Astro Community

Curated by Patrick Cosgrove

Created -July 2021

Major Revision - May 2025, January 2026

This section links to forums, organizations, and communities where astronomers and astrophotographers share knowledge, troubleshoot problems, and exchange observing and imaging experiences. It’s a good starting point if you’re looking for practical help, peer feedback, collaborative learning, or ways to connect with the broader astronomy community.

Purpose statement: “Forums, organizations, and communities where astronomers and astrophotographers share knowledge.”

This is a curated reference list maintained by Patrick Cosgrove (Cosgrove’s Cosmos). Links are selected for practical value to observers and astrophotographers.

Last updated: January 2026

Found a dead link or have a suggestion? Use the form on the Resources Hub.

Back to Resources Hub

Table of Contents Show (Click on lines to navigate)

    “For equipment and capture systems → Astrophotography Gear, Capture & Observatories”

    “For processing and software workflows → Astrophotography Software & Processing”

    Forums

    https://www.cloudynights.com/ - In my option, this is the best Astro-based forum out there today.

    Stargazers Lounge – Large international forum with active imaging, equipment, and processing sections.

    Societies, Associations & Nonprofits

    List of U.S. Astronomical Societies – Wikipedia – Handy directory of regional clubs and national bodies.

    Amateur Astronomers Association (NYC) – Active public-outreach club offering lectures, observing, and classes.

    American Astronomical Society (AAS) – Professional organization for U.S. astronomers; publishes major journals.

    American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) – International network of variable-star observers; free databases and tools.

    Astronomical League – Federation of U.S. clubs offering observing programs and awards.

    Astronomical League – Club Finder – State-by-state directory of local astronomy clubs.

    The Herschel Society – UK group preserving the legacy of William, Caroline, and John Herschel.

    International Astronomical Union (IAU) – Global professional body that governs celestial nomenclature.

    The Planetary Society – Citizen-powered space-advocacy nonprofit founded by Carl Sagan.

    Royal Astronomical Society (UK) – Learned society supporting astronomy and geophysics since 1820.

    Rochester Academy of Science – Astronomy Section – Western NY club with dark-sky site, public outreach, and supernova page.

    Stellar Vista Observatory - A non profit based in Kanab, Utah. The mission of the Stellar Vista Observatory is to provide observational experiences for people to enjoy, appreciate, and comprehend what we can see in southern Utah’s starry night skies.

    Webb Deep-Sky Society – UK-based society focused on deep-sky observing and publication of member research.