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.

What we've heard members say...

9/4/2024

Rich Wilbourn says: This is the Crescent Nebula in Cygnus, NGC6888. I shot about an hour of 2-minute exposures at the HAS Dark Site and the remaining 3 1/2 hours at Casa Vista AirBnB outside of Leakey, Texas.

8/29/2024

Matt Boerlage said about the APSIG meeting: That was a great AP SIG call yesterday! Below is the Target of the Month for September, and the two backup targets of the month (there is just so much to go after this time of year!). The Wizzard Nebula NGC 7380 (official Target of the month) The Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) "No name Pillar" (Sh2-86) in Vulpecula. To submit - just drop your great picture on HAS facebook or discord (including description of your equipment and process), I will pick them up for next month’s meeting.

8/11/2024

Sean McDougall said: I was able to get a pic of the Dumbbell Nebula/M27 last night. It was 64, three minute subs from my backyard in Katy, TX. Bortle 8. Telescope: C8 Edge HD Celestron AVX Mount Camera ASI533MC Pro OAG with 174MM .7 Reducer ASI Air Filter:Optolong L-Ultimate
Sean McDougall said: Here is my photo of the Eastern Veil for this month. It is the bottom/hook portion, I also saw it called the bat nebula online. Looks like a bat when rotated to the side. 50-300 sec subs. Integrated/Processed in Pixinsight. Telescope: Celestron C8 Edge HD Celestron AVX Mount Camera: ASI533MCPro OAG with 174MM ASI Air Filter: Optolong L-Ultimate.

8/21/2024

Heather Charron said: I just reprocessed my Veil Nebula data with it cropped in and I think it turned out a lot nicer.
Matt Boerlage said: The Lion Nebula, from my backyard (2 half nights, new moon). RedCat51, ASI533MM in H,O. NINA, PhD2, PI Blur,Star,NoiseX, GHS. I did not realize how faint this target was, next time on the dark site!
Gary Ray said: Summer time at the Lagoon

“Panel Discussion – Smart Telescopes

Easy Entry to Astro-Imaging”

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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”

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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.

Recent advancements have made spectroscopy more accessible for amateur astronomers. With modest equipment you likely already own, you can now do spectroscopy from your backyard, on vacation, or during outreach events. Matt demonstrates how low-cost spectroscopy can capture the unique characteristics of stars, nebulae, and the atmospheres of ice giants. Spectroscopy allows you to experience the universe in an exciting new way that you simply cannot miss!

To see the video, click Beginning Backyard 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”

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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.