewing (seeing) conditions are some of the best in the United States. Don’t miss out!
One of our Star-Party photos.
More on WVAC
Click Here for some history of the club
Club President History
| Jim Crisman | (1986 - 2003) |
| Ron Mobley | (2003 to 2007) |
| John Cline | (2006 to 2008) |
| Ed Whitfield | (2008-2010) |
| Dr. James Smith | (2011-2012) |
| Walt Schlam | (2012-2017) |
| MaryAnne Balzer | (2017-2019) |
| Bob Randle | (2019- Present) |