As part of our effort to bring astronomy to the masses, the Williamson County Astronomy Club provides educational services to the community free of charge. The activities listed below are part of that effort.
Public Viewing Sessions:
Southwestern University Fountainwood Observatory Open House
Each month (usually) on the Friday nearest First Quarter moon, Southwestern University in Georgetown holds a public star party and open house at their Fountainwood Observatory. The Williamson County Astronomy Club participates in this public event. Members are invited to bring their telescopes and demonstrate to the public the wonders astronomy has to offer. Including members' telescope and the two Southwestern University observatory telescopes, there are usually a half dozen observing stations set up on public nights. Each telescope is set up to show a different object or a different aspect of an object. The Southwestern University staff and members answer questions about the objects the objects being viewed.
Educational Star Parties:
The Williamson County Astronomy Club is available to present a limited number of star parties for area schools and community groups. These outdoor observing events at the schools are held on Friday evenings when both club members and school students are available to stay out somewhat later than on weeknights. The outings are a great opportunity to educate children and their parents in the visual aspects of astronomy to supplement what they have already learned in class. Events are best scheduled on a Friday evening near the first quarter moon phase assuming the date doesn't overlap our participation in the Southwestern University Fountainwood Observatory public night.
Educational Astronomy Presentations:
Some retired members of The Williamson County Astronomy Club are occasionally available to do slide shows or lectures on astronomy to area schools, civic organizations, and youth groups. These serve to further the interest in the space sciences and introduce children and adults alike to the fun and fascinating hobby of astronomy.
If you are part of a community or educational group and would like our help in some aspect of astronomy education, please contact us to make arrangements.