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.

Have you heard about the Astronomical League's "FYEO" Observing Award?

This Observing Award will guide you through the best naked-eye targets in the sky. No telescope is required, actually you cannot use anything other than your eyes, hence the name "For Your Eyes Only".

Here is a list of AL Observing Programs that have "eyes only" requirements.

1. Alternate Constellation Observing Program (Gold Level certificate)
2. Analemma Observing Program
3. Asterism Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
4. Astronomy Before the Telescope Observing Program
5. Constellation Hunter Observing Program – Northern Skies
6. Constellation Hunter Observing Program – Southern Skies
7. Earth Orbiting Satellites Observing Program (Eyes Only)
8. Galileo Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
9. Lunar Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
10. Meteor Observing Program (Gold Level certificate)
11. Solar Neighborhood Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
12. Solar System Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
13. Space Weather Observing Program
14. Universe Sampler Observing Program (“-N” certification only)

Complete any 8 programs from this list and get a certificate.

Once you have completed the requirements, contact the HAS Astronomical League Coordinator, Stephen Jones.

“The Milky Way Galaxy - as Seen with Radio Eyes”

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By: Matt Boerlage & Erica Coenen

Join us for an exciting journey through our latest project, conducted during the cloudy months of 2025. Using affordable, off-the-shelf components, we built a compact radio telescope to detect neutral hydrogen emissions at the 21cm wavelength—allowing us to observe the cosmos rain or shine, day or night. Through meticulous analysis, we’ve measured the velocities of the Milky Way’s spiral arms, unveiling insights into its structure and dynamics. This project has deepened our understanding of our galaxy’s hidden wonders, revealing a universe beyond what the eye can see and clouds can obscure.

You’re warmly invited to join this vibrant new chapter in our amateur astronomy journey, one you too can share in—you won’t want to miss it!

Speakers: Matt Boerlage and Erica Coenen moved from The Netherlands to Houston about 10 years ago. Both hold PhDs in Mechanical Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology and work in the Houston energy industry.

Their passion for astrophotography ignited two years ago, leading them to join the Houston Astronomical Society. They organize the astronomy outreach nights at the Kleb Woods Nature Preserve.

Matt and Erica’s interests include astrophotography and scientific imaging, with a focus on spectroscopy. Recently, Matt became a member of the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers). A year ago, Matt & Erica began hosting the monthly Astrophotography Special Interest Group webinars, every third Wednesday of the month.

To see the video, click The Milky Way Galaxy - as Seen with Radio Eyes.

" Cosmic Clocks "

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By: Chris Morisette

In “Cosmic Clocks” Novice Chair Chris Morisette will present a survey of nine different techniques for determining the age of objects in our cosmos. Here he’ll discuss radiometric dating, crater counting, stellar spectroscopy, gyrochronology, magnetic activity, asteroseismology, dynamical age estimation, red shift dating, and CMB radiation measurement. The talk will include a description of the underlying principle of each technique, when its applied, examples of its application, and advantages/disadvantages of each method. At the end Chris will literally “build a watch” and unveil his version of a “Cosmic Clock”!!!

Speaker Bio: Chris Morisette is HAS Novice Chairperson and an active member of the Houston Astronomical Society, North Houston Astronomy Club, and the Fort Bend Astronomy Club. He is also a member of the University of Texas Astronomy Department Board of Visitors. On clear Saturday nights you may find him volunteering at the George Observatory engaging with visitors and sharing his love of the night sky, or you may find him at the HAS Dark Site trying his hand at astrophotography.

To see the video, click Cosmic Clocks.

CANCELLED ----Astronomy In The Park - Memorial Park

Saturday, August 2, 2025 8:00PM

The event begins at 8:00PM.

LOCATION DETAILS: The Clay Family Eastern Glades is at the eastern end of Memorial Park, one of the nation's largest urban parks. The lush, open areas of this part of the park offer ample space for telescopes, binoculars, and appreciating the Houston night sky. The North Lakeside Pavilion is a shelter at the northern end of the Clay Family Eastern Glades

Hope to see you there!

Joyce Almaguer-Reisdorf