Welcome to the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society home page! This site contains links to pages with astrophotos taken by our members, monthly observing information, past issues of our newsletter, and our forum. We also have links to dozens of other astronomy related sites on the Internet. We hope you enjoy your visit!

visitors since counter reset on May 28^th, 1999.
Web site updated Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 05:13 PM.

News and Events

285^th birthday of Joseph-Louis Lagrange.

For information on events at the Observatory, please visit its Calendar of Events page.

While astronomical observations are a great way to get outside and social distance yourself, unfortunately, the social aspects of astronomy are not. To wit, the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society is taking every precaution during this time to help members and the community at large maintain the CDC recommend distancing guidelines. For the immediate future, all in-person meetings and outreaches have been canceled. We hope to get back to a regular series of programs and events soon, but in the meantime we encourage everyone to stay safe and healthy.

Public seeking information on astronomical topics are directed to either our forums at http://www.brastro.org/phpBB3/ or one of the other links that we have provided for the curious. HRPO is now open to the public on a limited basis, mainly for Friday and Saturday night viewings and other special events. They are following prescribed health and safety guidelines as established by BREC and the relevant authorities, and is staffed by observatory personnel who will answer your calls and emails. Also, e-mail addresses have been provided on this page if you have a more specific question. Members are encouraged to watch their e-mails and read our newsletters to find out how they can be part of our various meetings in a digital form. Non-members who would like to attend our virtual meetings are asked to contact Ben Toman at outreach@brastro.org. Once again, we hope you all stay safe and healthy, and we look forward to meeting you in person once it is reasonably safe to do so.

Clear Skies.

BRAS is an organization created and sustained by people who share a common interest in amateur astronomy. Established in 1981, and with about 95 members currently, BRAS is a meeting place for amateur astronomers in and around the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area.

BRAS membership is a varied collection of individuals. Some members, new to amateur astronomy, are seeking to learn the basics such as, “How do I learn about the night sky? How does the solar system really work? What is a black hole? What is the best telescope for me? How do I get started in astrophotography?” Other members may be quite experienced in such areas as the visual night sky, cosmology, observing techniques, setting circles, astrophotography, optics, and telescope making. Most members, however, are amateurs with a love of the night sky who enjoy sharing their interest with others.

Programs are varied and can cover many different topics. Films on solar system exploration and the Universe have been viewed and discussed. Exhibits of various astronomical charts, books, computer programs have been brought by members. Other activities include stargazing at the Highland Road Park Observatory and at a members only dark sky site. Participation in regional observing events, such as the Deep South Star Gaze (Fall) and the Messier Marathon (Spring). Special programs for the members and the public such as Astronomy Day and Space Week. Members can participate in a wide variety of observing programs and awards offered by the Astronomical League, of which membership in BRAS entitles you to.

Meetings are usually held on the 2^nd Monday of the month at the Observatory, at 7:00 pm. However, this time and place is subject to change. Information about meetings is included in the club newsletter NIGHT VISIONS. For information you can call the Observatory at (225) 768-9948 during office hours, or contact:

Public Information Officer - public_relations@brastro.org

Merrill Hess - (225) 567-3450 (home), merrillhess@gmail.com

Craig Brenden - (225) 751-1685

If you would like to join BRAS, or would like to get some more information, use the link in Links section.

Officers

President: Scott Cadwallader
Vice-President: Steven Tilley
Secretary: Thomas Halligan
Treasurer: Trey Anding

The Baton Rouge Astronomical Society, Inc. is a member of
The Astronomical League	International Dark-sky Association	Night Sky Network
The Baton Rouge Astronomical Society is a proud partner of the Highland Road Park Observatory

Comments? Suggestions?

Webmaster: Frederick J. Barnett