Welcome to VBAS!
The Von Braun Astronomical Society is a non-profit organization of amateur and professional astronomers. We are sharing our love of space with the community through our planetarium and observatories located in Monte Sano State Park just east of Huntsville, Alabama.
Latest News
2025 Telescope Buyer’s Guide
If you’re thinking of purchasing a telescope, especially your first scope, please check out our Telescope Buyer’s Guide updated for 2025.
Night At The Observatory
Our “Night At The Observatory” is a personalized program that allows small groups to experience an evening of imaging and observing deep-sky objects of their choice and keep all the photos captured using our historic Swanson 21″ telescope. Click here for more information.
- Member Meeting – December 19Join us on Friday December 19, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the VBAS Planetarium for our monthly member meeting. Admission is open to the public. Apollo 8 In 1968 the Space Race was in full tilt. The Apollo program was on schedule to make it to the Moon before the end of the decade. However,… Read more: Member Meeting – December 19
- Space Rocks!We have a special treat for those attending our Stars Fell on Alabama show this coming Saturday night, November 15! VBAS member Lonnie Puterbaugh will bring his amazing meteorite collection to share with us. ‘Space Rocks!’ is an extensive traveling meteorite exhibit consisting of over 70 meteorites. The specimens originate mostly from the main asteroid… Read more: Space Rocks!
- Silent Auction is Live!Our silent auction is now live! We have astronomy, STEM and awesome items, plus some cool experiences available. Check it out: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-vbas-celestial-celebration-silent-auction Bidding closes at 6:30pm on the 26th of September. We may still add more items, so check back often and spread the word!
Donate to the VBAS Stars for All Endowment Fund
VBAS established an agency fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville in 2024. VBAS is the sole beneficiary of the distributions from this fund, which is used to provide long term financial stability for our organization. Your donation will help continue VBAS operations well into the future.
Upcoming Shows
- December 2025 Planetarium Shows
All planetarium shows begin at 7:30pm.
Admission opens at 7:00pm; $5/adult, $3/student, 6 and under free.
Telescope viewing afterwards on clear nights.
December 6th – Star of Wonder
What was the star that the Magi saw? Join VBAS educator Beth Bero for this family-friendly program that explores the history, science and wonder of a special star. Followed by a look at our current night sky under the planetarium dome.
Presented by Beth Bero
December 13th – Star of Wonder
VBAS actors tell the Christmas Story told from the perspective of the three wise men. The journey the wise men took that first Christmas comes to life as they detail their quest to find the Christ Child and answer a very basic question: what could cause that star to shine so brightly? Children 12 and under will receive a goodie bag of toys and candy.
Presented by Don Reed, Jared Cassidy and Tom Burlington
December 20th – Star of Wonder
VBAS actors tell the Christmas Story told from the perspective of the three wise men. The journey the wise men took that first Christmas comes to life as they detail their quest to find the Christ Child and answer a very basic question: what could cause that star to shine so brightly? Children 12 and under will receive a goodie bag of toys and candy.
Presented by Don Reed, Jared Cassidy and Tom Burlington
December 27th – Standing Stones and Sungazers
In recognition of the Winter Solstice we will explore how we believe ancient civilizations marked the passage of the year through monuments, monoliths and markers and learn about the astronomical causes of all the motions.
Presented by Alex Hall
