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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)

Each month, Austin Astronomical Society members and Wild Basin volunteers, Harriet Strieber 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 the evening of the full Moon, there may be a "Moonlighting" tour.  Please note that these tours are subject to cancellation, if the sky is overcast.

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 $3.00 per adult and $1.00 per student in grades K-12, with preschool children admitted free. The proceeds benefit Wild Basin.

It is suggested that you bring a flashlight, binoculars, drinking water, and a cushion or small folding chair to sit on at the Overlook. Also, please leave your valuables at home or plan to bring them with you on the trail.

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 2008 (top)
        No astronomy tours this month

February 2008 (top)
        Wed., Feb. 20, 7:30-10:00 p.m. CST:  Moonlighting with Total Lunar Eclipse

March 2008 (top)
        Fri., Mar. 7, 7:30-9:00 p.m. CST:  Star Gazing

(Note: Central Daylight Time now begins on the second Sunday of March.)

Vernal Equinox--March 19 CDT/March 20 UTC

April 2008 (top)
        Wed., Apr. 9, 8:00-9:30 p.m. CDT:  Star Gazing

May 2008 (top)
        Sun., May 18, 8:00-9:30 p.m. CDT:  Moonlighting

June 2008 (top)
        No astronomy tours this month

Summer Solstice--June 20

July 2008 (top)
        Fri., July 18, 8:30-10:00 p.m. CDT:  Moonlighting

August 2008 (top)
        Fri., Aug. 15, 8:00-9:30 p.m. CDT:  Moonlighting

September 2008 (top)
        No astronomy tours this month

Autumnal Equinox--September 22

October 2008 (top)
        Fri., Oct. 3, 7:30-9:00 p.m. CDT:  Star Gazing

November 2008 (top)
        Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00-8:30 p.m. CST:  Star Gazing

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

December 2008 (top)
        No astronomy tours this month

Winter Solstice--December 21