Columnist Susan Snyder: Nonclub possesses star power

Monday, Aug. 18, 2003 | 8:20 a.m.

Jon Zander isn't a club person.

So the Boulder City resident has started a club that isn't a club for people who share his passion for gazing at stars.

"It's a group that's not a group," Zander said of Boulder City Astronomy, which is more concept than club.

It consists of a website (bcastronomy.freewebsites.com) that offers information on upcoming astrological events and gives the time and place Zander will be with his scope for others who want to join him.

Zander has been involved in two astronomy clubs in the Las Vegas Valley, serving as president of one of them.

But he grew weary of sparring over everything from what types of scopes are best to what types of star parties to host and where.

"There's kind of a subculture of club people with a 'club mentality,' " Zander said. "These are people who are so dissatisfied with their real lives that they begin to exercise their desires and wishes through these clubs."

Hold your tempers. Zander speaks the truth, whether we're talking about star people or button collectors. Boards and bylaws beget bickering over T-shirt designs.

One of my local clubs has a few members whose shorts remain in a twist over a newsletter limerick contest nearly four years ago. It is the nature of Club People.

Zander's solution is simple.

"No money. No structure. No newsletter. No memberships," he said.

And no equipment snobbery. No one will be judged by the measure of his scope.

"Basically, this is me saying I will be at this place, at this time for this reason if you'd like to come out and join me," Zander said.

He plans to rally people through his free website, and people can contact him through that via e-mail if they have questions about upcoming star-gazing or astronomical events.

He considers himself a well-educated amateur who doesn't know all the answers but knows where to look. His website has links to outside sources where people can find their own information.

A click on "Maps & Sites" takes browsers to a page listing maps of good viewing sites in Boulder City and Clark County. It also includes a map from the "World Atlas of Artificial Sky Brightness" showing levels of artificial light pollution throughout Nevada.

The nonclub's first observation session is Aug. 27 at Bonelli Bay, which is on the Arizona side of Lake Mead. See the "Schedule" link for specifics.

They will be looking at Mars. Earth and Mars are the closest they've been in 50,000 years -- so close Mars is easily visible without a telescope. It's the orange star sitting to the right of the moon.

"It's huge," Zander said. "This is why NASA has launched so many spacecraft. It's only a six-month journey (to Mars) right now. It's usually 18 months."

People who don't own telescopes are welcome to attend any of the events, Zander said. And there will be other nights to see Mars.

"I want a loose structure. I don't want people to think this is your only opportunity," he said. "You can go out every night if you want."

And if you want to go with Zander, you know where to find him.