Welcome
The Texas Astronomical Society was chartered in 1955 to promote the study of astronomy and related fields and to pursue observation and construction of instruments as a hobby. Membership is open to anyone having an interest in astronomy and related subjects and includes benefits such as a our monthly newsletter, discounts to the top astronomy magazines, access to our dark sky observing site and many more.
Please visit the Club Information section for more on TAS and to download a TAS Information Packet and Brochure.
Check out our Telescope Buying Guide ,Telescope Mount Buying Guide, and Star Charts for beginners. These can also be found under the "Features" section of the Main Menu.
We invite you to explore our website for more information and hope you consider joining our organization.
General Membership Meeting
Date:
Friday, February 26th, 2010; 7:30pm Speakers: Various TAS APSIG Members
Please join us for our next General Meeting where our own Astrophotographer's Special Interest Group will present tips, methods, and general information regarding how to get into this rewarding aspect of amateur astronomy. We have some world-class imagers in the group, so come and learn from the best!
There will be a New Members' Orientation at 7:00pm just prior to the General Meeting. Come to learn about TAS, our dark site, our outreach events, and all of the fun stuff that we do.
TAS Recurring Star Parties
TAS holds 4 regular monthly Star Parties where our members get together to observe and educate about the night sky. Come join us to look at planets, stars, and other celestial wonders. The monthly Star Party schedule is as follows:
For more information about TAS public observing please visit our Public Observing Site. Our full schedule of activities is on our calendar. Please come out and join us or volunteer at one of our events.
Member Resources
Visit the members' discussion forum to discuss astro-type stuff with fellow TAS members.
Visit the Members Only section for access to:
Join or Renew Online with Paypal.
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Constellation of the Month: February: Canis Major and Puppis
TAS is now 503
members strong....why not become a part of our family?
TAS is a member of
the
The World's Largest Federation of Amateur Astronomers
Sun, Moon, and Tonight's Sky
| Richardson, TX
(times in CST): Sunrise today: 7:17am Sunset today: 6:06pm Moonrise today: 4:21am Moonset today: 2:18pm 21% of moon illuminated |
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Current Phase
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Phase Calendar
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Courtesy USNO |
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February
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March
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Click the above image for a chart. Popup blockers must be disabled. Chart courtesy of Fourmilab Switzerland. |
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| Major Planets and Moon Charts |
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Bright Minor Planet Charts Observable Comet Charts Magnitudes observed within the last 5 days:
Minor planet and comet lists, and corresponding orbital elements, are courtesy of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Charts courtesy of Fourmilab Switzerland |
Clear Sky Clocks
Dallas, TX:
Atoka, OK:
Comanche Springs, TX (Home of 3RF):
Click an image for a complete sky condition forecast.
TAS In Action
Special Interest Groups
APSIG (Astrophotography Special Interest Group) is sponsored by the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas, Texas.
APSIG meets once a month to share information and learn more about the art and science of Astrophotography -- taking photographs of objects in the night sky such as planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Imaging these celestial objects requires special techniques and equipment, but are attainable by anyone willing to point their camera skyward. Come learn how! For more information on APSIG just follow this link...
