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Welcome to Houston Astronomical Society

Fostering the science and art of astronomy through programs that serve our membership and the community. Founded in 1955, Houston Astronomical Society is an active community of enthusiastic amateur and professional astronomers with over 70 years of history in the Houston area. Through education and outreach, our programs promote science literacy and astronomy awareness. We meet via Zoom the first Friday of each month for the General Membership Meeting and the first Thursday of the month for the Novice Meeting. Membership has a variety of benefits, including access to a secure dark site west of Houston, special interest groups that focus on particular areas of astronomy, an active community outreach program, and much more. Joining is simple.

Video - Main Meeting June 7, 2024: Smart Telescopes Easy Entry to Astro-Imaging

“Panel Discussion – Smart Telescopes

Easy Entry to Astro-Imaging

A collage of different telescope

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By:  Julian Hallai

Stephen Jones – Moderator

Craig Lamison

Don Selle

In 2018 the French company Vaonis released the world’s first fully automated imaging telescope the Stellina. It was an all-in-one small refractor plus camera, autofocuser and control computer on an Alt-Az mount which with minimal set up, allowed the observer to select a deep sky object which Stellina would autonomously find and image. The Stellina started a new category of astronomy equipment which is now known as the “Smart Scope”.

Other companies have entered this market. The resulting competition has brought new models including improved technology, and lower prices. Smart Scopes are making a splash in the amateur astronomy world as price points have decreased, demand has increased. The recent release of the ZWO Seestar S50, in time for Christmas 2023 prompted several HAS members to take the plunge, and HAS email listservs and social media were all abuzz as they shared their experiences learning and using this smart scope.

This panel discussion features an early adopter of smart scopes, a pair of Seestar S50 owners and an experienced astro-imager who will share their insights and experiences in using smart telescopes and answer your questions. If you are curious about smart scopes, or maybe considering taking the plunge yourself, this program is for you!

 

To see the video, click here.

 

Video - Novice Meeting June 6, 2024: Beginning Backyard Spectroscopy

Beginning Backyard Spectroscopy”

A person sitting in a chair pointing at a telescope

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By: Matt Boerlage

In this talk, Matt shares his journey from a novice astrophotographer to a backyard scientist uncovering the curiosities of the universe. He recounts his early steps in astrophotography, driven by curiosity and passion, which led him to the fascinating field of spectroscopy.

Recent advancements have made spectroscopy more accessible for amateur astronomers. With modest equipment you likely already own, you can now do spectroscopy from your backyard, on vacation, or during outreach events. Matt demonstrates how low-cost spectroscopy can capture the unique characteristics of stars, nebulae, and the atmospheres of ice giants. Spectroscopy allows you to experience the universe in an exciting new way that you simply cannot miss!

To see the video, click Beginning Backyard Spectroscopy.

Video on “Responsible Night Lighting Advocacy”

“Responsible Night Lighting Advocacy

By:  Debbie Moran

The future of the night sky depends on bringing along those in charge of our safety to the new thinking on how best to use light at night.  Houston based lighting advocate Debbie Moran will provide an update on Houston's commercial lighting code, outline the Five Principles for Responsible Lighting, and explain why she thinks educating the police is key.  She will present materials she and fellow advocates have developed to bring the police along to our side of the light pollution equation.

To see the video, click Responsible Night Lighting Advocacy.

A Video of “Connecting with the Past – A Timeline of Astronomy History”

“Connecting with the Past – A Timeline of Astronomy History”

 

A person standing in front of a snowy mountain

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By: Chris Morisette

Chris Morisette will survey the history of astronomy from antiquity (3200 BC) to the present.  During this journey Chris will discuss key events and discoveries and introduce us to the principal characters involved.  He’ll also attempt to connect the past with the present to provide context with respect to current areas of inquiry in astronomy and astrophysics.

To see the video, click A Timeline of Astronomy History.

 

 

 

See Upcoming Events

Are you curious about the different events that are coming up? 

  • Membership meetings
  • Special Interest groups:
    • Visual Observing (VSIG)
    • Astrophotography (APSIG)
    • Electronic Assisted Astronomy (EAASIG)
  • Outreach events
    • Astronomy In The Park
    • Memorial Park
    • Special requests

These can all be found on the HAS webpage, see the menu item "Upcoming Events".