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.

“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.

“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.

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".

The Texas Star Party confers its Lone Stargazer Award in recognition of personal achievement, accomplishment, or expertise in the science or practice of astronomy. The recipient for 2024 is our own Stephen Jones, president of the Houston Astronomical Society.

In true eclipse chaser fashion, Stephen kept his options open to view the total eclipse, which he did, and was not at the Texas Star Party. Stephen was awarded the Lone Star Gazer in absentia and then again at his lively Visual Special Interest Group meeting on April 10.

Congratulations Stephen Jones!

Stephen Jones is the 2024 recipient of the TSP Lone Stargazer Award

“Great Eclipses of History”

A person standing next to a telescope

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By: Don Selle

In Jackson Hole for the 2017 “Great American Eclipse”

We are only days away from a total solar eclipse which we call “The Great Texas Eclipse” while others up north refer to it as the “Great American Eclipse”. (I like our name better!). But isn’t every total solar eclipse a great eclipse?

Given the fact that there is at least one total eclipse somewhere on the Earth every year, they can’t all be great, especially when compared to some that took place in the past. Some historic eclipses live on to this day in legends and stories. A couple have even changed the course of history or totally revised how we look at the world. One eclipse is certainly the GOAT – Greatest of all Totalities! Tune in to find out which one it is!

To see the video, click Great Eclipses of History.