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 next Austin Under the Stars will be on Saturday, June 28, 2008. Check back here for updated information as the date approaches!
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, a backup event is scheduled on Saturday, August 9.
St. Stephens is located in West Austin, just off Loop 360 at 2900 Bunny Run. Turn west from 360 onto Cedar Street, which dead-ends on Bunny Run. Turn left on Bunny Run and proceed until it dead-ends into the property of St. Stephens. (See map.) Public parking will be available on campus. (See map for details on public parking areas.)
Weather permitting, this will be the seventh 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.
Another Austin Under the Stars is planned for this summer.
