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.
Public Star Parties Are On Again!
We are now able to have public star parties at Pedernales Falls State Park and Inks Lake State Park. The schedule for the remainder of 2021 is below.
For the July 17 event at Pedernales Falls, advance registration is required. Go to https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/pedernales-falls/star-party-25th
If you have questions, send an email to outreach@austinastro.org
General Assembly Meeting Friday July 9 2021
7:30 PM Join us on Zoom
Featured Speaker: Peter Lee
Topic: “To Infinity and Beyond: Radio Astronomy on a Budget”
Peter Lee is an international student from Korea who attended high school at St. Stephen’s in Austin, and will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in a few months as a computer engineering major, and planning to study either physics or astrophysics during as an undergraduate. “Radio astronomy is a branch of astronomy that specifically studies the radio frequencies coming from celestial bodies. Big metal dishes detecting signals lightyears away always fascinated me as it signifies the human endeavors of discovery and curiosity. I chose to build my own radio telescope as a part of the Projects in Science and Technology class during my senior year of high school. My radio telescope uses a conventional wifi-antenna to collect radio signals. Then, the radio signal is amplified and fed through SDR (Software Defined Radio), a radio scanner that allows one to interpret radio signals on a computer. The specific frequency of radio signal I looked for is the 21cm hydrogen line frequency, which is emitted by the spin-flip transition of hydrogen atoms. Neutral hydrogen gas in our Milkyway Galaxy typically radiates such radio signals, and I was able to detect it using my radio telescope. In my presentation, I will talk about the brief history and important discoveries in radio astronomy. Then I will walk through how I built my radio telescope and discuss my observations.”
Zoom invitations are sent to all AAS members about one week before the meeting. The meeting will also be simulcast to our YouTube live stream: https://www.youtube.com/
For more information please click here.
Austin Astronomical Society has a new online store.
Our store features AAS logo merchandize, astrophotography created by our AAS members, and other astronomy themed items. All proceeds from items sold in this store are used to fund astronomy and STEM scholarships
AAS Store
COVID-19 Update
Many of our scheduled activities have been changed or canceled due to the ongoing health emergency.
Members Only Star Parties
Members Only star parties are held at Pedernales Falls State Park and Inks Lake State Park. These parties are canceled indefinitely due to the pandemic. 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.