Fort Bend Astronomy Club
Observing, Sharing, Teaching & Promoting Astronomy
Our member experience includes a monthly astronomy meeting with a feature presentation (that is also open to the public); a weekly dinner gathering at a local restaurant; monthly stargazing nights (when the weather cooperates) with mentoring, socializing, and observing; and a loaner scope program with visual and astrophotography telescopes.
In addition to our member experience, we pride ourselves in our outreach efforts to schools, public, and private entities through our Astronomy on Wheels program, as well as providing expertise and volunteers to the George Observatory located at Brazos Bend State Park where we own and operate a permanently installed 17-inch CDK as well as a 16-in Dobsonian.
Membership
The Fort Bend Astronomy Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with members volunteering to support FBAC's mission. Members can volunteer to support the FBAC's Outreach programs and participate in FBAC events. 100% of dues goes to supporting our programs and direct club expenses. FBAC has no paid positions including club officers.
Outreach
FBAC has a long-standing commitment to public outreach. Our landmark activities include our FBAC-originated Astronomy On Wheels program and our work at the George Observatory to support the Houston Museum of Natural Science's Saturday Night Stargazing events. The club also holds monthly astronomy meetings which are open to the public for free.
Astronomy Resources
Resources available to area astronomers: including other area astronomy clubs, telescope suppliers, freeware astronomy software, associations, asteroids & comets, magazines & commercial astronomy sites, maps & atlases, observing programs, science related sites, light pollution resources and star parties.
Upcoming Events
Astronomy Meetings
Friday, August 21 @ 7PM
Dark Skies on Demand: Practical look at how remote observing is changing amateur astrophotography – Bray Falls
Friday, September 18 @ 7PM
How to Observe the Planets – James Wooten
Astronomy Meetings are usually on the 3rd Friday of each month. These meetings are open to the public (FBAC membership is not required). FBAC members are provided instructions for attending the meetings. Non-members must submit a registration for the meeting.
Saturday Stargazing
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
September 5, 12, 22, 29
These events are organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and held at the George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park. FBAC provides volunteers to support the events.
Astronomy On Wheels
September 25 – Katy ISD STEAM Night at Robert R. Shaw Center
September 29 – St Catherine of Sienna Episcopal Church – Missouri City
Astronomy On Wheels events are typically held at area schools during the academic calendar year. Details for each event are provided to the host site and participating member volunteers.
HMNS Astronomy Events
The Houston Museum of Natural Science hosts astronomy events at 5555 Hermann Park Drive. These events are free and open to the public with no ticket required, weather permitting.
Tuesday Rooftop Astronomy
August 18, 7-9PM
September 22, 7-9PM
Sundial Celebrations
September 23, noon-2PM
For more information, click here.
Club Stargazing Events
August – TBA
September – TBA
Member-only stargazing events are scheduled at a time and location provided to FBAC members.
Club Dinners
Wednesdays
August 5, 12, 19, 26
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Member-only dinners are typically held on Wednesdays, at a time and location announced to members.