Minnesota Astronomical Society
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FormationNovember 21, 1972
Founded atScience Museum of Minnesota
TypeNonprofit astronomical society
501(c)(3)
 The Onan Observatory Sign, seen in 2025 | |
| Formation | November 21, 1972 |
|---|---|
| Founded at | Science Museum of Minnesota |
| Type | Nonprofit astronomical society |
| 501(c)(3) | |
| Purpose | Education, Amateur Astronomy |
Region served | Minnesota |
| Fields | Astronomy |
| Membership | 650+[1] (2026) |
President | Valts Treibergs |
Vice President | John Zimitsch |
Secretary | Claire Weaverling |
Treasurer | Noha Reda |
Publication | Gemini |
| Website | www |
Formerly called | Twin Cities Astronomical Society |
The Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS) is a non-profit astronomical society based in Minnesota. It is one of only two astronomical societies based in the state, the other being the Rochester Astronomy Club.[2]
It began as an association of 3M employees who formed a company astronomy club. In 1972, it broke off and became an independent organization under the name 'Twin Cities Astronomy Club'. The name was changed to 'Minnesota Astronomical Society' in 1980.[3] The MAS opened their first permanent location to the public, Eagle Lake Observatory, in 2000. In 2021, membership was reported as greater than 450.[4] In 2026, Membership had grown to over 650.[1]