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Moon Tree dedication
Launched atop NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Moon Tree seeds traveled into lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft as part of the Artemis I mission in 2022. The seeds travelled thousands of miles beyond the Moon and spent more than 25 days in space before returning to Earth.
The Von Braun Astronomical Society applied to receive a tree through NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) and partnered with Alabama State Parks to plant the tree at Monte Sano State Park.
WHAT: Moon Tree dedication at Monte Sano State Park
WHEN: Thursday, March 20, at 11 a.m.
WHO: Representatives from Alabama State Parks, Von Braun Astronomical Society and NASA, as well as local civic and business leaders
WHERE: Monte Sano State Park, 5105 SE Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801; please park near the John Scoble Memorial Pavilion, located on Cabin Drive near the intersection with Bankhead Parkway.
LEARN MORE: Visit nasa.org to learn about the Moon Tree program
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March 2025 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.
March 1st – Scale of the Universe
Have you ever looked into the night sky and wondered “how big is the universe?” Some people might look at an image of Mt Everest and think “that’s big.” Others may look at our Moon in the night sky and think “that’s big.” You have probably heard astronomers refer to the “Big Bang.” We all have differing views of what is “BIG.” Join us on the evening of March 1st as VBAS Astrophotographer Don Reed takes us on a trip through the universe to answer that age old question of “How Big is the Universe.”
Presented by Don Reed
March 8th – Spring Skies
While the brilliant constellations of winter are still in the sky at sunset, the constellations of spring are on the way. This is the time of year when our position in our orbit around the Sun allows us to see well beyond our own galaxy and deep into space. Come and learn about the patterns of stars and the objects you can see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.
Presented by Alex Hall
March 15th – Planetarium closed
Planetarium show canceled due to potential of severe weather.
March 22nd – Life Cycle and Composition of Stars
There are estimated 100 billion stars in our home galaxy, Milky Way. How did these stars form and evolve? How will they end? What are they made of? About 100 years ago, Dr. Cecilia Payne made a groundbreaking discovery about the composition of stars. Join us on a stellar journey to learn about the life the cycle and composition of stars.
Presented by Dr. Naveen Vetcha
March 29th – Alabama’s Dark Skies
Our night skies are becoming increasingly light. Besides astronomers, who is affected by the phenomena known as “light pollution?” We will look at both light polluted and truly dark skies and discuss what each of us can do to help.
Presented by Beth Bero
Categories
February 2025 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.
February 1st – Scale of the Universe
Have you ever looked into the night sky and wondered “how big is the universe?” Some people might look at an image of Mt Everest and think “that’s big.” Others may look at our Moon in the night sky and think “that’s big.” You have probably heard astronomers refer to the “Big Bang.” We all have differing views of what is “BIG.” Join us on the evening of February 1st as VBAS Astrophotographer Don Reed takes us on a trip through the universe to answer that age old question of “How Big is the Universe.”
Presented by Don Reed
February 8th – Space Observatories
What are we learning from the Space Observatories? Join us as we explore the wonders of the universe.
Presented by Abbie Cone
February 15th – Messier: Star Clusters, Nebulas, and Galaxies… Oh my!
Comet hunter Charles Messier made a now-famous list of “objects to avoid” in the night sky. Come join us on an odyssey introduction to many of the most beautiful objects in astronomy!
Presented by Cyril Bryan
February 22nd – Messier: Star Clusters, Nebulas, and Galaxies… Oh my!
Comet hunter Charles Messier made a now-famous list of “objects to avoid” in the night sky. Come join us on an odyssey introduction to many of the most beautiful objects in astronomy!
Presented by Cyril Bryan
Categories
Astronomy 102 Registration Open
Update: Registration has closed.
This course is a supplement to our Astronomy 101 class in the Fall and is intended to provide a depth of information on astronomy from its history to modern concepts, including amateur astrophotography, black holes, and cosmology. The course is targeted to beginning observers, adults and teens, or those interested in a refresher course in popular amateur astronomy topics. Each session involves both lecture and observing using your own or VBAS telescopes or binoculars.
Course Outline:
- Session 1: History of Astronomy
- Session 2: Modern Astrophotography Part 1
- Session 2: Modern Astrophotography Part 2
- Session 4: Radio Astronomy
- Session 5: Black Holes and Dark Matter
- Session 6: Cosmology
No Prerequisite Required
Instructor: Jeff Delmas
Tuesdays, 3/18/25 through 4/22/25, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Six sessions in total
Price: $25 members, $30 nonmembers
Categories
January 2025 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.
