Welcome to the NBSO, a non-profit "Virtual Observatory" whose interests are the stars within 100 LY (30 parsec) of the Sun. The purpose of NBSO is to be the leading, most current Web source for general information about the nearby stars & star systems .  We provides Data and Tools to help study the closest Stars.   We also provide information to those with a current interest in a nearby star or stars such as students, journalists, etc.. The study of Nearby Stars is important because the knowledge gained about our nearest neighbors is projected out into the study of our galaxy and beyond. The nearby stars are quite average and unspectacular as a group. New technologies and the current fast pace of Exo- Planets discoveries are fueling a new interest in these stars. If you have any interests in the Nearby Stars, (research, telescopic, photographic, CCD's, computers, spectrographic, teaching, etc.), please share your knowledge, suggestions, work, resources, contributions, etc. with us.   Advanced amateur astronermers are also welcome to participate. Jerry Blackwell - Director NearBy Stars Observatory nbso.org NBSO  118 SW 293 St., Federal Way, WA 98023  253-941-3093