Astronomy Day 2008

For more information on the many activities and events planned for Astronomy Day 2008, click here.


The George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park

For a list of Astronomy available volunteer positions, click here.
To volunteer, click
here.

Astronomy Day will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008 from 3:00 to 10:30 p.m. at the George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park, one hour southwest of Houston, Texas. For a map to Brazos Bend State Park, click here.  For more information about Astronomy Day, write to gobserve@consolidated.net. For more information about the Brazos Bend State Park, or to find out about camping, call toll free: (800)792-1112, or Austin: (512)389-4800.

Brazos Bend State Park
Campsites, Other Facilities and Fees
Note: Information and prices are subject to change.
Please call the park for park information (1-800-792-1112) for the latest updates.

Entrance Fees:
$5 per day, per person 13 and older—children 12 and under are free.
$3 for seniors 65 and older. Texas residents born before September 1, 1930, are free.
 
Special entrance rates for holders of:

  • Texas State Parks Pass
  • Youth Group Annual Entrance Permit
  • Texas Parklands Passport (Bluebonnet Pass)

George Observatory's entire "Astronomy Day" event is FREE to the public!
On any other Saturday night, the cost for viewing through the George
Observatory telescopes is $5.00 per person.

One lucky visitor to Astronomy Day will win a
Meade ETX80AT backpack telescope!

Telescope donated by Meade Instruments

Come out and enjoy...

Laser Constellation Tours - 7:30 till 10:00
Houston Community College Astronomy Display
Indoor and Outdoor Presentations starting at 4:00 PM
Challenger Center Flight Simulations - "Return to the Moon"
Observe Sunspots and Solar Prominences
Observe the Moon and Deep Sky Objects
Professional Research Telescope Viewing (36", 18", 14" and 11")
Dozens of Amateur Telescopes to View the Skies
Face Painting
How to Get Started in Astronomy
How to Use and Purchase Telescopes
Astronomy Buttons
Free Material and Astronomy Handouts
Meet the Local Astronomy Clubs
Indoor Displays (CCD Imaging, Interactive computers, Meteorites, Light Pollution)
The George Observatory Gift Shop will be open for the entire event!

Food catering is provided by Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza and Restaurant
 

 
Outdoor Speakers*
4:00 - 7:00 PM
(15 - 20 minutes)

4:00 - Robert Manfredi, Astronomical Society of South East Texas
Topic - "Basic Types and Uses of Binoculars"

4:30 - Justin McCollum, Lamar University
Topic - "Uranus and Neptune"

5:00 - David Haviland, Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society
Topic - "Factors to Consider When Buying a Telescope"

5:30 - James Wooten, Houston Museum of Natural Science
Topic - "Constellation Tours"

6:00 - Dr. Bruce Pollard, North Houston Astronomy Club
Topic - "Constellations, Asterisms and Finding Your Way Around The Texas Sky"

6:30 - Billie Harland, Astronomical Society of South East Texas
Topic - "Sky Lore: Tales of the Heavens"


Indoor Speakers*
4:00 - 10:00 PM

(50 minutes)
Geraldine Reina and JC Reina will introduce all speakers in the lecture room.

4:00 - Dr. Aaron Clevenson, Lone Star College - Montgomery
Topic - "Gazing with Galileo"

5:00 - Bob Taylor, Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society
Topic - "Space Telescope...From Hubble to Webb"

6:00 - Dr. Reggie DuFour, Professor of Astrophysics, Rice University
Topic - "The Origin and Evolution of Galaxies from Hubble Telescope Observations Back in Time"

7:00 - Dr. David Levy, author, editor, noted amateur/professional astronomer, Vail, Arizona
Topic - "My Life and Times as a Comet Hunter"

8:00 - Larry Mitchell, Houston Astronomical Society, noted amateur astronomer
Topic - "M31 - The Andromeda Galaxy"

9:00 - Dr. Katherine Keilty, Lone Star College - Kingwood
Topic - "Venus: Beauty or Beast?"

*Times and Speakers are subject to change


Daytime Events

Indoor Activities Presentations
Solar Observing  Outside Speakers
How a Telescope works Indoor Speakers
Telescope Viewing Helpful Volunteers
Face Painting Visitors Center

The Challenger Center

A Space Place for Kids
"Return to the Moon"
Missions start at 3:30 p.m.

Night Time Events

36" Research Dome - Viewing Begins at 6:00 p.m.

Research Dome 36" Telescope Waiting on Sunset

Lots of Telescopes

for night time viewing of the sky

Come and enjoy all the fun of the day time and night time activities, and learn a little something about Astronomy too!

Last updated 9/28/2008