The Society currently partners with Inks Lake State Park and Pedernales Falls State Park as their dark-sky sites for both Public and Member Only Star Parties. Inks Lake State Park is located nine miles west of downtown Burnet. Pedernales Falls State Park sits in between Dripping Springs and Johnson City six miles north of Highway 290 West.
At Inks Lake our events take place at the dump station across the street from Central Park. This site is located within the park and in close proximity to parking and restroom facilities. On good nights this sky boasts a 4.5 on the Bortle Scale.
The elevation of Inks Lake is 888 feet or 270 meters above sea level, and its geographical coordinates are:
30° 44′ 14.5″ or 30° 43.86′ or 30.7373 north latitude
98° 22′ 8.5″ or 98° 23.08′ or 98.3690 west longitude
Members may also use the field at Central Park at any time day or night, as the park is open 24/7. Day use fees do apply, however, they are waived when members participate as outreach volunteers on public star party nights. There are several picnic benches and tables, however at this time there is no electricity available.
At Pedernales Falls our events take place at the park’s Star Theater, a level meadow with limestone amphitheater and henge. This area is removed from the camping facilities and can be accessed by the same road leading to the bird blind and equestrian area. Parking is close by as are portable restrooms. On good nights this sky boasts a 4.5 on the Bortle Scale.
The elevation of Pedernales Falls is 886 feet or 270 meters above sea level, and its geographical coordinates are:
30° 18′ 28.8″ or 30° 18.47′ or 30.3079 north latitude
98° 15′ 27.62″ or 98° 14.61′ or 98.2436 west longitude
Members may use the observing field at the Star Theater at any time day or night. Day use fees do apply as may an evening activity fee. However, they are waived when members participate as outreach volunteers on public star party nights. There are dozens of knee height limestone slabs for sitting and for use as a table top, however at this time there is no electricity available.
The 25″ Larry Forrest telescope
Previously housed in the Eagle Eye Observatory, the 25-inch Larry Forrest Telescope, a Dobsonian commissioned by Larry from Miguel Bentancourt is now a regular fixture at Pedernales Falls State Park star parties. The Society’s original 12.5-inch Harlan Smith Telescope, a Newtonian originally constructed in the early 70’s and recently refurbished for the second time in its history with the Society, is presently in storage.
The Society’s original telescope, eventually rededicated as the Harlan J Smith Telescope.
In addition to the equipment described above, the Austin Astronomical Society owns and maintains several 6-inch and 8-inch reflector telescopes, eyepieces, and a Coronado SolarMax telescope. These are available for use by members on AAS monthly star party nights.
Driving Directions to Inks Lake
Central Park and dump station located inside Inks Lake State Park, west of Burnet, Texas, and along the east shore of Inks Lake. The driving time from Austin is approximately 1.5 hours.
- Drive to Burnet, then starting at the intersection of Highways 29 and 281 in Burnet
- Go west on Highway 29 for about 8 miles, then turn left on to Park Road 4 W/State Park Road 4
- Stay on State Park Road 4 for 3.4 miles
- Turn right into Inks Lake Park State Headquarters
- Proceed 100 feet past the Headquarters and turn right and then another immediate right
- Go 4/10 of a mile and turn left on the west side of Central Park
Driving Directions to Pedernales Falls
The Star Theater is located inside Pedernales Falls State Park, west of Dripping Springs, Texas, and east of Johnson City. The driving time from Austin is approximately 1 hour.
- Starting from the intersection of MoPac Loop 1 and US Highway 290 in Austin
- Go west on Highway 290 for 24.3 miles, then turn right on to Ranch Road 3232 N
- Stay on Ranch Road 3232 N for 6.4 miles
- Make a quick right on Pedernales Falls Road and turn left immediately onto Park Rd 6026
- Proceed 2.5 miles to the Park Headquarters
- From Park Headquarter proceed 1.5 miles turning left at the road to the bird blind
- Follow the road to the right and then again to the left
- You will emerge onto the equestrian and Star Theater parking area. The Star Theater will be beyond the gated fence and to the north west about 150 feet
Dark Skies
We’re lucky to have access to these amazing skies at Inks Lake and Pedernales. Members and the visiting public are asked to follow not only our Star Party Etiquette, but also the Dark Sky Protocol when on the viewing field.