Dear WAA members,

I’m pleased to announce the release of the official WAA Discord Server!

What is Discord?
Discord is a platform for text, voice, and video communication. It is popular among hobby and community groups. This three-minute YouTube video gives a great overview: How Discord Works in 148,000 Milliseconds or Less. WAA leadership has been piloting the WAA Discord Server with a small group for a few weeks, and some good discussion is already underway.

What can I do with the WAA Discord?
The WAA Discord is broken down into several channels. Have a question about imaging or want to share a recent photo? Post to #astrophotography! Have a question about equipment? Post to #equipment-help! Thinking about going out to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation to do some observing on a non-Star Party night and want to let others know that you’ll be there? Post on #observing-plans! The idea is to give members access to the collective knowledge of the club in a way that is both convenient and easy.

Are there any plans for regular group voice chats?
Yes! I am starting up a regular, informal “office hours” style voice/video chat. It will run every other Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 PM, beginning on January 22nd, 2025. There will be no set agenda – I will be available to answer any questions (or at least to try to point you in the right direction) or chat about topics you are interested in.

How to join the Discord:
WAA Discord membership is a new benefit of WAA Membership and is open to all members of WAA. Visit this link (or copy and paste to your browser) to join: https://discord.com/invite/nQBmV7X7Jd. Once you have followed the invitation, a member of the WAA Discord admin team will need to assign you a role before you will be able to see content or post. Download the Discord app from the appropriate app store for your device. The Windows app can be downloaded from discord.com home page.

‘m looking forward to connecting with you on Discord!

Clear Skies!
Jordan Webber
President, Westchester Amateur Astronomers
January 10, 2025