Welcome to Houston Astronomical Society

" Our Solar System "

By: Chris Morisette

We’re going to give our home a little love and explore “Our Solar System" in this month's Novice presentation.  Some basic information will be covered, then we’ll take a fascinating tour using the “Eyes on the Solar System” model from NASA.  We’ll journey to and 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), then we’ll view a gallery of “fun photos” showing our place in the Universe!

Have you heard about the Astronomical League's "FYEO" Observing Award?

This Observing Award will guide you through the best naked-eye targets in the sky. No telescope is required, actually you cannot use anything other than your eyes, hence the name "For Your Eyes Only". 

Here is a list of AL Observing Programs that have "eyes only" requirements.

1. 1. Alternate Constellation Observing Program (Gold Level certificate)
   2. Analemma Observing Program
   3. Asterism Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
   4. Astronomy Before the Telescope Observing Program
   5. Constellation Hunter Observing Program – Northern Skies
   6. Constellation Hunter Observing Program – Southern Skies
   7. Earth Orbiting Satellites Observing Program (Eyes Only)
   8. Galileo Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
   9. Lunar Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
   10. Meteor Observing Program (Gold Level certificate)
   11. Solar Neighborhood Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
   12. Solar System Observing Program (Eyes Only Level certificate)
   13. Space Weather Observing Program
   14. Universe Sampler Observing Program (“-N” certification only)

Complete any 8 programs from this list and get a certificate.

Once you have completed the requirements, contact the HAS Astronomical League Coordinator, Stephen Jones.

“The Milky Way Galaxy - as Seen with Radio Eyes”

By: Matt Boerlage & Erica Coenen

Join us for an exciting journey through our latest project, conducted during the cloudy months of 2025. Using affordable, off-the-shelf components, we built a compact radio telescope to detect neutral hydrogen emissions at the 21cm wavelength—allowing us to observe the cosmos rain or shine, day or night. Through meticulous analysis, we’ve measured the velocities of the Milky Way’s spiral arms, unveiling insights into its structure and dynamics. This project has deepened our understanding of our galaxy’s hidden wonders, revealing a universe beyond what the eye can see and clouds can obscure.

You’re warmly invited to join this vibrant new chapter in our amateur astronomy journey, one you too can share in—you won’t want to miss it!

Speakers: Matt Boerlage and Erica Coenen moved from The Netherlands to Houston about 10 years ago. Both hold PhDs in Mechanical Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology and work in the Houston energy industry.

Their passion for astrophotography ignited two years ago, leading them to join the Houston Astronomical Society. They organize the astronomy outreach nights at the Kleb Woods Nature Preserve.

Matt and Erica’s interests include astrophotography and scientific imaging, with a focus on spectroscopy. Recently, Matt became a member of the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers). A year ago, Matt & Erica began hosting the monthly Astrophotography Special Interest Group webinars, every third Wednesday of the month.

To see the video, click The Milky Way Galaxy - as Seen with Radio Eyes.

" Cosmic Clocks "

By: Chris Morisette

In “Cosmic Clocks” Novice Chair Chris Morisette will present a survey of nine different techniques for determining the age of objects in our cosmos.  Here he’ll discuss radiometric dating, crater counting, stellar spectroscopy, gyrochronology, magnetic activity, asteroseismology, dynamical age estimation, red shift dating, and CMB radiation measurement.  The talk will include a description of the underlying principle of each technique, when its applied, examples of its application, and advantages/disadvantages of each method.  At the end Chris will literally “build a watch” and unveil his version of a “Cosmic Clock”!!!

To see the video, click Cosmic Clocks.

CANCELLED ----Astronomy In The Park - Memorial Park

Saturday, August 2, 2025    8:00PM

The event begins at 8:00PM.

LOCATION DETAILS: The Clay Family Eastern Glades is at the eastern end of Memorial Park, one of the nation's largest urban parks. The lush, open areas of this part of the park offer ample space for telescopes, binoculars, and appreciating the Houston night sky. The North Lakeside Pavilion is a shelter at the northern end of the Clay Family Eastern Glades

Hope to see you there!

Joyce Almaguer-Reisdorf
 

“Observing Programs of the Astronomical League”

By: Aaron Clevenson

Astronomical League Observing Program Director and Secretary

The Astronomical League has promoted Observing Programs since 1967.  Aaron Clevenson, an AL Observing Program Director, will give a presentation of where the Observing Program Division has been, where it is today, and where it is going in the future.

Currently there are over 70 Observing Programs offered, covering everything from novice to Expert, Naked-Eye Observing to Telescopes, every imaginable type of astronomical object, and some specialty categories for the adventurous.

At the conclusion of the talk we hope you will decide to tackle one or more of the Observing Programs, you should have the information you need to determine which Observing Programs are for you, and how to approach them.

To see the video, click Observing Programs of the Astronomical League.