About Us
Founded in 1978, the Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomers’ League Inc. is made up of amateur astronomers from around the area. Members come in all ages and all expertise levels, from “beginner” to “practically a pro”.
What We Do
NEKAAL members observe, draw, photograph, document, discover and enjoy astronomy. We have given hundreds of educational presentations, had articles published in scientific journals, participated in projects of research and discovery, and have introduced hundreds of people to the wonders of the night sky at Farpoint Observatory and across the area.
Observatory
NEKAAL owns and operates Farpoint Observatory, located on the grounds of Mission Valley High School approximately 30 miles southwest of Topeka, Kansas.
NEKAAL, Inc. is an educational and scientific nonprofit corporation approved by the federal and Kansas state governments. Our FEIN number is 48-1068689.
NEKAAL is a member society of the International Dark Sky Association, the Night Sky Network and the Astronomical League.
NEKAAL Officers
| Officers 2024 | |
|---|---|
| President | Doug Goodin |
| Vice President | Russell Valentine |
| Secretary | Angel Romero |
| Treasurer | David Cromer |
| Board Chair | Russell Valentine |
| NEKAAL Board | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Burgardt | Antonio Castaneda | Wes Chiles | David Cromer | Gary Hug | Justin Prochaska |
| Support Positions | |
|---|---|
| Education/Outreach Coordinator | Janelle Burgardt |
| Facilities/Observatory Coordinator | Gary Hug/David Cromer |
Doug Goodin
Board Position: President
Occupation:
Astronomy interest:
Favorite observing object:
Russell Valentine
Board Position: vice president/board chair
Ocupation: IT
Astronomy Interests: Visual observing, astrophotography, and the applications of mathematics, electronic engineering, and physics into the field of astronomy.
Favorite observing targets: Veil Nebula, Milky Way
Contact: russell.valentine@nekaal.org
Angel Romero
Board Position: Secretary
Occupation:
Astronomy interest:
Favorite observing object:
Janelle Burgardt
Board Position: Member
Occupation: Retired computer security specialist
Astronomy interests: Astronomy education; working with novice astronomers, especially visual and binocular observing; mythology of astronomy
Favorite observing targets: star clusters, moon
Antonio Castaneda
Board Position: Member
Occupation:
Astronomy interest:
Favorite observing object:
David Cromer
Board Position: Secretary/Treasurer
Occupation: Retired Principal - Mission Valley High School
Astronomy interest: Everything
Favorite observing object: Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, NEOs
Gary Hug
Board Position: Member
Occupation: Machinist
Astronomy interest: astrometry of asteroids and comets especially Near Earth
Objects, imaging galaxy clusters, telescope and astronomical equipment fabrication.
Justin Prochaska
Board Position: Member
Occupation: Electronics Mechanic at Fort Riley
Astronomy interest: Galaxies, Moon, and Planetary Bodies, Nebula's
Favorite observing object: Jupiter and Saturn
Wes Chiles
Board Position: Member
Occupation:
Astronomy interest:
Favorite observing object:
