Dear New Member,
Welcome to the Houston Astronomical Society (HAS)! Below is your membership manual in email form.
HAS Monthly Meetings: HAS currently holds all meetings via Zoom and/or Facebook. The General Membership presentation is held the first Friday of the month at 7PM. The Novice Meeting is the first Thursday, also at 7PM. To get your registration link, be sure to sign up for the email list at https://astronomyhouston.org/
New Member Orientation: President Joe Khalaf conducts a new member orientation several times a year. Following his talk via Zoom, he also answers your questions. Sign up for the email list at https://astronomyhouston.
HAS Website: Some great benefits of membership are unlocked only when you log into the website. If you signed up online, you created a username and password when you set up your member account. If you didn’t set up your own account, or if you’ve forgotten your password, then you can reset your password here: https://www.
HAS Email List: Most members rely on the HAS email distribution list to get emailed timely news about club events like star parties, telescope training, outreach events, and socials. Others use this email list to discuss astronomy or ask questions about equipment. You can subscribe to the HAS Email List here: https://www.
Private HAS Facebook Group: Our private Facebook Group is a great way to share photos, swap stories, and ask questions in a familiar, simple to use format. It also includes a mentorship program where you can connect with a more experienced member. And if you’re brand new to the hobby, we have a growing number of astronomy skills units, including videos, that novices find helpful. Go to https://www.facebook.com/
HAS is Social: Sure, HAS is on social media! In addition to our private Facebook Group, HAS hosts a public Facebook page, https://www.facebook.
HAS Loaner Scopes: The Loaner Telescope Program is being redeveloped. For specific information about telescopes that may be available, contact [email protected].
HAS Programs: If you have an interest in a particular aspect of astronomy, we probably have a program or Special Interest Group for you. Event notices for all programs go out via the email list, but also check the website events calendar for the latest.
HAS SIGs: SIGs are Special Interest Groups that meet via Zoom to discuss various aspects of astronomy. They are the Visual Special Interest Group (VSIG) moderated by Stephen Jones, stephenj@
HAS Texas 45: HAS has its own observing and imaging program that highlights the objects we are lucky enough to view from our 30° north latitude location. An award certificate suitable for framing and a 1.25” observing pin is conferred upon those who complete the program. Their names are also added to the HAS TX45 Honor Roll published on this website. Contact Rene Gedaly at [email protected] for more information.
HAS Dark Site Observatory: The HAS Dark Site Observatory is located 80 miles west of Houston in the dark skies of Columbus, Tx. An online orientation is required that gives you access to observing pads with nearby electricity, picnic and camping areas, restroom and shower facilities, and separate bunkhouse rooms for men, women, and families. No scope? Reserve one of the loaner telescopes housed onsite. Experienced members are also candidates to take training on the permanently mounted telescopes of the HAS Observatory. This is astronomy heaven close to home. Contact Chris Ober at [email protected] for more information.
I hope you find membership in the Houston Astronomical Society as rewarding as I have. If you aren’t finding your place within HAS, please let us know. We’ll help you connect.
HAS Membership Team
membership@astronomyhouston.
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