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.

“NASA’s Moon Base Program (MBP) - Surface Mobility Office”

By: Carl Dunn

Moon Base Program - Surface Mobility Risk Manager

The Surface Mobility Office supports the Moon Base Program by providing crew transport via the Lunar Terrain Vehicle, surface logistics including utility rovers, and robotic construction. These projects will serve an integral role in providing crew transport on the lunar surface and help build a sustaining presence on the Moon. Based at the Johnson Space Center, the program is a cornerstone of the Artemis initiative, focusing on humanity's return to the Moon and preparation for future human missions to Mars.

Carl will provide us with an overview of the program, its objectives the technology and equipment it is currently developing, and its future use in the Artemis Program.

Speaker Bio: Carl is an amateur astronomer, space exploration historian, and military veteran. He grew up in a small town in Lacon, Illinois. He enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard, training in the Infantry, and served two tours during his six-year enlistment. In 2005, Carl responded to Natural Disaster Relief in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2008-2009.

In 2016, Carl moved to Houston, TX to pursue a career in space exploration, starting his career with an IT consulting business, Patriotic Solutions, that built the IT infrastructure for the Nanoracks Mission Control Center. He later coordinated education programs at Space Center Houston including scouting and overnight experiences.

In 2022, Carl started work at the Johnson Space Center through a NASA subcontractor, ARES Corporation, as a Support Specialist. He trained on EVA Operations and supported the Integrated Testing Facilities including the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), vacuum chambers, and field tests.

Carl begun working full time on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle Project as a Data Integrator in 2023. Shortly after the Moon Base Program was announced this spring, he became the Risk Manager for Surface Mobility. He is proud to support NASA's return to the surface of the Moon and beyond!

To see the video, click NASA’s Moon Base Program (MBP) - Surface Mobility Office.

AP SIG TOTM is out! The Iris Nebula (NGC 7023) is a striking reflection nebula about 1,300 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus. This is a great broadband target, perfect for summer nights at the Dark Site. There is some hidden H-alpha and mysterious dust lanes.

“Our Solar System”

By Chris Morisette

In “Our Solar System" we’ll explore our corner of the cosmos. After covering some basic information, we’ll take a fascinating tour using the “Eyes on the Solar System” model from NASA. Here we will learn about each planet as well as a host of moons, asteroids, comets, and planetary missions. The presentation will wrap up with some information to help you observe Saturn and Jupiter during their upcoming opposition(s). We’ll conclude with a gallery walk of various photos of our celestial home!

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 at Austin McDonald Observatory and Department of Astronomy Board of Visitors.

To see the video, click Our Solar System.

The August 2026 Guidestar is now available!

This issue is again packed with good reads, including:

DarkSky Haven - Neyvin De Leon
Book Review, “The Day We Found the Universe” - Chris Morisette
Why You Should Have a Small Telescope - Bill Pellerin
How I Fell Into Variable Star Observing - Michael Rapp
Types of Optical Telescopes: Basic Construction - Bob Frenzel
McDonald Observatory BOV, July 2026 Summer Meeting Recap - Chris Morisette

Download your copy here:

August 2026 Guidestar

A special thank you to Heather Charron for organizing the issue, gathering the content, and putting it all together.

Clear Skies,
Matt Boerlage

" Exploring with JWST - It's a Whole New Universe!”

By: Larry Mitchell

& JWST

Abstract: The James Webb Space Telescope with its infrared imaging is rewriting astronomy, much like HST has done for the last 30 years. Larry will cover some of these previously unknown objects. Special emphasis will be given to the very early chaotic and turbulent universe, very shortly after the Big Bang event, which can only be seen in infrared light. It was very different from today’s epoch and was populated with previously totally unknown objects that challenge our current understanding. Many of these objects appear to be theoretically impossible - Yet they existed.

Speaker Bio: Larry Mitchell is a well-known visual observer who has pursued a lifelong interest in astronomy since the age of 10. Larry’s astronomical accomplishments are many.

He is the author of “Visual Mysteries of the Universe” which is based upon the Texas Star Party Advanced Observing Programs that Larry authored. The series (currently at 3 volumes with a 4th book available in 2026) helps observers locate obscure objects without using a computer.

Since 2000, Larry has been Chairperson the Texas Star Party “Advanced Observing Program” and has also been -Co-Chairperson of the Stellafane Observing Olympics since 2015. He is also the recipient of the Texas Star Party “Lone Stargazer” and “Omega Centauri” awards.

Larry’s other astronomy accomplishments also include – discovery of Supernova SN1994S, a type 1a Supernova, discovery of 117,300+ galaxies as documented in the “Mitchell’s Anonymous Catalog”, the “MAC” found in MegaStar. In addition, Larry has observed and logged all 2500+ of Wiliam Herschel’s nebulae and star cluster discoveries.

Larry is well known for traveling the world giving lectures and observing the night sky, and he is always ready to view the night sky and share the adventure with my many astronomy friends.

For his many astronomical accomplishments, asteroid “126183 Larrymitchell” was named in Larry’s honor.

To see the video, click Exploring with JWST - It's a Whole New Universe!.

“The Galileo Museum”

By Bill Spizzirri

In “The Galileo Museum” Bill Spizzirri will discuss Galileo’s life along with his astronomy, astrophysics, science, and inventions. Bill will share his impressions through images and videos in PowerPoint, and through his always engaging manner!

The Museo Galileo in Florence, Italy, houses one of the world's most important collections of scientific instruments, including the astronomer's original telescopes and the famous Santucci Armillary Sphere. The museum provides unique insight into the history of Renaissance science.

Speaker Bio: Bill Spizzirri is a retired mainframe computer software engineer from Chicago. He has been studying astronomy for 70 years and has belonged to several astronomy clubs over 47 years and served in various offices including president of an astronomy club in Chicago. Bill’s favorite astronomy activity is teaching astronomy to children and the public. He currently lives in Katy to be near his three grandchildren.

To see the video, click “The Galileo Museum”.