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, November 21 @ 7PM
“Simulations and Visualizations about the Sun’s Core” – Justin McCollum
Sunday, December 7
FBAC Member Winter Holiday Party
No December Astronomy Meeting
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
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6, 20, 27
These events are organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences and held at the George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park. FBAC provides volunteers to support the events.
Astronomy On Wheels
November 7 – Katy ISD STEM Night at Robert R. Shaw Center
November 8 – Karankowa Space Camp (Scouting America) Sweeny
November 11 – Townewest Elementary School (FBISD) Sugar Land
November 18 – St. Peter’s UMC West (Cub Scouts Pack 49) Fulshear
December 4 – Fort Bend County Library – Fulshear Branch
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.
Club Stargazing Events
Friday, November 14
No event in December
Member-only stargazing events are scheduled at a time and location provided to FBAC members.
Club Dinners
Wednesdays
November 5, 12, 19
December 3, 10, 17
Member-only dinners are typically held on Wednesdays, at a time and location announced to members.