* Statement of Purpose *
The University of Illinois Astronomical Society has a single main purpose. To educate the students of the university and the members of the community about the wonders of astronomy. We attempt to accomplish this task in two ways.

Our first method is by educating our members. By holding bi-weekly meetings, and by giving members accsess to the university's 100 year old 12-inch refracting telescope, we give them the opportunity to explore the wonders of the heavens on their own. We also increase their knowledge by hosting monthly speakers. The talks given at these meetings are geared for the layperson, and are presented by various professors and club members.

Our second means of reaching out to the public is more direct. By holding monthly open houses, we are giving the community a chance to look at the skies through a magnificent antique telescope. The succsess of our task is judged by the OOOOHHHS and AAAAHHHHHS of the people attending as they finally get a chance to look through the scope at the craters of the moon and the rings of Saturn.

These objectives will be the guiding light of the club as we travel through the next year.

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