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Andromeda

Andromeda (M31)    Photo by Randy Light, M.D.

Brazos Valley Astronomy Club

Members of the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club are an enthusiastic group of amateur stargazers who live in and around Bryan and College Station in the Brazos Valley of Texas. The talents of the members range from purely observational astronomy to planetary and deep sky observation and photography.

Why do we gaze at the heavens? For some of us, it is the thrill of the hunt for that faint object. For others, it is the satisfaction gained by creating that perfect image. Some find the most joy in sharing the beauties of the sky with newcomers to the heavens, and others just enjoy a few quiet hours under a dark sky. Whatever your reason for wanting to gaze at the stars, we invite you to join the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club.


The purpose of the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club is to provide astronomical education, recreation, and research for its members and the public by inviting guest speakers to talk about astronomy and astrophysics. After the club meetings, when the skies are clear, members set up telescopes for stargazing and share their view into the vast vacuum of the night sky, hundreds of light years away. Brazos Valley Astronomy Club members are also eligible to attend star parties at different times throughout the year.



Come with us and explore the universe
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Brazos Valley Astronomy Club



MONTHLY MEETINGS
and Star Party

STAR PARTY - NOVEMBER 2024

I am hosting a “members only” Star Party at my observatory next Friday, November 22, 2024 starting around 5:00pm. All members are invited. Any non-member can join at the Star Party and attend.

The observatory is about 30 miles north of College Station. If you need a map, please send an email to me (see below) and I will send you one.

There will be plenty of telescopes both in the observatory and on the pavement outside. And it is supposed to be pretty chilly on Friday and it feels cooler when you are standing outside looking through telescopes so dress warmly in layers. We will have some refreshments and a place to warm up if needed.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Mark L. Spearman, PhD
President
Brazos Valley Astronomy Club
(text only) +1 (979) 324-6766
spearman@factoryphysics.com

There will be no December 2024 monthly meeting.

Members Only:Watch for an email announcement from Mark Spearman about a members only Christmas party.

Click the button below for more details about our monthly meetings and
CURRENT MONTHLY MEETING TOPIC.

Monthly Meeting Time/Location
Map
Meeting Program Information
2024 Meeting Dates

MEMBERSHIP
How To Become a Member

Membership dues for the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club are being accepted for the 2023-2024 year.

Click the button below for more information about paying dues to become a member of the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club.


How to Join
How to Pay Dues



Still have a question?

General Questions


OUTREACH PROGRAMS

The Brazos Valley Astronomy Club provides astronomy programs for public groups and organizations. Contact Tom Campbell, Outreach Coordinator, for more information.

List of Outreach Activities, Dates, Times, Locations


Program Request



WHAT WE DO

Activities

The Brazos Valley Astronomy Club is a non-profit group promoting astronomy and related science as a hobby for people of all ages in the Brazos Valley. We especially enjoy getting out to dark sky locations and really going deep, and our star parties are generally scheduled around the new moon.

In the quest to understand and explore the solar system, galaxies, and the universe, members of the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club can

  • attend monthly meetings and hear speakers
  • attend observing sessions after meetings
  • attend star parties
  • participate in community outreach programs
  • receive help with equipment operation
  • access club-owned telescopes


solar system planets and sun



The Stars Await


Hear exciting astronomy-related presentations and attend star parties.
Scan the heavens and learn about
deep sky objects and those closer to us.

BRAZOS VALLEY ASTRONOMY CLUB

Andromeda

Omega Centari (NGC 5139)    Photo by Randy Light, M.D.



Do you need assistance with your equipment?
There is someone in the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club who can help.


  • What is the best type of telescope to purchase? Is a used telescope a wise investment? What are the benefits of purchasing one type of telescope over another? These are important questions that experienced telescope owners can answer and help you make the right decision for your observing purposes.
  • Additionally, some members set up their telescopes to be used for observing sessions that are held after the meetings; this would be the perfect opportunity to check out different types of telescopes, both large and small.
  • Do you already have your equipment, but need help learning to use it properly? There are current members who are willing to get your started on your astronomy-related observing journey.


meteor shower celestial event

2024 CALENDAR
CELESTIAL EVENTS

Read More

constellation map

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION
CONSTELLATIONS

Read More

dark sky map

MAPS
DARK SKIES

Read More



VIEWING CONDITIONS

Astronomer's Forecast

Click the image below to see a current daily weather forecast, provided by Clear Dark Sky.

chart

Andromeda

The Milky Way graces the heavens on a summer night in West Texas, where the skies are still dark and light pollution does not wash out the night sky.    
Photo by Randy Light, M.D.

The Brazos Valley Astronomy Club is organized and operates within the guidelines and exclusively for the purposes described in Section 501(C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. No commercial enterprise or candidate for public office shall be endorsed by the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club. Neither the name of the organization nor the names of its officers in their official capacities shall be used in any connection, partisan, nor their sectarian interest.



Illustrated letters in Brazos Valley Astronomy Club