January 4th – Hubble, the Man and the Telescope
Who was Edwin Hubble, and what is the Hubble Orbiting Telescope? Join retired educator Beth Bero in a show that encompasses history, science and spectacular space images!
Presented by Beth Bero
January 11th – CANCELED
No planetarium show due to winter storm conditions.
January 18th – The Red Planet
From the time unknown humans were obsessed with the red dot moving across the sky. Mars, the Red Planet was woven into myths, religion, literature, and art across various civilizations and cultures over millennia. Technological advancements and space exploration in the 20th century reignited our fascination with the planet that resulted in learning a lot about our neighbor in the solar system. Join us on a brief journey to the Red Planet, our cosmic neighbor.
Presented by Naveen Vetcha
January 25th – Magic Carpet
We can use the star projector in the planetarium to pretend to fly anywhere on Earth – like a magic carpet! Gena Crook will demonstrate the motion of the stars across the sky at the equator, the north pole, and the southern hemisphere. We will also watch how the sun changes positions at these locations. You may be surprised if you haven’t actually been to the equator or the north pole in person! This program will put the star projector to work and allow us to see its unique educational capabilities.
Presented by Gena Crook
Categories
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
Categories
November 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.
November 2nd – History of VBAS
In honor of VBAS 70th Anniversary our program tonight will highlight some of the history of our organization.
Presented by Gena Crook
November 9th – Magic Carpet
We can use the star projector in the planetarium to pretend to fly anywhere on Earth – like a magic carpet! Gena Crook will demonstrate the motion of the stars across the sky at the equator, the north pole, and the southern hemisphere. We will also watch how the sun changes positions at these locations. You may be surprised if you haven’t actually been to the equator or the north pole in person! This program will put the star projector to work and allow us to see its unique educational capabilities
Presented by Gena Crook
November 16th – Why The Moon’s South Pole?
Why does everyone want to go to the moon’s south pole? What’s wrong with the moon’s equator or mid latitudes? Is it cold at the lunar pole? Will there be polar bears? Lunarians? Will they bring penguins for company? Isn’t it more difficult to get to the lunar pole than equator? And what’s wrong with the moon’s north pole? Are the people making these decisions lunatics? Why do scientists ask so many questions? Don’t you want to come to the show and find out
Presented by Naveen Vetcha
November 23rd – Stars Fell on Alabama
“…and Stars Fell on Alabama, that night…” Why are those words in a song, and what do they mean? Join educator Beth Bero as we explore the history of Alabama’s intersections with outer space! We will travel through time from 80 million years ago to last week, and leave you with the tools to search for your own “Alabama Space Rocks.”
Presented by Beth Bero
November 30th – NO SHOW!
Happy Iron Bowl!
Categories
2024 Telescope Buyer’s Guide Now Available
Choosing 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.
Categories
October 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.
October 5th – GHOSTLY PARTICLES: SPACE NEUTRINOS
As the days become shorter and the skies grow darker, we are reminded of the things that go bump in the night. Join us as we take a spooky journey through a universe filled with particles that can never be seen.
Presented by Eric Silkowski
We will unmask ghostly neutrinos from the beginning of time, the heart of the sun, and the skeletons within. We will pass through strange quantum realms where one can be three, and then become one again.
We will learn how neutrinos are like ghostly souls escaping a dying star undergoing supernova, the universe’s biggest bump in the night.
Be warned! Dark energy may abound in this realm, and the ultimate fate of the universe may hang in the balance!
October 12th – GHOSTLY PARTICLES: SPACE NEUTRINOS
As the days become shorter and the skies grow darker, we are reminded of the things that go bump in the night. Join us as we take a spooky journey through a universe filled with particles that can never be seen.
Presented by Eric Silkowski
We will unmask ghostly neutrinos from the beginning of time, the heart of the sun, and the skeletons within. We will pass through strange quantum realms where one can be three, and then become one again.
We will learn how neutrinos are like ghostly souls escaping a dying star undergoing supernova, the universe’s biggest bump in the night.
Be warned! Dark energy may abound in this realm, and the ultimate fate of the universe may hang in the balance!
October 19th – Spooky Skies!
Boo! We will take a curious and kid-friendly look at the darker side of the night sky. We will explore some ancient legends, check out some ghostly nebulas and learn how both ancient and modern people enjoyed scaring themselves with things in the sky! Costumes for ages 12 and under welcome.
Presented by Beth Bero
October 26th – Spooky Skies!
Boo! We will take a curious and kid-friendly look at the darker side of the night sky. We will explore some ancient legends, check out some ghostly nebulas and learn how both ancient and modern people enjoyed scaring themselves with things in the sky! Costumes for ages 12 and under welcome.
Presented by Beth Bero