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
- In Memoriam: Tom BurlesonLong time Von Braun Astronomical Society (VBAS) member Tom Burleson passed away September 19th, 2026 after a short battle with liver cancer. Tom is survived by his wife Barbara and their four children: Kathy LaChine (Leigh), Elizabeth Popkey, Thomas “Michael” Burleson, and Patrick Burleson. Tom, a 21-year veteran of the United States Air Force, was… Read more: In Memoriam: Tom Burleson
- Frank Schenck Astrophotography Contest 2026
- Astronomy Day 2026October 17th, 1-5 PM & 7:30 – 9 PM Von Braun Astronomical Society will celebrate Astronomy Day on October 17th in person at Monte Sano State Park! Daytime events (between 1 – 5 pm) will include: mini-planetarium shows, Telescope tours, and Meteor radar demos. Evening events (between 7:30 – 9 pm) will include a keynote… Read more: Astronomy Day 2026
Donate to the VBAS Stars for All Endowment Fund
VBAS established an agency fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville in 2024. VBAS is the sole beneficiary of the distributions from this fund, which is used to provide long term financial stability for our organization. Your donation will help continue VBAS operations well into the future.
Upcoming Shows
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November 2026 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 7th – Robots in Space
Many Americans remember the Moon race with the Soviet Union in the 1960s. Today, we are in a new race—the Artificial Intelligence (AI) race. In reality, robotics and automation have been used for some time in space exploration. But is that about to change? We invite you to join VBAS Astrophotographer Don Reed as we look at the role of AI in space exploration. We will look at the differences between machines, robots and AI while asking some very important questions. How are they being used today in space exploration? What happens when they interact? Perhaps the most important question is are they beneficial to humanity or do they pose a threat? We look forward to seeing you as we explore these fascinating questions.
Presented by Don Reed
November 14th – Robots in Space
Many Americans remember the Moon race with the Soviet Union in the 1960s. Today, we are in a new race—the Artificial Intelligence (AI) race. In reality, robotics and automation have been used for some time in space exploration. But is that about to change? We invite you to join VBAS Astrophotographer Don Reed as we look at the role of AI in space exploration. We will look at the differences between machines, robots and AI while asking some very important questions. How are they being used today in space exploration? What happens when they interact? Perhaps the most important question is are they beneficial to humanity or do they pose a threat? We look forward to seeing you as we explore these fascinating questions.
Presented by Don Reed
November 21st – Stars Fell on Alabama!
Come celebrate our Alabama heritage as seen through the lens of meteorites and meteor showers! Objects both large and small have landed in Alabama, both in deep history and more recently. Learn how we observe such occurrences every night and how you can search for rocks that fall on Alabama.
Presented by Beth Bero
November 28th – NO SHOW
Iron Bowl Saturday. See you in December
