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Feature Articles
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Pre-NASA Memoirs, Part 2
Although the High Dive project balloon flight did not generate all the results it was supposed to, balloon flights continued throughout 1957 and many years subsequently. Dr. Karl Aufderheide continues part two of his pre-NASA memoirs.
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Decade of Discovery
The hunt for planets orbiting in a habitable zone around its sun outside of our solar system yielded thousands of planetary candidates over the last ten years. Take a look at some of the major milestones of the last decade in our quest to find out “what's out there.”
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Dressing for Winter Observing
Our area may not have deep snow are frigid weather that are prevalent in parts og the United States, but temperatures can still plunge below the freezing point. Read how to stay warm during cold nights while you are observing the stars.
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Member Spotlight-Mitchell Barry
The spotlight is shining on Mitchell Barry, member of BVAC and the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2023. Mitchell shares how he became interested in astronomy and photographing the heavens.
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Eldorado Star Party
Tim Cowden attended the Eldorado Star Party. Despite high, cold winds and clouds, he did have an opportunity to do some observing. Read about the highs and lows of his trip.
Celestial Events
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Mercury Transit
Despite a overcast day, Dr. Randall Light was able to photograph the rare transit of Mercury in 2019. His equipment was set up to track the sun and photograph any part of the transit that became visible.
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Observing Gemini
Tom Campbell takes you star hopping through the constellation of Gemini. Read the story about the warrior heroes of Jason's crew and discover the names of the two brightest stars in the constellation.
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Spectacular Celestial Events in 2020
There will be some EXTRA-spectacular celestial events in the year 2020. Put these events on your calendar so you won't miss them.
Club News and Activities
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Message From the President
Warren Bracewell welcomes everyone to the start of a new year and encourages BVAC members to get out and look at the stars, galaxies, and planets.
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Speaker-Mike Holmes
Mike Holmes, a retired electrical engineer, presented a program about his recent DIY astrophotography projects to members of the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club.
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Speaker-Jennifer Marshall
Dr. Jennifer Marshall, a professional astronomer and professor in the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University, spoke to the BVAC about recording the collision of two neutron stars in galaxy NGC 4993 and witnessing the aftermath of the event.
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Community Outreach
BVAC members set up telescopes and gave participants a variety of NASA materials as they participated in community outreach activities.
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Upcoming BVAC Events
Mark your calendar for the upcoming events in which the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club participates or sponsors.
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Membership-Meetings
Monthly meeting dates, meeting location, dues, and membership benefits are listed.
Education - For Teachers and Kids
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Activity-Moon Phases
Start the new year with something for the kids and give them a hands-on activity to plant the seeds of interest in astronomy. Download the parts of a 2020 Moon Phase Wheel and have fun as you assemble it.
Fun Stuff
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Astronomy Cartoons
Enjoy the “Startoons” of Adam Maund and see the lighter side of astronomy.
Contact Information
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New Google Group
The Yahoo Group has closed and the BVAC has a new platform on which to communicate. See how you can join the new BVAC Google group.
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Contact
Find links to contact the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club, visit the website, join the Yahoo discussion group, follow us on Facebook, or see a list of officers.
About the Cover
The cover is an artist's rendering of Kepler-186f, the first discovered exoplanet that is the size of Earth.
