Founded in 1955, Houston Astronomical Society is an active community of enthusiastic amateur and professional astronomers with over 60 years of history in the Houston area. Through education and outreach, our programs promote science literacy and astronomy awareness. We meet on the first Friday of each month at the University of Houston. Membership has a variety of benefits, including access to a secure dark site west of Houston, a telescope loaner program, and much more. Joining is simple; you can sign up online, by mail or in person at a monthly meeting.
It’s the first Annual Spring A-Day at the Insperity Observatory! We will be using the telescopes in the observatory as well astronomer telescopes in the parking lot. Weather update We are on, rain or shine. The weather is getting better! 
If you were at the April Membership Meeting, you know we have a new Master Observer. Congratulations Stephen Jones! As a member of HAS, you are also a member of the Astronomical League. Check out their website to learn how you, too, can earn observing and imaging awards. Congratulations to all our master observers. Who will be next?
Rene Gedaly, Past President
By: Steve Goldberg
This asterism is located in Virgo. Starting with Spica, locate star Porrima Gamma γ VIRGO. This star is the “anchor point” for the semi-circle of stars in Virgo.
Just above a line from Porrima to Zaniah Eta η VIRGO, Brosch 1 can be located.
Brosch 1 is a square or diamond, depending on how it appears in your eyepiece. The object first appears as 4 stars. But looking closer, one of the stars is a double. See if you can split that double. Another name for this asterism is the Virgo Diamond, which is very descriptive.
Brosch 1 is named for Noah Brosch, an Israeli astronomer still doing research today. Here is Wiki info on Brosch.
The Houston Astronomical Society and Bellaire High School are collaborating on a cool project called “Skynet Junior Scholars” where high-school aged amateur astronomers will be able to remotely control research-grade telescopes and collaborate on research projects.
In Skynet Junior Scholars (SJS), kids study the Universe using the same tools as professional astronomers. With SJS, you get to BE the astronomer. You will feel great when you command a robotic telescope to take a picture of YOUR object!
With just an internet connection, Skynet Junior Scholars gives you:
Each meeting, you’ll:
To learn more about SJS, visit:
http://www.jimmynewland.com/wp
