Policies

Terms of Service

These Terms of Service govern access to and use of the Chennai Astronomy Club website, community channels, events, and merchandise. Please read them carefully before registering, making a payment, or placing an order.

Last updated

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) apply to your use of the website chennaiastronomyclub.org (the “Website”), related community channels, events, and merchandise offered by Chennai Astronomy Club (the “Club”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).

By accessing the Website, creating a forum account, registering for an event, making a payment, or placing an order, you agree to be bound by these Terms and by the policies available by hyperlink, including the Privacy Policy, Refunds & Cancellations, and Shipping & Returns. If you do not agree, you must not use the Services.

We may update these Terms from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page indicates the current version. Continued use of the Services after a change constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. About the Club

The Club is a volunteer-run, non-profit astronomy community based in Chennai, India. We organise stargazing events, star parties, city meetups, workshops, and outreach programmes. The Club is not a commercial ticketed entertainment business and does not charge a membership fee.

Further information about our activities is available on the About page and the FAQ.

3. Membership

  1. Membership of the Club is free of charge. There is no registration fee to join the community and no age restriction on membership itself.
  2. To participate, you may create an account on our forum, follow event announcements, and register for individual events as described in How to Join.
  3. You are responsible for providing accurate information when creating an account or submitting a registration or order, and for keeping that information current.

4. Events and Activities

  1. Each event is described on its event page and/or registration form, including dates, expected cost, and the registration close time. You should review those details before making a payment.
  2. Amounts collected for events are a cost-sharing contribution towards venue, food, rooms, and related logistics for that event. They are not a membership fee and are not a ticket to a commercial performance.
  3. Star parties and similar overnight events may have limited capacity. The Club may shortlist participants so that events remain safe and manageable. Exact venue details are disclosed only to confirmed participants and are not published on the Website.
  4. You agree to conduct yourself reasonably towards venues, hosts, equipment, and other attendees. The Club may refuse or withdraw participation where conduct is unsafe or disruptive.
  5. Persons below the age of eighteen (18) years should attend with a parent or guardian. For events involving travel outside the city, a parent-signed consent letter is required.

5. Merchandise

From time to time the Club may offer merchandise such as logbooks and calendars. Merchandise is sold separately from event registrations. Delivery, territory, and returns are governed by the Shipping & Returns policy.

The Club does not sell telescopes, provide in-home training, or offer paid private sessions.

6. Fees and Payments

  1. All prices are quoted and payable in Indian Rupees (INR).
  2. Payment for an event or merchandise order is due in advance through the payment link provided on the relevant event page, registration form, or product listing. The amount payable is stated before you complete the transaction.
  3. Payments are collected through one or more third-party payment gateway service providers. The gateway presented at checkout may vary. The Club does not store full card, UPI, or other payment-instrument credentials on the Website. Use of a payment gateway is also subject to that provider’s own terms and privacy policy.
  4. For events, venue and coordination details are shared with confirmed participants after payment is received. For merchandise, fulfilment begins after payment is received.
  5. Refunds for event registrations are governed by Refunds & Cancellations. Refunds and replacements for merchandise are governed by Shipping & Returns.

7. Intellectual Property

Content on the Website, including text, graphics, logos, and photographs, is owned by the Club or used with permission. You may not copy, reproduce, or redistribute Website content for commercial purposes without prior written consent, except as permitted by applicable law.

8. Limitation of Liability

The Club is operated by volunteers. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Club and its volunteers shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss arising from your use of the Website, attendance at an event, or purchase of merchandise, except where such limitation is prohibited by law.

Outdoor astronomy events involve travel, night-time activity, and use of optical equipment. You participate at your own risk and are responsible for your safety and that of any minor accompanying you.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. Subject to applicable law, courts in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, shall have jurisdiction over disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms.

10. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms, write to hello@chennaiastronomyclub.org or use the contact form.