Von Braun Astronomical Society
April 2019 Planetarium Programs
We Host a Public Planetarium Show Every Saturday in the Wernher von Braun Planetarium that Begins at 7:30 PM
The Space Race - Saturdays, April 6, 13, & 27 at 7:30 PM
As we prepare for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing VBAS begins a series of presentations for the next 4 months detailing events leading up to man's greatest achievement--landing on the Moon. We begin by looking at the Space Race between the world's superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union. Join VBAS President Don Reed as he takes you through the history of rocketry and events that led to the race that culminated in Neil Armstrong being the first human to walk on the Moon.
Spring Skies - Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 PM
Ever wonder how the date for Easter is set? Come and learn more about this ancient calendar item. We will also darken the dome and enjoy all the wonders of the spring sky, with an emphasis on those Messier Marathon targets! Presented by Beth Bero, VBAS Vice-President.
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
The next VBAS Monthly Meeting is on Friday, April 12 at 7:30 PM.
Please note the meeting date change to avoid conflicting with Good Friday.
Join us for our April monthly meeting on Friday, April 12! Pizza at 7:00 PM and meeting at 7:30 PM.
The Astronomical League Observing Programs and the Messier Marathon
This month VBAS’s Jeff Delmas will present a program on the various Astronomical League observing programs and the upcoming Messier Marathon.
Jeff Delmas, Observatory Director
As members of VBAS, we are also members of the Astronomical League (AL), a consortium of societies. Besides the quarterly publication, Reflector, the AL offers many other benefits. Among those benefits are the many Observing Programs. These programs set goals for observation and once a member completes the requirements of a program, they are eligible to receive a certificate of achievement and usually a pin. Jeff will present information on the AL observing programs, what they are and how to attain the goals and receive the benefits of the programs. Special emphasis on the Messier Certificate and the role that our annual Messier Marathon plays in achieving this award will also be included.
Vice President
Messier Marathon - May 3
Bring your telescope and join us Friday, May 3 for our 2019 “Messier Marathon” Star Party. We start shortly before sundown and go until the last telescope is standing. Experts will be on-hand to assist newer observers in setting up and using their telescopes.
The term “Messier Marathon” is used to describe an effort to observe all 110 deep sky Messier objects in one night. This is possible during several times of the year, but all 110 objects are most accessible to viewers in the spring months. This year’s Messier marathon has been set for Friday, May 3.
New Books in the Library
Last Updated on Wednesday, 02 May 2018 21:58 Written by Administrator Sunday, 26 November 2017 20:49
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.
