What is the OTAA
Ohio Turnpike Astronomers' Association

The first itineration of what would eventually become the OTAA actually began in the late 1950's when 4 Ohio astronomy clubs got together and tried to setup a networking system. Because of the distances and time involved in getting from club to club, the initial group was doomed to failure. Plauged by small turnouts the group was eventually abandoned. But one member never forgot the lofty goal of the original group to unite Ohio astronomers.

The modern OTAA is the brainchild of Black River Astronomical Society member and founding father, George Diedrich. George worked at Nasa's Plum Brook facility and firmly believed in the benefits of networking, both at work and at play. When the Ohio Turnpike opened in the 1970's George used the opening as a springboard. In the 2 decades since the original group had tried to form, there were now several astronomy clubs stretching across the length of the new turnpike and now they were now only a few hours apart.

George approached the officers of each club and asked them to become members of the Ohio Turnpike Astronomers Association. There were no dues. All each club had to do was host one meeting each year and invite all the other clubs along the turnpike to that annual meeting.  That's all they would be requred to do. George did the rest of the work himself. He scheduled the meetngs to avoid conflicting dates. He sent announcements of upcoming events; He took photos at each meeting and created albums to show at future meetings. He generated excitemement and encouraged key players in each club to get their people involved.

Thanks to George, the OTAA is still going strong today.

Ohio Astronomy Clubs