Welcome to VBAS!
The Von Braun Astronomical Society is a non-profit organization of amateur and professional astronomers. We are sharing our love of space with the community through our planetarium and observatories located in Monte Sano State Park just east of Huntsville, Alabama.
Latest News
Help VBAS establish an endowment fund
The VBAS Board of Directors approved a fundraising effort to establish an agency fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville. VBAS will be the sole beneficiary of the distributions from this fund, which will provide long term financial stability for the organization. VBAS has to raise $50,000 to start this fund. Thanks to some generous long-time members, we are already 4/5ths of the way there. Help us get this fund established!
- 2024 Telescope Buyer’s Guide Now AvailableChoosing a first telescope for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task. There are many different choices at all sorts of price ranges. Some are good and some are not so good. Let our Telescope Buyer’s Guide help you in your decision.
- Night at the ObservatoryVBAS is pleased to offer a program that provides guests an opportunity to direct an observing session using the historic Swanson 21” telescope with a modern digital camera. Our Night At The Observatory is a personalized program that allows small groups to experience an evening of observing deep-sky objects of their choice. And the fun… Read more: Night at the Observatory
- Swap Meet – May 17Come to the Swap Meet on Friday, May 17, 2024 Free Pizza & conversation at 7:00 pm. Meeting, including annual Elections, at 7:30 pm. The May Monthly meeting at our planetarium on Monte Sano will feature a chance for you to bring, swap, sell and buy gently used astronomy equipment and books. Contact Joe Kutner… Read more: Swap Meet – May 17
Upcoming Shows
- December 2024 Planetarium Shows
All planetarium shows begin at 7:30pm.
Admission opens at 7:00pm; $5/adult, $3/student, 6 and under free.
Telescope viewing afterwards on clear nights.
December 7 – Christmas Star
What was the star that the Magi saw? Join VBAS educator Beth Bero for this family-friendly program that explores the history, science and wonder of a special star.
Presented by Beth Bero
December 14 – Christmas Star
Join us on the evenings of Dec 14 or 21 to hear a Special Presentation of The Star of Wonder. VBAS actors tell the Christmas Story told from the perspective of the Three Wisemen. The journey the Wisemen took that first Christmas comes to life as they detail their quest to find the Christ Child and answer a very basic question: what could cause that star to shine so brightly? Children 12 and under will receive a “goodie bag” of toys and candy. Be sure to arrive early as this particular show sells out early.
Presented by Don Reed, Tom Burleson and Jared Cassidy
December 21 – Christmas Star
Join us on the evenings of Dec 14 or 21 to hear a Special Presentation of The Star of Wonder. VBAS actors tell the Christmas Story told from the perspective of the Three Wisemen. The journey the Wisemen took that first Christmas comes to life as they detail their quest to find the Christ Child and answer a very basic question: what could cause that star to shine so brightly? Children 12 and under will receive a “goodie bag” of toys and candy. Be sure to arrive early as this particular show sells out early.
Presented by Don Reed, Tom Burleson and Jared Cassidy
December 28 – Standing Stones and Sungazers
In recognition of the Winter Solstice we will explore how we believe ancient civilizations marked the passage of the year through monu- ments, monoliths and markers and learn about the astronomical causes of all the motions.
Presented by Alex Hall
