Von Braun Astronomical Society
November 2019 Planetarium Shows
We Host a Public Planetarium Show Every Saturday in the Wernher von Braun Planetarium that Begins at 7:30 PM
US Space Shuttle Program - Saturday, November 2, 9, and 23 at 7:30 PM
The Space Shuttle flew 133 successful missions over a period of almost 30 years. SO MANY accomplishments were achieved and SO MUCH was learned about living in space during these missions. There is a fascinating history that we will briefly explore – touching on some of the most interesting and exciting moments of the shuttle program.
Presented by Gena Crook
Leonid Meteors - Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 PM
Star of Wonder - Saturday, November 30 at 7:30 PM
What exactly was the star that the Wisemen saw? Was it a star that stood in the sky two-thousand years ago and marked a single location in Bethlehem? Each year at this special time, VBAS turns back the hands of time to look into the sky of long ago and search for this mysterious object. As we ponder the skies of Bethlehem, we’ll explore several possibilities including comets, meteors, novae and other phenomena as well as examine the origins of some of the Christmas traditions we celebrate today.
Presented by Beth Bero
Admission for Saturday Planetarium Shows:
Admission is $5 for Adults, $3 for Students, and free for children under 6, as well as VBAS members. All seating is general admission payable at the door. We are unable to offer pre-sale admission. Weather permitting, you will have the opportunity to look at some of the wonders of the universe through our telescopes following the planetarium program with the help of our experienced and knowledgeable observing crew.
Monthly Society Meeting
November Monthly Meeting
Join us to learn about Astronomical League award programs presented by Don Martin at the November monthly meeting, Friday November 15, 7:00 pizza.
View the Transit of Mercury!
Monday, November 11, 2019 from 6:36 a.m. to 12:06 p.m.
Meet at the Monte Sano State Park east overlook,
just beyond the planetarium gate. Parking available at VBAS.
(We will be there by 6:00 a.m. if you want to come early.)
Safe solar telescope viewing and viewers provided.
See the amazing TAC mobile telescope!
Next Mercury transit will be November 2032!
Night at the Observatory
New Program!
Night At The Observatory
VBAS is pleased to announce a new 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 doesn’t end when the night is done because at the end of the evening you will take home the images acquired during your observing session. A VBAS certified operator will assist in target acquisition and imaging and can make suggestions for interesting deep-sky objects to discover.
Your Night At The Observatory requires no prior training or experience with telescopes. You will learn some of the fascinating history of the observatory and how to operate the large telescope. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Observatory Director, to book your own Night At The Observatory. Click the link below for details and prices.
Space Journal Archive
During 1957-1959, Rocket City Astronomical Association (now Von Braun Astronomical Society), published an auspicious quarterly magazine, titled Space Journal. Dr. Wernher von Braun, Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, and other leading aerospace scientists and engineers of the era, contributed articles and essays. Con Pederson, Harry H.K. Lange, and Frederick Ordway III, who were later hired by Stanley Kubrick to help with set design on 2001: A Space Odyssey, contributed art and design work to the magazine. All seven issues of Space Journal, have now been digitized, and are available for viewing and/or download at the following links:
Thanks to Mr. PD Nicaise, Wade Sanders, Frank Schenck, and UAH Special Collections & Archives for contributing to this project.
New Books in the Library
Last Updated on Monday, 01 July 2019 19:52
Our Librarians, Jeff Bennett and Amanda Campbell have acquired some new books for the Library. Please click on the Library link in the menu above and check them out.
