Smart telescopes have taken the hobby by storm, and HAS along with it!  Some of the most lively discussion in our various communication channels of late has been about using smart telescopes, as well as sharing images we have acquired using them.  Thus, it is with great excitement that I announce the creation of the Smart Telescope SIG (STSIG).  As with the other SIGs we will meet once per month via Zoom to discuss anything and everything smart telescopes.  STSIG will meet on the third Wednesday of each month (the spot vacated by the now defunct EAASIG).  If you have a smart telescope or are thinking of getting one, or if you just want to see what all the fuss is about, join us!  Our first meeting will be Wednesday, February 19 at 7:30 PM.  Hope to see a good crowd.  Zoom link will be in the monthly SIG meeting email. 

Stephen Jones
President

“Explore the Moon”

With

Robert Reeves

Renowned astronomer Robert Reeves, author of the book Exploring The Moon With Robert Reeves: Observing and Understanding Our Natural Satellite, will take us on a private tour of our closest celestial neighbor. Along the way, Robert will point out some of the most interesting sights by way of his awesome lunar images. He will delve into detail about some of his favorite areas of the moon, and provide both new astronomers and seasoned observers with tips for observing these areas in our own telescopes. 

Robert has been a regular presenter to HAS and has always managed to both enlighten us with his knowledge and to share his unique perspective. In addition, he has inspired us to explore the night sky in new ways. This presentation is sure to be one you won't want to miss, and a great way kick-off astronomy in the New Year.

Our Speaker: Robert Reeves is an amateur astronomer who has become well known both within the am-Astro community here in Texas as well as internationally. He has been exploring the night sky since 1958 and took his first lunar photograph in 1959. Robert has been publishing articles about astronomy since 1984 which have appeared in Sky and Telescope, Astronomy, as well as other publications for amateur astronomers. He has written seven books about the Moon, space exploration and astrophotography. Robert enjoys speaking about astronomy and spreading his passion for astrophotography of both Moon deep sky targets.

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To see the video, click Explore The Moon with Robert Reeves.

" Navigating The Winter Sky "

By: Chris Morisette

Winter offers many wonderful celestial objects for viewing.  In “The Winter Sky” Chris Morisette will discuss methods for navigating the night sky using Orion as a sign-post, will review several terrific objects available for viewing this time of year, and will provide tips on cold weather preparation.

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.

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To see the video, click Navigating The Winter Sky.

Greetings HAS members. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of longtime HAS member Fred Garcia.  Fred has been a member of HAS since its earliest days in the 1950s. As a student of the University of Houston, Fred helped organize the amateur telescope making section of the HAAC (as HAS was then known). He also was instrumental in HAS’ incorporation as a non-profit corporation in 1978. He was also an original member of the Telescope Committee that constructed the 12.5” f/5 Newtonian reflector that was mounted in the HAS Observatory for several decades. He was also on the committee that worked on selecting a proper site for the HAS observatory, an effort that resulted in the Dark Site we still use today.  Fred continued to participate actively in HAS functions throughout his later years. Just recently he attended a VSIG meeting of mine and regaled us with tales of his observations. Fred always could tell a good story. Fred will be deeply missed in the HAS community. Fred’s wife has asked that in lieu of flowers or gifts that you instead make a donation to HAS. 

-Stephen Jones
 President