And a Warm Welcome to you
from the Hill Country
Astronomers for 2024!
Hill Country Astronomers (HCA) is
an organization open to
anyone interested in astronomy. A group of amateur astronomers
founded HCA in August 2011. HCA is an organization open to
anyone
interested in astronomy. It has members from all walks of life, most of
whom live full or part time around Central Texas. Some members are
experienced and accomplished astronomers, while others are beginners.
Some members have invested substantial amounts of money in astronomy
equipment, while others have no equipment at all. No matter what your
situation, you are welcome to participate in HCA at whatever level you
choose. It is the goal of HCA to fulfill your interest in learning more
about the night sky.
Our key
objectives include:
- Encouragement
of astronomy and space science through our monthly meetings on the
first Monday of each month, and through observing sessions with fellow
astronomy enthusiasts
- Increasing
public awareness by attending and help with the organizing of Public
Star Parties in the surrounding area
- Sponsoring
observing sessions for the general public and local area schools
We
hope you will join us in supporting this great hobby, and encouraging
the furtherment of knowledge about astronomy and science for future
generations.
To become a member, click on the link Become a Member at
the top of this page. |
Next Meeting
Monday, November 4th, 2024 at 6:30pm
Fellowship Hall, Zion Lutheran Church
The regular meeting occurs on the first Monday of the
month (with just a very few exceptions). Also,
the
location has MOVED from the prior location due to the
acquisition of the property by the city of
Fredericksburg. The new location is in the Fellowship Hall of the Zion
Lutheran Church, 415 West Austin Street in Fredericksburg.
If
you cannot, or are reluctant to, attend in person, you may still
participate online via Zoom as in the past. The login information has
been sent to all members by Raeann. If you are not a member, please
contact Ryan Behrends at the email address below for further information on attending the meeting.
Presentation: Binoculars
Jack Petersen
will be talking about an often overlooked, but valuable tool for
astronomy: Binoculars! He'll be covering some of the objects that can
be enjoyed with binoculars, types of binoculars, how to select the
right pair for viewing the night sky and recommendations for what to
purchase.
Most
HCA members live in Central
Texas. Some members are accomplished amateur astronomers; others are
beginners. No matter your experience level, you are welcome to
participate in HCA. Club membership is not required to attend monthly
meetings. We hope HCA can fulfill your interest in learning more about
the night sky.
For
more information,
contact HCA president Ryan Behrends at
hillcountryastronomers@gmail.com.
We look forward to seeing you.
Meetings
are generally held on
the first Monday of the month - any exceptions will be noted here. Each
meeting begins with an interesting program related to astronomy
presented by club members or guest speakers, followed by a short
business discussion.
2024 Total Solar Eclipse
The
Weather forecast for the Fredericksburg, TX area was pretty grim, with
showers predicted for around 2pm (just 30 minutes after totality. But
fortunately, the clouds did open up just a bit, and HCA member, Steuart
Dewar caught this picture during a brief parting of the clouds, which
shows the Corona as well as huge solar prominences at 2 and 5pm!
The eclipse ended at 2:56pm and less than 30 minutes later it was completely overcast and raining!
Sony RX10M3 Camera at 600mm.
Club Star Parties
Club
Star Parties (for members only) are generally held once a month -
usually near the time of the new moon if the clear sky forecast is
good, and the time varies
with the season. The star parties are held near Stonewall, Tx.
Sign in to the Members Only section for the upcoming schedule of Star Parties.
Our
members also participate in larger parties
(e.g., Texas Star Party, Eldorado Star Party) and provide equipment and
support for outreach parties
(e.g., Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, LBJ State Park and Historic
Site, LBJ National Historical Park, Friends of the Night Sky
organizations and local
schools).
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