The Springfield STARS Club was founded in 1934 by a group of local people who were interested in making telescopes. Since then, it has grown into a diversified organization of astronomy enthusiasts from all walks of life, beginner to advanced, with a wide range of interests.Meetings of the STARS Club are held at the Springfield Science Museum on the 4th Tuesday of each month, from September to May, beginning at 7:30p.m. The Science Museum is located on the Quadrangle behind the City Library on State Street.
A typical meeting includes a brief business session, the "Welcome Corner," a short introduction to astronomy for first-time visitors, and a featured presentation about some aspect of astronomy. The public is always invited to attend free of charge.
The STARS Club is a member of the Astronomical League, a national federation of astronomy societies with more than 13,000 members.
Astronomy popularization and public education have long been high priorities for the STARS Club. Two of its most important projects over the years have been the construction of a Focault and a 20-inch reflecting telescope and observatory, both as contributions to the Science Museum.
The STARS Club regularly conducts public programs and observing sessions. When an important event is taking place, like the appearance of a bright comet, these sessions may attract up to a thousand people.
The very popular "Stars Over Springfield" is an ongoing series of public stargazing nights held at the Science Museum on the first Friday of each month, September-May. This program is jointly hosted by the STARS Club and the Science Museum.
Each year, the STARS Club presents the "Frank D. Korkosz Award" to an individual from the Northeast who has made outstanding contributions to astronomy. This award was created in memory of Science Museum director, planetarium pioneer, and longtime STARS Club member Dr. Frank Korkosz. His planetarium, completed in 1937, is still in operation at the museum and is the oldest American-made planetarium in the world.