Looking for something to do tonight? Come join us at Mustang Island State Park for a star party! Start time is 8pm in the Day Use parking lot. Just look for the telescopes!! Bring your curiosity and questions!

Clear Skies!!

The September equinox and the first quarter moon both fall on September 22 this year. In 2012, the moon reaches its half-lit first quarter phase only about five hours after this year’s September equinox.

The equinox happens today at 14:49 Universal Time, which is 9:49 a.m. Central Daylight Time for us in the central U.S. The September equinox takes place whenever the sun is at zenith – straight overhead – at the Earth’s equator. This magical moment signals the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. On the day of an equinox, the sun rises due east and sets due west all over the world.

September 2012 guide to the five visible planetsRead More

Heads up for all our local followers. Club meeting will be held Friday Sept 22, 7pm @ the Science Bldg TAMUCC, 4th floor

This week, skywatchers will have the chance to catch a winking "demon star" in the night sky.

The star, known as Algol, is located in the constellation of Perseus, the Hero, and has been known since ancient times as "The Demon Star."

Algol has a long and venerable history. Its name comes from the Arabic word al-ghul, which means "female demon." But, contrary to popular belief, the name seems to have nothing to do with the star's behavior, but rather, is due merely to Algol's position marking the head of the Gorgon Medusa in ancient Greek mythology. According to the myth, gazing at Medusa could turn a person to stone.


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August 31
Mars and Saturn team up low in the western sky in early evening, with Mars to the left and Saturn to the right. Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is visible through strong binoculars or a telescope, and looks like a tiny star quite close to the planet.
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