Welcome to Houston Astronomical Society

“Panel Discussion – Smart Telescopes

Easy Entry to Astro-Imaging”

By:  Julian Hallai

Stephen Jones – Moderator

Craig Lamison

Don Selle

In 2018 the French company Vaonis released the world’s first fully automated imaging telescope the Stellina. It was an all-in-one small refractor plus camera, autofocuser and control computer on an Alt-Az mount which with minimal set up, allowed the observer to select a deep sky object which Stellina would autonomously find and image. The Stellina started a new category of astronomy equipment which is now known as the “Smart Scope”.

Other companies have entered this market. The resulting competition has brought new models including improved technology, and lower prices. Smart Scopes are making a splash in the amateur astronomy world as price points have decreased, demand has increased. The recent release of the ZWO Seestar S50, in time for Christmas 2023 prompted several HAS members to take the plunge, and HAS email listservs and social media were all abuzz as they shared their experiences learning and using this smart scope.

This panel discussion features an early adopter of smart scopes, a pair of Seestar S50 owners and an experienced astro-imager who will share their insights and experiences in using smart telescopes and answer your questions. If you are curious about smart scopes, or maybe considering taking the plunge yourself, this program is for you!

To see the video, click here.

“Beginning Backyard Spectroscopy”

By: Matt Boerlage

In this talk, Matt shares his journey from a novice astrophotographer to a backyard scientist uncovering the curiosities of the universe. He recounts his early steps in astrophotography, driven by curiosity and passion, which led him to the fascinating field of spectroscopy.

Greetings Everyone!  Please see below details for this month's SIG meetings

Visual Observing Special Interest Group (VSIG) Meeting
Wednesday, November 6 @ 7:30PM

Join the monthly Zoom meeting of the HAS Visual Special Interest Group (VSIG). Come to discuss your own observing projects, get advice from seasoned observers regarding visual observing, or just hang out and listen. All knowledge and skill levels are welcome.

No advanced registration is required. When the meeting starts, use the following Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84463779660?pwd=MkRCSEV1QWZKYkZqYjczVTZTN2Z0Zz09

Electronically Assisted Astronomy Special Interest Group (EAASIG)
Wednesday, November 13 @ 7PM

Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) is the use of a digital camera to a telescope instead of an eyepiece and then directly viewing on a screen of some kind.  This method of observing blurs the line between visual astronomy and astrophotography, but can help those of us who live in very polluted skies see things we otherwise would never see in our telescopes.  Join us to talk about EAA equipment, techniques and tips.

No advanced registration is required.  When the meeting starts, use the following Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84701321852?pwd=RTYwVks2dDBXUmdEN1B0N2hWTGlWQT09

Astrophotography Special Interest Group (APSIG)
Wednesday, November 20 @ 7:30PM

This is your chance to learn about various astrophotography techniques, methods, tools, and equipment.  Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or are just getting started, we want you to join in the conversation.  All skill levels are welcome!

No advanced registration is required.  When the meeting starts, use the following Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88545042566?pwd=bDNVQk90ZUNSRGZnSlN5dHRQMlQxZz09

Clear Skies,

Stephen Jones
President
Houston Astronomical Society

“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”

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".