Los Angeles Astronomical Society Celebrates 100 Years of Looking Up

Why It Matters

The centennial underscores how amateur astronomy societies sustain public engagement, STEM mentorship and historical continuity in local communities, serving as an entry point to science careers and public outreach. Their resilience and volunteer networks help preserve institutional memory and broaden access to astronomy beyond professional institutions.

Summary

The Los Angeles Astronomical Society marked its 100th anniversary with a centennial star party on the Griffith Observatory lawn, gathering some 100 telescopes and members despite rainy weather. Founded in 1926 by 30 amateur telescope makers, LAS is one of California’s oldest and the nation’s second-oldest astronomy clubs, with decades of community events, telescope-making and public outreach. Vice President and centennial chair Laura May Abbron — a research astrophysicist and longtime LAS member — organized the celebration and reflected on the society’s deep local history and role in connecting people to astronomy. The program highlighted personal stories of members whose lives and careers were shaped by amateur clubs and closed with the Planetary Society’s regular sky update.

Original Description

The Los Angeles Astronomical Society (LAAS) is one of the oldest and largest amateur astronomy clubs in the United States, and this year, it’s turning 100. To mark the occasion, the LAAS threw a centennial star party on the lawn of Griffith Observatory, featuring 100 telescopes, a dedication ceremony, and a community of passionate skywatchers who showed up rain and all.

In this episode, we sit down with Laura-May Abron, vice president of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and chair of its Centennial Committee, to discuss what it took to put together the event. We drop into the centennial dedication ceremony to hear from LAAS President Keith Armstrong and Griffith Observatory Director Ed Krupp. We also spend time with some of the remarkable members who make this community what it is, including LAAS historian Louis Chilton, who has been a member for over 60 years, research scientist and LAAS member Bryce Bolin, self-taught optician and telescope builder Jeff Schroeder, and Geo Somoza, volunteer at The Planetary Society and one of the people who has dedicated his life to showing others the sky. Plus, Bruce Betts joins us for What's Up and a look at what you can spot in the night sky in June.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-laas-centennial 

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