Welcome to Houston Astronomical Society

Teton County in Wyoming just became the first county in the US to be certified as an International Dark Sky Community.

It also added the world's first Dark Sky airport.

To see the article, click the image. Or here.

" Your Very Own Planetarium "

By: Chris Morisette

Planetarium applications are widely used by astronomers, educators, and enthusiasts to explore the universe, plan stargazing sessions, and visualize celestial events.  In this month’s Novice Meeting Chris Morisette will present a brief overview of the functionality of planetarium apps, then dive into a demonstration of Stellarium where parameters such as time, location, and Bortle rating will be adjusted in order to get a dynamic view of the night sky.

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 Clubs.  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 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 Your Very Own Planetarium

“HAS Dark Site Development

1979 to Present”

By: Steve Goldberg

One of the best assets an astronomy club can own is their own private, dark sky observing location. The HAS is fortunate enough to have an 18-acre dark sky site away from the Houston light pollution dome. Steve Goldberg will discuss the development of the HAS Dark Site from the mid-1970s through today.

Steve along with other notable HAS members were key players in the site’s development, from the initial land clearing and first working building through its present configuration. The site has grown from humble beginnings to a true astronomy village for HAS members to use and support.

Speaker: Steve Goldberg has long been interested in astronomy since “discovering” Saturn with his own telescope many years ago. He is past president of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society in New Orleans and the Houston Astronomical Society. He observes with a 15” Obsession Classic telescope. Steve has organized several local astronomical events and solar eclipse trips over the years, including Astronomy Day starting in 1980.

Steve and wife Amelia are still very active, supporting various astronomy outreach events in the Greater Houston Area, and Steve is an active promoter of responsible night lighting for Houston. Both Steve and Amelia have a big spot in their hearts for the HAS Dark Site and over the years have been a big part of its development and operation.

___________________________________________________________________________________

To see the video, click HAS Dark Site Development .

“Navigating the Spring Sky”

With: Chris Morrisette

April marks the beginning of Galaxy Season.  In “Navigating The Spring Sky” Chris Morisette will present various references and methods to help you find your way around the cosmos.  In particular we’ll see how we can use The Big Dipper as a “sign post”, which will allow us to find and view several beautiful celestial objects, including some very cool galaxies.

Also… upcoming Novice Labs will be discussed.

Our Speaker: Chris Morisette is HAS Novice Chairperson and an active member of the Houston Astronomical Society, North Houston Astronomy Club, and the Fort Bend Astronomy Clubs.  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 Navigating the Spring Sky.