Star Parties and Other Events
	On this page we will announce various happening in the Austin area relating to astronomy.  Hopefully, the list will be changing constantly, so check in frequently! · Star Parties · Sky Happenings · The Austin Astronomical Society · The University of Texas STAR PARTIES! We’ll have two “Star Parties” this semester, on February 10 and April 20, at the Round Rock Campus. The event begins at 5:30, and is jam-packed with science fun:  5:30 – Mobile planetarium shows begin, courtesy of the Austin Planetarium, in the 2000 Building Student Lobby. Also, interactive science displays from the ACChaos initiative will be there. 6:30 – First public talk begins in room 3339 7:30 – Observing Deck opens on roof of 3000 Building; Second public talk begins in room 3339 9:30 – Observing Deck closes The two public talks will have the same topic: February 10 – “On the Shoulders of Giants, Part 3: Galileo and Kepler in 1609” April 20 – “The Search for Extra-terrestrial Life” Sky Happenings for Spring 2012 Prominent Stars and Constellations: Orion, Betelgeuse, Rigel, Sirius, Procyon, Taurus, Aldebaran, the Pleiades, Gemini, Castor, Pollux The Planets · Evening:  Venus, near the setting Sun in the West · All night: Jupiter (overhead at Sunset) and Mars · Morning:  Saturn Sky Events – See the Austin Astronomical Society website! University of Texas Events! The University of Texas Astronomy Department hosts a variety of stargazing opportunities.  There are weekly Star Parties held on UT campus each Wednesday, atop Robert L. Moore Hall.  The info line is 471-5007.  In addition, there is a great old telescope at Painter Hall, that is open to the public every Saturday, and that UT students can learn to use on their own!  The main number for the Astronomy Department is 471-3000.  Click on the links above to get more details. If you're heading out West, you may want to stop by the University of Texas McDonald Observatory.  The scenery is gorgeous, and the skies are breathtaking.  The Website contains information about tours and special events at the Observatory, so that you can plan your trip!  The phone number is (915) 426-3640.
Updated 1/26/12 By James E. Heath Copyright Ó 1998-2012 Austin Community College