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.
Join us at our
August General Assembly Meeting
For returning speaker
Don Olson
Professor Emeritus, Texas State University
“Skies of Ancient Egypt”
Based on a trip to Egypt in April and May 2026, this talk will survey the astronomy of ancient Egypt. Topics will illustrate visits to the Dendera temple (star ceiling planisphere and rectangular zodiac), the temple at Esna (ceiling with constellations and the cycle of lunar phases), Luxor and the Valley of the Kings (star ceiling in the tomb of Sety I), and Abu Simbel (the history of the temple and the solar illumination at sunrise). Also noted is an astronomical feature of the new GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum) in Cairo.
Don Olson taught physics and astronomy for many years at Texas State University and published more than 50 articles and 4 books using astronomy to solve mysteries in art, history, and literature. Olson’s latest book is Celestial Sleuthing (Springer, 2026).
Friday, August 14, 2026
7:00 p.m. – Practical Astronomy
7:30 p.m. – Business Meeting
8:00 p.m. – Featured Speaker
Please Note:
*Different Location*
Instead of our usual UT Campus ETC building location, we’ll be at:
ECJ 1.204
Ernest Cockrell Jr. Hall (ECJ)
301 E. Dean Keeton St.
Austin, TX 78712
(Just across the Pedestrian Bridge from ETC on the south side of Dean Keeton.)
*Also note: At the presenter’s request, there will be no Zoom or YouTube broadcast of this meeting.
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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. The meeting is also available on our YouTube channel.
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.