Von Braun Astronomical Society
February 2020 Planetarium Shows
We Host a Public Planetarium Show Every Saturday in the Wernher von Braun Planetarium that Begins at 7:30 PM
Pluto - Saturday, February 1st, 8th, 15th at 7:30 PM
In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh peered into the depths of the outer Solar System and discovered our ninth planet – Pluto. 85 years later, New Horizons gave us our first up-close images of the now dwarf planet Pluto, its moons, and other objects at the edge of our Solar System. Join us as we venture out into the Kuiper Belt to see what these far-out icy bodies have to show us.
Presented by Nick Schragal.
Russian History in Space - Saturday, February 22nd at 7:30 PM
Learn about the 'other side' of Spaceflight history behind the Iron Curtain with Michael Buford! From the earliest Russian flights to their modern day accomplishments on the International Space Station, you will get a different perspective on how space flight has evolved to what it is today.
Presented by Michael Buford.
Winter Sky - Saturday, February 29th at 7:30 PM
Have you looked up at the night sky during these winter months and wondered what you were looking at?
Presenter Brenda Rogers will present a family friendly show about some winter constellations and special stars. When the lights are down and the stars brought up on the dome she will then point them out for you.
This presenter seems to always need help with demonstrations for some reason! Please bring your children to help her! We hope to see you there!
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
February Monthly Meeting
Friday February 21: Monthly Meeting
7:30: Presentation; Free Pizza at 7:00
Drs. Sharon and Jim Gardepe, Dr. Alphonse Sterling, and Dr. Gordon Telepun will speak about the July 2019 eclipse for the February monthly meeting.
Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective and a different story of preparing for and experiencing the eclipse. Perhaps you will hear something that tempts you to be an eclipse chaser. The next total solar eclipse will be visible from Chile and Argentina on December 14, 2020. The next convenient eclipse over the United States will be an annular one on October 14, 2023, a good dry run for the total eclipse of April 8, 2024.
Join us Friday to learn more about this cutting-edge program!
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.
