The Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA) is a group of amateur astronomers drawn together by a common interest in observational astronomy. The society was founded December 14, 1978 by members devoted to teaching the many aspects of observational astronomy.

The BBAA's motto is "Bringing Astronomy to the People of Hampton Roads" and we have many events throughout the year to advance that goal. On "Astronomy Day" we team up with the Virginia Beach Public Library to celebrate astronomy. Our members set up filtered telescopes to view the sun and the moon, and take the opportunity to talk to library patrons about our hobby. We do many events throughout the year with the Departments of Parks and Recreation for Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. We also work with the Norfolk Botanical Gardens and have done several evening events we call "Garden Stars". You'll often find our members at the local planetariums too, where we set up telescopes and interface with the public