Science Academy: "ISS Expedition 12"
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Highland Road Park Observatory
The International Space Station is one of the greatest engineering feats in human history. From September 2005 to April 2006, Bill McArthur and Valery Tokarev conducted experiments and did what few have done-–lived off the Earth. Cadets will build on the circuit board and sample the astronauts’ menu! [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 331320.

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-11-22 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 5:04pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:29pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waxing crescent Moon will be below the horizon. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Very Good): precipitation potential 2%, sky cover 26%, relative humidity 88%, temperature 22C, wind NW 3 km

Solar Viewing
2025-11-29 11:30 - 14:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 5%, sky cover 51%, relative humidity 66%, temperature 21C, wind SE 12 km
Weather permitting, viewing of the Sun’s image in four different manners (indirectly onto a white surface, directly with safely-filtered optical light, directly in hydrogen-alpha wavelength and directly in calcium-K wavelength) will take place. During this time the Sun will be in the constellation Scorpius at a maximum altitude of 38°. Protective clothing and sunscreen are recommended. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]

STEM Expansion: "Anatomy"
2025-11-29 14:30 - 18:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
This program offers advanced topics, activity extensions and all-new games and demonstrations to older youth. Certificates are earned and archived as well as modern experiments take place. There are also giveaways and door prizes. [For ages twelve to sixteen. $15 per EBR parish registrant; $18 per other-parish registrant. Register via WebTrac; use activity number 331321. Deadline for online registration is 6pm the day (Friday) before.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-11-29 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 5:03pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:29pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waxing gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 61° in Pisces. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 6%, sky cover 28%, relative humidity 83%, temperature 17C, wind SE 8 km

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-12-05 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Cancelled. HRPO will close at 7pm.
Sunset, 5:03pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:29pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 48° in Auriga. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Bad): precipitation potential 24%, sky cover 87%, relative humidity 97%, temperature 9C, wind NE 2 km

Science Academy: "Surveying the Moon"
2025-12-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The study of the big triumvirate (Earth, Sun and Moon) continues. Cadets will learn how our only natural satellite (probably) originated, what it has and can do for us, and when we’ll return! [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 431320.

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-12-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Cancelled.
Sunset, 5:03pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:29pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 34° in Gemini. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Poor): precipitation potential 3%, sky cover 79%, relative humidity 100%, temperature 11C, wind SE 3 km

Baton Rouge Astronomical Society Meeting
2025-12-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
For over four decades the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society has educated countless numbers of citizens in the joys of planetary and deep-sky gazing, and factors to consider when buying a pair of binoculars or a telescope. Over the years BRAS members have constructed their own telescopes and photographic platforms; imaged comets; earned observing certificates; and discovered asteroids. Anyone interested in learning more about BRAS is invited to attend. [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Friday Night Lecture Series: "Buying Skygazing Equipment"
2025-12-12 19:00 - 20:00
Telescopes, binoculars, planetarium programs, planispheres…mosquito spray. If you want to be a skygazer of action like Merrill Hess, he will guide you to the best tools. [Postponed from 5 December. For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Discussion: "Artificial Intelligence"
2025-12-12 20:00 - 21:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Many game-changing moments have occurred since HRPO’s last focus on AI–some astonishing, some alarming. This brief update is for any who want the latest information. [Postponed from 5 December. For ages twelve and older. No admission fee.]

Geminid Meteor Shower
2025-12-12 21:00 - 2025-12-13 01:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Currently foggy conditions. Please do not drive through fog to get to HRPO.
The grass is wet. Please bring a tarp, lawn chair or any other barrier that can get wet/dirty.
The Geminid meteors, in addition to being part of one of the most reliable showers of the year, are quite intriguing and were first noticed in the 1860s. For this one viewing period the public is welcome to arrive for sky viewing. Due to the light pollution problem here in the Baton Rouge area, it is feasible to attempt viewing of this major shower only during its peak time. The waning crescent Moon will be below the horizon. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 6%, sky cover 62%, relative humidity 100%, temperature 17C, wind E 2 km

Science Academy: "Planet, Star, Galaxy, Universe II"
2025-12-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The comparative investigation continues! A never-before-seen infrared experiment will be included in Cadets’ stations. [Participation in Part I is not a prerequisite. For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 431320

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-12-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 5:04pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:31pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning crescent Moon will be below the horizon. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Fair): precipitation potential 14%, sky cover 34%, relative humidity 100%, temperature 16C, wind S 3 km

