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Member Astronomical League and International Dark-Sky Association

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Star Gazing & Moonlighting Tours
(at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve)

Most months of the year, Austin Astronomical Society members and Wild Basin volunteers, Harriet Strieber, Bill Tschumy, and Kelley Knight, conduct special astronomy tours at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, weather permitting.  On an evening when the Moon is a crescent, there may be a "Star Gazing" tour. On an evening at or near the full Moon, there may be a "Moonlighting" tour.  Please note that these tours are subject to cancellation, if the sky is overcast.

Members of the Austin Astronomical Society volunteer telescopes for viewing at many of the Wild Basin Astronomy Tours.

The Wild Basin astronomy tours are usually full! Advance reservations are highly recommended. To make a reservation, phone Wild Basin at (512) 327-7622. Tour admission is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 for seniors and per student in grades K-12, with preschool children admitted free. The proceeds benefit Wild Basin.

It is suggested that you bring drinking water, a small flashlight, binoculars (if you have them), good walking shoes, and perhaps something small to sit on while at the Overlook. Please do not leave your valuables in your vehicle.

For last minute changes and weather information, telephone the Austin American-Statesman "Inside Line" at (512) 416-5700, then enter category 3560.

Shown below is the schedule of upcoming Star Gazing and Moonlighting tours at Wild Basin.

January 2009 (top)
        No astronomy tours this month

February 2009 (top)
        Sun., Feb. 8, 7:00-8:30 p.m. CST:  Moonlighting (Full Moon Eve)

Note: CDT begins on the second Sunday of March.

Vernal Equinox--March 20

March 2009 (top)
        Fri., Mar. 20, 7:30-9:00 p.m. CDT:  Star Gazing (near Last Quarter)

April 2009 (top)
        Fri., Apr. 17, 8:00-9:30 p.m. CDT:  Star Gazing (Last Quarter)

May 2009 (top)
        Sun., May 3, 8:00-9:30 p.m. CDT:  Moonlighting (after First Quarter)

June 2009 (top)
        Fri., June 5, 8:30-10:00 p.m. CDT:  Moonlighting (near Full Moon)

Summer Solstice--June 21

July 2009 (top)
        Fri., July 24, 8:30-10:00 p.m. CDT:  Star Gazing (Crescent Moon)

August 2009 (top)
        Sun., Aug. 16, 8:00-9:30 p.m. CDT:  Star Gazing (near Last Quarter)

September 2009 (top)
        Fri., Sep. 4, 8:00-9:30 p.m. CDT:  Moonlighting (Full Moon)

Autumnal Equinox--September 22

October 2009 (top)
        Fri., Oct. 16, 7:30-9:00 p.m. CDT:  Star Gazing (Crescent Moon)

Note: Daylight Saving Time ends on the first Sunday in November.

November 2009 (top)
        Fri., Nov. 6, 7:30-9:00 p.m. CST:  Star Gazing

December 2009 (top)
        No astronomy tours this month

Winter Solstice--December 21