Von Braun Astronomical Society
October 2018 Planetarium Shows
We Host a Public Planetarium Show Every Saturday in the Wernher von Braun Planetarium that Begins at 7:30 PM
Cassini Mission - Saturdays, October 6 & 20 at 7:30 PM
Space orbiter Cassini-Huygens is no longer sending data back to us. It explored Saturn and its system for 13 years. We learned so much about the planet Saturn, its rings, and moons! Come to this "family-friendly" show to see amazing pictures and hear about wonderful discoveries by Cassini-Huygens. Presented by veteran VBAS presenter, Brenda Rogers.
Astronomy Day - Saturday, October 13
Join us on October 13 beginning at 1:00 PM for four FREE planetarium shows in the afternoon and a special presentation at 7:00 PM. Here is the tentative lineup:
- 1:00 The History of Space Flight - Mr. Michael Buford
- 2:00 Science of "The Martian"- Dr. Naveen Vetcha
- 3:00 Cosmic Connection to the Elements - Mr. John Weiss
- 4:00 The Science (?) of Dr. Who - Ms. Mitzi Adams
At 7:00 PM former NASA Astronaut, Brigadier General Robert Stewart, USA, Retired will be our keynote speaker. General Stewart will be speaking about his personal experiences during two trips aboard the Space Shuttle as well as the training regimen.
For more information regarding Astronomy Day, please click the link in the menu on the left side of the page or click here.
Spooky Skies - Saturday, October 27 at 7:30 PM
"Asteroids and constellations and meteors, OH MY!"
Part of the fun of Halloween is being scared and this show is all about that! What could be scary about the sky? Come and find out why this season of the year has historically been devoted to death and the dead......We will also look at the many scary things to be found in the sky! Guests under 12 are invited to wear their costumes. Presented by VBAS Vice-President, 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. 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, November 16 at 7:30 PM.
***PLEASE NOTE No VBAS monthly meeting in October due to Astronomy Day efforts.
Astronomy Day 2018 Door Prize Winning Ticket
Written by Administrator Sunday, 14 October 2018 10:57
During the afternoon of Astronomy Day 2018 we gave out door prize tickets to attendees for a chance to win one of two table-top telescopes we acquired for the event and the winners did not have to be present to win. The drawing was held at the start of our evening show and our guest speaker drew the two winning tickets. One of the ticket holders was present and claimed their prize that night. The other ticket holder was not present. As promised we are posting the winning ticket number here on our website.
The winning ticket number for the second table-top telescope is: 745526
Your prize MUST be claimed by December 31, 2018 and you MUST present the corresponding winning ticket half to claim the telescope. If you have this ticket, you need to coordinate claiming your prize with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Dark Sky Observing Event at French Camp, MS - Nov. 2- 4
French Camp at the Rainwater Observatory will be the first weekend in November, Friday evening the 2nd, Saturday evening the 3rd, leave Sunday Morning the 4th. Be sure to get there Friday afternoon and evening not only to set up, but also to enjoy the Steak dinner on Friday evenings at the French Camp Restaurant. Costs are gas $60, Food $50-$60, overnight at the bunk house, $30 for two nights, and camping, $20 for two nights. Other more expensive lodging available for families. Cabins and a Bed and Breakfast are also available.
The dark sky viewing site is in French Camp, Mississippi. This location is one of the best dark sky sites in the southeast and has outstanding facilities: a 32” Tectron, a 20.5” Dobsonian, two Celestron C-14s, a 12” Meade, and two 6” Refractors, all available for our use. In addition, they have camping and kitchen facilities, classrooms, and a library. The drive is about five hours from Huntsville.
Call Doug Horacek at 256-772-6788 for more information.
Go to the Natchez Trace and cruise south to mile marker 180 at the intersection of State Highway 415 which is the exit for French Camp off the Natchez Trace. It is a roughly a five hour drive. At exit 180 turn left, the Rainwater Observatory is a short distance past the main town of French Camp.
Stellar Skies,
Doug Horacek
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.