Friday Night Lecture Series: "Wonders of the Winter Sky"
2025-12-19 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
BREC Education Program Specialist Amy Northrop will take the audience on a fascinating tour of Baton Rouge’s winter season. She’ll highlight the celestial gems that will sparkle throughout the next three months–gems visitors will be able to see live if they continue to visit HRPO! [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-12-19 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 5:07pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:34pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the New Moon will be below the horizon. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Excellent): precipitation potential 0%, sky cover 3%, relative humidity 68%, temperature 10C, wind E 3 km

Science Academy: "Surveying the Sun"
2025-12-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The study of the big triumvirate (Earth, Sun and Moon) continues. Cadets will learn how our only natural satellite (probably) originated, what it has and can do for us, and when we’ll return! [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet. Participation in parts I and II are not a prerequisite.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 431320.

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-12-20 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 5:07pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:34pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waxing crescent Moon will be below the horizon. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Fair): precipitation potential 1%, sky cover 55%, relative humidity 92%, temperature 19C, wind S 5 km

2026 Preview Party
2025-12-26 18:00 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
NOAA has issued a Dense Fog Advisory from 10pm to 10am.
The last open Friday of December is devoted to premiering much of the 2026 schedule (lectures, camps, celestial events, special programs, classes and guests). [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 2%, sky cover 43%, relative humidity 89%, temperature 22C, wind SW 9 km/h

Solar Viewing
2025-12-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Weather permitting, viewing of the Sun’s image in four different manners (indirectly onto a white surface, directly with safely-filtered optical light, directly in calcium-K wavelength and directly hydrogen-alpha wavelength) will take place. During this time the Sun will be in the constellation Sagittarius at a maximum altitude of 36°. Protective clothing and sunscreen are recommended. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 1%, sky cover 55%, relative humidity 79%, temperature 25C, wind SW 10 km/h

STEM Expansion: "Archaeology"
2025-12-27 14:30 - 18:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
This program offers advanced topics, activity extensions and all-new games and demonstrations to older youth. Certificates are earned and archived as well as modern experiments take place. There are also giveaways and door prizes. [For ages twelve to sixteen. $15 per EBR parish registrant; $18 per other-parish registrant. Register via WebTrac; use activity number 431321. Deadline for online registration is 6pm the day (Friday) before.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-12-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 5:11pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:38pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the First Quarter Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 59° in Pisces. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 0%, sky cover 55%, relative humidity 87%, temperature 21C, wind S 5 km/h

Evening Sky Viewing
2026-01-02 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Cancelled.
Sunset, 5:15pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:42pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the Full Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 64° in Gemini. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Fair): precipitation potential 2%, sky cover 75%, relative humidity 90%, temperature 21C, wind SW 14 km/h

Science Academy: "Jupiter"
2026-01-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
In preparation for the opposition, Cadets will learn Jupiter’s main characteristics and important past mission visits–and the future investigation of Europa! [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 431320.

Evening Sky Viewing
2026-01-03 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 5:16pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:42pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 50° in Gemini. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Very Good): precipitation potential 0%, sky cover 33%, relative humidity 79%, temperature 16C, wind N 12 km/h

Jovian Opposition
2026-01-09 19:45 - 21:45 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Cancelled. NOAA has issued a Flood Watch until 9am.
Jupiter is about 180 degrees from the Sun, rising in Gemini as the Sun sets in Sagittarius. On this night we are the closest we’ll be to Jupiter all year! Weather permitting, viewing of Jupiter will take place. [For ages six and older. No admission fee. Binocular recommended.]
NOAA Forecast (Bad): precipitation potential 58%, sky cover 79%, relative humidity 92%, temperature 23C, wind S 8 km/h

Science Academy: "Distances in Space"
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The astronomical unit. The light-year. The parsec. The Universe gives new meaning to the word “vast”, and Cadets will have a workshop illustrating the ways we reconcile that enormous area of space with the information we’ve learned and the information we want to learn! [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 431320.

Evening Sky Viewing
2026-01-10 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
HRPO will remain open at least until 8:30pm.
Sunset, 5:22pm CST. Twilight Ends, 6:47pm CST.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the Last Quarter Moon will be below the horizon. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Fair): precipitation potential 3%, sky cover 78%, relative humidity 79%, temperature 15C, wind N 16 km/h

Discussion: "Artificial Intelligence"
2026-01-16 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Many game-changing moments have occurred since HRPO’s last focus on AI–some astonishing, some alarming. This brief update is for any who want the latest information. [Postponed from 12 December. For ages twelve and older. No admission fee.]
