Member Astronomical League and International Dark-Sky Association
ASTRONOMY FOR THE PUBLIC — Austin Under The Stars is a special event, free to the public, offering a full experience of astronomical observation, including safe solar viewing. Hosted by the Austin Astronomical Society and St. Stephen's Episcopal School, the public is invited to join local astronomers who will be viewing our closest stellar neighbor, the Sun, in daytime skies, using special protective filters on several telescopes. After the Sun slips under the horizon, we'll turn our attention to the celestial wonders in the night skies.
The latest Austin Under the Stars was held on Saturday, June 28, 2008, from 6:00 PM until midnight. Check back here for future AUTS events.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and water and/or refreshments as well as telescopes and/or binoculars, if desired. Pets and smoking are not permitted on the observing field; nor is aerosol insect repellant and flash photography. The use of white light flashlights on the field is discouraged. “Astronomy-friendly flashlights” can easily be made by placing a square of red transparent film, available at any hobby shop, or even a couple of layers of red tissue paper fitted over the end of a flashlight works well and sealing with tape or a rubber band.
This event is premised on acceptable weather. In case of inclement weather, usually a backup event is scheduled.
St. Stephens is located in West Austin, just off Loop 360 at 2900 Bunny Run. Turn west from Loop 360 onto Westlake Drive, which runs into St. Stephen's Drive. (See more directions and maps.) Public parking will be available on campus. (See map for details on public parking areas.)
This was the eighth Austin Under the Stars event. The Austin Astronomical Society would like to extend its thanks to St. Stephens and Frank Mikan, Science Department Chair and Observatory Director, for their generosity in hosting this public event. St. Stephens has maintained a strong commitment to the sciences. With Mr. Mikan as Science Department chair, St. Stephens' students now enjoy an on-site observatory complete with professional teaching-grade telescopes and other astronomy-related equipment. For more information, see the school's website.
