Slovak Union of Astronomers

The Slovak Union of Astronomers (Slovenský zväz astronómov, SZA) is a voluntary civic association that brings together people interested in astronomy, astronautics and related fields in Slovakia. It was founded in 1970 on the initiative of L. Valach, then director of the Slovak Central Observatory in Hurbanovo. Until 2013 the organisation was known as the Slovak Union of Amateur Astronomers (Slovenský zväz astronómov amatérov), reflecting its primary focus on amateur astronomers. The union cooperates closely with the Slovak Central Observatory in Hurbanovo and with the Slovak Astronomical Society at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Its highest body is the general assembly, which meets once every four years and elects the council, the central executive body that governs the union between assemblies. Organisationally, the SZA is divided into local organisations; as of 2024 there were 14 such organisations, and in 2023 the union had more than 200 members. The SZA is active in public outreach, observation campaigns and the dissemination of astronomical news. Its website publishes current events, observing highlights, awards and community news, and it serves as a hub for Slovak amateur astronomy. The equivalent organisation in the Czech Republic is the Czech Astronomical Society.

The Slovak Union of Astronomers (SZA) was founded in 1970 on the initiative of L. Valach, who was at the time the director of the Slovak Central Observatory in Hurbanovo. From its establishment the union was conceived as a voluntary association for amateur astronomers and others interested in astronomy, astronautics and related disciplines in Slovakia. For much of its existence it operated under the name Slovak Union of Amateur Astronomers (Slovenský zväz astronómov amatérov); the name was changed to the current Slovak Union of Astronomers in 2013. Throughout its history the SZA has cooperated with the Slovak Central Observatory in Hurbanovo and with the Slovak Astronomical Society at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Its organisational structure centres on a general assembly, which meets once every four years and elects a council that acts as the central governing body between assemblies. The union is divided into local organisations; as of 2024 there were 14 such organisations, and in 2023 the union reported more than 200 members. The SZA maintains a public website that reports on astronomical events, observing highlights, awards and community activities, and it continues to serve as a focal point for amateur astronomy in Slovakia. Its Czech counterpart is the Czech Astronomical Society.

• 2024

  Organisationally divided into 14 local organisations.

• 2023

  Reported more than 200 members.

• 2013

  Renamed from Slovak Union of Amateur Astronomers to Slovak Union of Astronomers.

• 1970

  Founded on the initiative of L. Valach, then director of the Slovak Central Observatory in Hurbanovo.

Voluntary membership association for amateur astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts in Slovakia.

1. 1úvod - SZA | Slovenský zväz astronómovszaa.org
2. 2Slovak Union of Astronomerswikidata.org
3. 3Slovenský svaz astronomůcs.wikipedia.org