The Next ASLC Meeting is:
Friday, April 26, 2024
@ 7:00 pm (MDT)
Speaker: ASLC Eclipse Viewers
Presentation: 2024 Eclipse Experiences
Location: Meetings are now being held at the Mesilla Valley Radio Club 'Shack' (6609 Jefferson Ln, Las Cruces) and via ZOOM. Zoom Link for the meeting: click here.
Contact the Club President for additional information
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Upcoming Observing Opportunities:
ASLC MoonGaze
Downtown Plaza de Las Cruces
May 18, 2024
Dark Sky Observing @ Leasburg Dam SP
(ASLC Observatory at LDSP)
May 04, 2024
Dark Sky Observing @ Rockhound SP
(Rockhound SP)
May 3, 2024
Dark Sky Observing @ City of Rocks SP
(Gene & Elizabeth Simon Observatory)
May 4, 2024
Quick Links
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Welcome!
 Greetings from the professional and amateur astronomers who comprise the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces (ASLC). The club was formed in 1951 by a group of dedicated astronomers including Clyde Tombaugh, who had discovered Pluto just 21 years earlier. For over 70 years, we've been sharing a little bit of the universe with our community under our beautiful Southern New Mexico skies.
The club has a variety of ongoing observing, education and public outreach programs. We host a public Moongaze and a dark sky observing event each month. We offer beginning astronomy education and support countless star parties for schools, scouts and various organizations. We also hold a meeting each month which includes a featured presentation.
To learn more about our society, please click here or select from the tabs above or the 'Quick Links' on the left.
The Clyde W. Tombaugh Lecture Series
 As part of our monthly meetings, the ASLC features a presentation by an astronomy enthusiast willing to share their expertise. Speakers are often astronomy professionals, researchers, students or leaders in the astronomy/space industries. The lecture series also gives ASLC members an opportunity to highlight their knowledge and experience; ASLC is fortunate to have several individuals who are doing exciting work. Topics vary from observing basics to optics systems, space tourism, cosmology... Join us for our next informative presentation (details below). Individuals interested in participating in the series should please contact the Club President.
 The next Tombaugh Series presentation is Friday, April 26 - 7:00 pm (MDT)
Scheduled Speaker: ASLC Eclipse Viewers
Presentation Title:2024 Eclipse Experiences
Summary: Members of the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces travelled far and wide to view the 2024 solar eclipse. Clouds were forecast along much of the center line in Texas which forced eclipse travelers to seek out the clearest skies possible or hope for a 'sucker' hole when totality began. One member gave up a hotel in Eagle Pass and drove to northern Arkansas in search of clear skies (and he found them - picture on right).
For the April 26th Tombaugh Presentation, ASLC members will share their travel and eclipse observing adventures along with their images.
Brief Bio: (not applicable for this talk)
Meetings are also streamed via ZOOM. Zoom link: click here.
Did you miss a recent presentation? Since July 2020, ASLC has recorded and archived mp4 videos of our Tombaugh Series Lecturers' presentations. Click here to see what's available.
Walter H. Haas Observatory Dedication
ASLC recently dedicated its observatory located at Leasburg Dam State Park in honor of the late Walter H. Haas, who among other notable achievements founded The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO). Mary Alba, Walter's daughter, recently recorded some thoughts about her father and the dedicating of the observatory in his honor. You can listen to her interview here.
Planning a Visit to Southern New Mexico's Dark Skies?
 If you're considering a trip to the 'Land of Enchantment', please check out our visitor's guide for astronomy fans interested in visiting southern New Mexico. The majority of the state enjoys Bortle 0 or 1 skies, so finding nearby quality dark skies is something we (almost) take for granted. Several dark sky observing/imaging sites and space tourism locations are highlighted, and further described on the visitor's guide page.
There's also an email link in case you have additional astronomy-related questions about the area.
Nearly half of New Mexico is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Dispersed camping for up to 14 days is permitted pretty much anywhere on undeveloped BLM land unless specifically prohibited. Please check current fire conditions before lighting a campfire, and dispose of all trash and human waste properly. More info here.
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The Astronomical Society of Las Cruces is a member of the Astronomical League
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ASLC supports the eradication of light pollution by its participation in the International DarkSky Association
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ASLC supports the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (founded by ASLC co-founder, the late Walter Haas)
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