The Austin Astronomical Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists for the benefit of people interested in astronomy and space science. We provide opportunities for continuing education of society members and the general public. We conduct astronomy-oriented social events, educational events, and programs.

COVID-19 Update

Many of our scheduled activities have been changed or canceled due to the ongoing health emergency.

Public Star Parties

Our regularly scheduled public star parties are usually held at our facilities at Pedernales Falls State Park and Inks Lake State Park. Due to Texas Parks and Wildlife restrictions, public star parties are canceled indefinitely. We are working on plans for safe events once they resume. We don’t know exactly what that will look like yet, so please stay tuned and return here for updates. While star parties are on hold, you might be interested in looking at some of these websites.

skymaps.com Free monthly sky maps

heavens-above.com Location-specific schedules for flyovers of satellites, Hubble Space Telescope, International Space Station

earthsky.org EarthSky Tonight–articles on what to look for in the sky each night

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html Astronomy Picture of the Day

stardate.org Current observing information and educational resources produced by UT’s McDonald Observatory

skyandtelescope.com Sky and Telescope magazine—interactive star charts, articles on observing, selecting equipment, everything astronomical

pbase.com/missouri_skies/moon_page Moon photos

hubblesite.org Information about and photos from the Hubble Telescope

twanight.org The World At Night photographs and time-lapse videos of the world’s landmarks against celestial attractions

bludja.blogspot.com/2006/06/relative-size-of-planets-stars.html See how objects in our solar system compare with distant stars

astrosociety.org Astronomy Society of the Pacific—astronomy education

spaceplace.nasa.gov A website about space for kids

Members Only Star Parties

Members Only star parties are held at Pedernales Falls State Park and Inks Lake State Park. These parties are canceled through July, 2020. Please check back here for updates.

Dark Sky Site

Our dark sky site is available for use upon request. AAS members may visit the site and use the AAS dome and telescope, or bring their own equipment. For more information, please contact memberservices@austinastro.org.

Sidereal Times Newsletter

Our award winning newsletter is available to everyone free of charge on the Sidereal Times page.

General Assembly Meetings

AAS General Assembly meetings are held on the second Friday of every month at 7:30 pm. We invite a wide range of speakers including researchers, authors, our own practical astronomers, astronauts, and the occasional Nobel prize winner. Everyone is welcome to attend these special events. AAS members are sent email invitations to connect via Zoom. We are working on a way for the general public to attend so please stay tuned.

Executive Committee Meetings

The AAS Executive Committee meets on the first Monday of every month. These meetings are held via Zoom and will be open to AAS members as well. Any member who wants to attend should email a request to aas-ec@austinastro.org.