WITH ABOUT 40 years of history, the Yonsei Amateur Astronomical Association (YAAA) provides a platform for amateur astronomers to enhance their knowledge about the stars. YAAA not only offers their members opportunities to participate in activities related to astronomy, but they also function as a medium for regular students to enjoy the beauty of the sky. The Yonsei Annals interviewed YAAA’s President Kim Suk-hee (Jr., Dept. of Earth System Sciences), Vice-President Ryu Jung-wan (Soph., Dept. of Econ.), and members Shin Ye-gang (Sr., UIC, Creative Tech. Management) and Lee Woo-hyeon (Jr., Dept. of Mech. Engin.) to gain an insight into the special experiences provided at YAAA.

Annals: What are the elements of YAAA that attracts so much interest from students?

Kim: The act of gazing upon the night sky and feeling the mystique of nature without any concerns is a great form of healing in itself. Additionally, faced with a busy life full of studying and employment, students tend to be attracted by the romantic nature of appreciating the stars and the comfortable atmosphere created by sharing interests.

Annals: What unique programs does YAAA offer for new members unfamiliar with astronomy to learn more about the field?

Kim: Our club hosts regular seminars every Friday to share knowledge about astronomy. From basic background information about the sky to methods of taking photographs, attendees can comprehensively learn about astronomy. Our members personally prepare and conduct these seminars, which provides enough time to exchange what they know. We are also planning on inviting specialists to professionalize our seminars and address inquiries about related careers. 

   Additionally, YAAA provides educational material, Jing geum da ri[1], to new members so that they can acquire basic information about astronomy. As connotated by the title, the material allows a connection to astronomy as a regular hobby for those who are unfamiliar with the field.

Annals: Are there many opportunities to directly observe the stars?

Kim: The main value of YAAA as an amateur astronomy club is to conduct astronomical observations to experience the beauty of the universe. In this sense, we try to provide related activities as often as possible. The “Regular Observation Camp” hosted twice every semester is the main activity. Members go on a two-day trip to the outskirts of Seoul where a good view of the stars is available, allowing them to observe the night sky and grow closer with each other. With such cultivated intimacy, unofficial gatherings also occur whenever the weather is clear enough to look at celestial bodies.

Annals: How does YAAA make an effort to spread the beauty of the sky for fellow Yonseians?

Kim: Being a passionate organization, YAAA also focuses on the responsibilities of enlarging the base for astronomy and popularizing the subject among various individuals. The Celestial Photo Exhibition is an annual exhibition of photographs taken by many of our members that provides an opportunity to indirectly experience the wonders of the universe. The cuts taken with both mobile phone cameras and digital cameras show that anyone can cherish the beauty of the sky and analyze it scientifically with ease. This year’s exhibition is to be held at Eulji-ro Atelier Gallery from November 20 to December 8.

   We also hold public observation events on campus. Through the telescopes arranged at the event, Yonsei students can observe celestial bodies. For children and teenagers aspiring to further their astronomical interest in the future, YAAA provides educational aids to astronomy museums and schools to share our knowledge. Such activities permit members to create a positive social influence with their passion.

Annals: As YAAA is an historic club with about 40 years of legacy, what are some meaningful interactions you have had with your alumni?

Kim: As mentioned, our club boasts an honorable 39-year history, initially motivated by the observation of Halley’s Comet in 1985. YAAA alumni are active in various fields of society, maintaining a strong attachment based on their affection towards our organization. This sentiment is visible in the inaugural assembly, where alumni and current members gather every May to commemorate the establishment of YAAA. Members introduce current activities in progress to alumni, and alumni provide warm advice and support to their juniors in the event. 

The intercommunication is then deepened through the publication of Mirinae, our academic journal. Various columns such as analytical pieces about astronomical subjects, poems, essays, and stories are contributed through the collaboration between current members and alumni. Our club’s alumni also visit our club room often to gift books they wrote and buy delicious snacks, building a greater connection with junior members. 

Annals: As a member of the club, how does YAAA help students to have more passion for the club?

Shin: I think the variety of the activities this club offers naturally allows members to develop a strong affiliation. Joining the club with my friend, I initially had little knowledge or interest in astronomy. However, activities such as meeting spontaneously in front of the Student Union Building to look at the stars or writing opinion columns in our club journal helped me to gain more passion. 

Lee: Since my initial motivation for joining YAAA was a deep interest in the universe, I imagined a club that burrows into relevant activities. Beyond my expectations, however, YAAA helped me gain interest in another hobby. There are many members who are outstanding in photography, as one of our main goals is capturing the beautiful night sky. With the support of such members and numerous opportunities to grab the camera, I was able to make photography a great hobby to the extent that I recently purchased a camera of my own. 

Ryu: Apart from the activities, I think the greatest merit of YAAA is the warm-hearted people. When I continuously interact with these kind members, a great affection towards the club is naturally created. Each of our members is also unique in their own way, which adds creativeness to our activities as well. Such distinction and kindness allow everyone to easily grow close, leading to a different kind of passion for the club than in the beginning. 

[1] Jing geum da ri: A Korean term referring to stepping stones on a pond or stream