Agrupación Astronómica de Sabadell

The Agrupación Astronómica de Sabadell is a group of amateur astronomers from all over Spain. Its purpose is the practice, advice and dissemination of astronomy. It is a very active entity, with more than 800 members throughout Spain and abroad. It is a member of the Spanish Society of Astronomy, and actively collaborates with different international organizations such as the International Occultation Timing Association, the AVVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) and the MPC (Minor Planet Center). In 2006 it was declared a public utility entity by the Ministry of the Interior. The Agrupación Astronómica de Sabadell was founded on April 14, 1960 by four young people from the city of Sabadell: Carles Palau, Fèlix Comella, Joaquim Inglada and Josep M. Oliver, with the aim of practicing amateur astronomy and disseminating this science. It soon became a very active group and went from being a local or regional group to a statewide one. Its number of members increased steadily until it reached 1000 members in 2006. It has always been characterized by a great activity. Since its inception it has published a periodical magazine, Astrum, with news, photographs, ephemeris and everything an astronomy enthusiast might need. Also, from very early on, courses of all kinds have been organized, both basic and more advanced in the different astronomical subjects. More specialized workshops, open air observations, conferences, trips to solar eclipses, etc. have also been organized. From very early on, delegations were created in different parts of Catalonia and Spain, which would later be established as astronomical groups of their own. Thus, it can be said that Agrupación Astronómica de Sabadell has been the "mother" of many other current astronomical groups.