"To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge."
Nicolaus Copernicus

   Quick Links

• Join ASLC
• Home Page
• Telescope Basics
• Request a Star Party for your Group or School
• Request an Educationl Visit by an Astronomer to Your Club or School
• Observing Sites (maps)
• A Small Collection of Astro-Humor
• The Science of ASLC
  • Asteroid LightCurves
  • Minor Planet Discovery
  • Variable Stars
  • Occultation Timing
• Space Tourism in Southern NM
• ASLC Club Apparel
• Light Pollution Facts
• Club By-Laws
• ASLC's Observatory
• Astronomical Glossary
• Classified Ads

 
Monthly Observing Opportunities

ASLC MoonGaze

Probably the easiest way to join us for some casual observing is by coming to one of our MoonGazes. We host these events each month (weather permitting) on Saturday evenings closest to the first quarter moon. In addition to observing lunar features, we observer brighter planets such as Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and Venus.

Observing begins just after dusk and continues for an hour or two. The event is free and kids and adults are welcome. The location can vary from month to month, so please refer to the club's home page for the latest observing opportunity information.

Dark Sky Observing (DSO)

Once or twice each month, ASLC members pack up their gear and drive away from the city lights to see the wonders of the universe through the prestine dark skies of Southern New Mexico. The public is invited to join us. There are almost always extra telescopes for visitors to view through (often very nice ones), and the astronomers are delighted to share views of galaxies, nebula and star clusters. Public DSO sessions are conducted on Saturday nights closest to the 3rd quarter Moon. Please refer to the ASLC home page for upcoming dates/times.

Our main DSO public viewing opportunity is at Leasburg Dam State Park - located about 20 minutes north of Las Cruces. The club operates a roll-off observatory at the park which houses a 16" Meade telescope (generously provided by the New Mexico State University Astronomy Dept). More information about the park is available here and here.

Special Events and Star Party Requests

When cosmic events warrant it, ASLC holds special public viewings. We've done special events for solar and lunar eclipses, transits of Mercury and Venus and major planet conjunctions. It's best to check the Home page or the ASLC calendar for upcoming special events.

The image on the right is from the 2014 partial solar eclipse.

ASLC supports the community with star parties for schools, scouts, and other organizations. If you are interested in scheduling a star party for your organization, please look here.