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ClearSky Chart ( Today/Tonight: Old Tunnel State  Park 

Click Here for the In The Sky Calendar



Click Here for information on the
April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
 
And a Warm Welcome to you from the Hill Country Astronomers for 2024!

Hill Country Astronomers (HCA) is an organization open to anyone interested in astronomy. A group of amateur astronomers founded HCA in August 2011. HCA is an organization open to anyone interested in astronomy. It has members from all walks of life, most of whom live full or part time around Central Texas. Some members are experienced and accomplished astronomers, while others are beginners. Some members have invested substantial amounts of money in astronomy equipment, while others have no equipment at all. No matter what your situation, you are welcome to participate in HCA at whatever level you choose. It is the goal of HCA to fulfill your interest in learning more about the night sky.

Our key objectives include:
  • Encouragement of astronomy and space science through our monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month, and through observing sessions with fellow astronomy enthusiasts
  • Increasing public awareness by attending and help with the organizing of Public Star Parties in the surrounding area

  • Sponsoring observing sessions for the general public and local area schools
We hope you will join us in supporting this great hobby, and encouraging the furtherment of knowledge about astronomy and science for future generations.
To become a member, click on the link Become a Member at the top of this page.
Next Meeting

Monday, April 1st, 2024 at 6:30pm

The regular meeting is held at 6:30pm at the Hill Country University Center (H-E-B room) on the first Monday of the month. Address: 2818 US Hwy 290 East, Fredericksburg TX 78624.

If you cannot, or are reluctant to, attend in person, you may still participate online via Zoom as in the past. The login information has been sent to all members by Raeann. If you are not a member, please contact Ryan Behrends at the email address below for further information on attending the meeting.

Presentation: Safety & Photography Hints: Eclipses

In less than two weeks, Monday, April 8, 2024, the residents of the Texas Hill Country will experience a total solar eclipse. This month’s HCA meeting will focus on safety tips and photography hints for the total eclipse.

Ward will share when and how to view the eclipse along with the best and safest way to see the event, describe equipment viewers might need or want, and provide basic advice on photography. There will be a particular focus on how to observe and experience the eclipse safely. 
Ward will also provide examples from his prior eclipse experiences and describe how the imaging was done.

HCA vice president Mark Ward will host the program. He has over 50 years’ experience as an amateur astronomer, 30 years as an amateur machinist, and is a retired geophysicist and Lutheran pastor.

Most HCA members live in Central Texas. Some members are accomplished amateur astronomers; others are beginners. No matter your experience level, you are welcome to participate in HCA. Club membership is not required to attend monthly meetings. We hope HCA can fulfill your interest in learning more about the night sky.

For more information, contact HCA president Ryan Behrends  at hillcountryastronomers@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you.


Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month - any exceptions will be noted here. Each meeting begins with an interesting program related to astronomy presented by club members or guest speakers, followed by a short business discussion.

M101, Pinwheel Galaxy



Messier 101, also known as the Pinwheel Galaxy and NGC 5457, is a face-on spiral galaxy approximately 21 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781. This photograph was taken by HCA member Greg Bellman just shortly before the very bright supernova, SN 2023 ixf was discovered on May 19, 2023 by Koichi Itagaki.

ASI2600MC Pro Camera, 12.5in PlaneWave telescope, 20 subs, 30 flats, 20 darks at UBarU in May, 2023.

Club Star Parties

Club Star Parties (for members only) are generally held once a month - usually near the time of the new moon if the clear sky forecast is good, and the time varies with the season. The star parties are held near Stonewall, Tx.

Sign in to the Members Only section for the upcoming schedule of Star Parties.

Our members also participate in larger parties (e.g., Texas Star Party, Eldorado Star Party) and provide equipment and support for outreach parties (e.g., Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, LBJ State Park and Historic Site, LBJ National Historical Park, Friends of the Night Sky organizations and local schools).

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