Charter Of Incorporation
Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society

Be it known that A. M. Heiser, Alexander Komives, Troy Bentley, Terry Saltsman, Hubert H. Crowder, and Edmund W. Benz, M.D., hereby constitute a body politic and corporate, pursuant to the provisions of the Tennessee General Corporation Act, by the name and style of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society.

The duration of the corporation is perpetual.

The address of the principal office for the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society shall be c/o Dyer Observatory, 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37027, Davidson County.

The purposes for which the Barnard-Astronomical Society is incorporated are: the advancement of the science of astronomy; the support and encouragement of the exploration and utilization of space for the advancement of civilization.

To promote the purposes for which it is hereby incorporated the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society may engage in, acquire or operate the following : publishing of books, pamphlets, magazines, journals, calendars, other periodicals, including electronic data communications; sponsor educational or informal seminars, lectures, fellowships, conventions and meetings; facilities such as observatories, planetariums, exhibit halls, lecture halls and libraries; and other activities such as demonstrations, field trips, star-parties, expeditions, studies, prizes, awards and competitions.

Said Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society is organized exclusively for educational and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under sections 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

No part of the net earnings of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in this Charter hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society shall be in the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Law).

Upon dissolution of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society, the Board of Directors shall, after paying and making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society, dispose of all the assets of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society exclusively for the purpose of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for educational, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under the section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Law), as the Board of Directors may determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society is located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

Filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State, July 23, 1983