Meet the President

Greetings, CCAS Friends!

I’m Aurora Lipper—yes, that’s my real name—and I’m honored to be serving as President of the Central Coast Astronomical Society this year. I’m a mechanical engineer, university instructor, pilot, lifelong science educator, astronomer, and proud mom of four. My incredibly wonderful husband bought me my first telescope about 20 years ago, and it’s been an adventure ever since.

I joined CCAS about 17 years ago and have loved being part of this community ever since—first as a member, later as newsletter editor, and now as president. What keeps me here is simple: I love astronomy, and I love helping people discover it. (Image below: I am holding a comet nucleus created during our Chemistry of Comets talk.)

A Little About Me & My Telescopes

Astronomy for me is both hands-on and deeply curious. I enjoy everything from casual observing to more advanced projects—and I’m always learning. My current lineup includes:

  • A Takahashi FS-152 refractor on a Losmandy G11 mount (a telescope I still can’t quite believe I own!)

  • A Televue 85 refractor on an aluminum TV tripod, perfect for backpacking!

  • An 8″ Meade LX200 SCT

  • An 8″ Orion SkyView Reflector

  • A Coronado double-stacked H-alpha solar scope

  • Binoculars I use constantly: Orion UltraView 10×50 and Oberwerk 25×100 on a solid mount

Since moving to a ranch in SLO County, I’ve been spending about an hour a week solar observing and stargazing—sometimes planned, sometimes spontaneous.

Over the years, I’ve also built a backyard radio telescope from a 1-meter satellite dish, launched rockets (yes, indoors and outdoors), and taught hands-on physics, chemistry, and astronomy workshops for students around the world. I still believe the best way to learn science is by doing it.

What CCAS Means to Me

CCAS is made up of people from all walks of life—busy parents, retirees, engineers, doctors, artists, students, professors, casual stargazers, and serious astrophotographers. Some members love star parties. Others love talks, outreach, imaging, or research. Many are just getting started.

My goal as president is to serve all of you.

You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to know everything. There is room here for curiosity at every level.

What’s Ahead This Year

My top priority is supporting our members and helping people succeed in astronomy. This year, you can expect:

  • Engaging, accessible astronomy talks
  • Regular Celestial Observer newsletters
  • Observatory visits and special events
  • Telescope help clinics (for beginners and those wanting a deeper dive)
  • More opportunities for members to shape what CCAS offers

Public Outreach

CCAS has a long tradition of sharing the night sky with the community, and we’re committed to continuing that work. You don’t need a telescope—or a science background—to help. Outreach is about curiosity, connection, and wonder.

If you’re interested in volunteering at public events, we’d love to have you. The feedback we receive from families and first-time observers is consistently inspiring.

Member Perks

  • Quarterly Celestial Observer newsletter (PDF + archive)
  • Loaner telescopes, with guidance from friendly CCAS astronomers
  • Member-only opportunities including astrophotography, dark-sky trips, observatory visits, and research projects

Join Us at the Next Star Party!

Our next star party will be at Santa Margarita Lake Park, beginning about an hour before sunset. It’s a beautiful dark-sky site just eight miles from Santa Margarita. Check the CCAS calendar for dates and details—we’d love to see you there.

In Closing

Whether you’re brand new to astronomy or have been observing for decades, I’m excited to work alongside you this year. Please feel free to reach out by email, say hello at an event, or ask me for help finding your next celestial target.

We make this club great—together—and I’m really looking forward to what we’ll build this year.

Clear skies,
Aurora Lipper
President, Central Coast Astronomical Society

P.S. If it’s been a while since your last star party—this is your sign to come out again. We’d love to see you.