Mercurian Elongation
2024-11-16 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Burbank Soccer Complex, 12400 Burbank Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Periodically, Mercury reaches its greatest angular separation in the sky (elongation) from the Sun. This is the safest way for amateurs to view Mercury. Come join us at the Burbank Soccer Complex! The planet will appear as a “half-Mercury”. Venus and Saturn will also be seen. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Very Good): precipitation potential 0%, sky cover 34%, relative humidity 77%, temperature 22C, wind E 10 km/hr

Plus Night: "The Uranian Opposition"
2024-11-16 19:00 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
As the firepit is under construction for upgrading, there will be no marshmallow roast.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. There will also be physical science demonstrations, a marshmallow roast, a sky tour and a game for kids to earn small prizes. During this time the waning gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 50° in Taurus. 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 42%, relative humidity 92%, temperature 19C, wind E 7 km/hr

Natural Sky Conference
2024-11-22 16:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Quite possibly the most important four hours a stakeholder will spend at HRPO this year will be the networking gathering allowing the facility’s parents, BRAS members and LSU astronomy students to talk to those organizations in the area that have the greatest ability to curb light pollution. [Drinks. For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Excellent): precipitation potential 1%, sky cover 0%, relative humidity 61%, temperature 13C, wind NW 5 km/hr

Science Academy: "Jupiter"
2024-11-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
It spins completely around in fewer than ten Earth hours. It is the “vacuum cleaner” of the Solar System, pulling in asteroids and meteoroids very often before those objects can strike other locations. It has dozens of moons, the largest four of which can be seen from Earth as they cross in front of or pass behind their parent planet. Cadets will investigate Jupiter! [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 531990.

Evening Sky Viewing
2024-11-23 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
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 (Excellent): precipitation potential 0%, sky cover 1%, relative humidity 80%, temperature 12C, wind SE 2 km/hr

Solar Viewing
2024-11-30 12:00 - 14:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Weather permitting, viewing of the Sun’s image in three different manners (indirectly onto a white surface, directly with safely-filtered optical light and directly in hydrogen-alpha wavelength) will take place. During this time the Sun will be in the constellation Ophiuchus at a maximum altitude of 38°. Protective clothing and sunscreen are recommended. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Excellent): precipitation potential 0%, sky cover 10%, relative humidity 46%, temperature 13C, wind E 8 km/hr

STEM Expansion: "Planetary Speedsters"
2024-11-30 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 531993. Deadline for online registration is 6pm the day (Friday) before.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2024-11-30 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
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! NOTE: Continuing tradition, at the end of this Thanksgiving Saturday session personnel will attempt a viewing of the Christmas Tree Cluster. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Excellent): precipitation potential 0%, sky cover 11%, relative humidity 72%, temperature 8C, wind E 3 km/h

Friday Night Lecture Series: "The Future is Ours"
2024-12-06 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
As we approach the beginning of 2024’s Winter, this once-only discussion will outline the many different ways the upcoming four to five years will see incredible growth locally and beyond in skygazing and other STEM-based hobbies. The possibilities are as endless as the opportunities. [Postponed from 1 November. For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2024-12-06 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waxing crescent Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 20° in Capricornus. 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 36%, relative humidity 73%, temperature 6C, wind NE 5 km/h

Science Academy: "Kites and Parachutes"
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
A kite is a heavier-than-air “wing” that flies on the currents while directed by a control line. If a parachute can help bring a rover safely to the Martian landscape, it can do the same for you. Cadets will investigate the history of kites and parachutes. [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 531990.]

Jovian Opposition
2024-12-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Jupiter is exactly 180 degrees from the Sun, rising as the Sun is setting. 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 (Poor): precipitation potential 12%, sky cover 77%, relative humidity 77%, temperature 11C, wind E 3 km/h

Baton Rouge Astronomical Society Meeting
2024-12-09 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.]

Geminid Meteor Shower
2024-12-12 21:00 - 2024-12-13 01:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
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 waxing crescent Moon will be below the horizon. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Very Good): precipitation potential 0%, sky cover 16%, relative humidity 85%, temperature 7C, wind E 4 km/h

Friday Night Lecture Series: "Journeys to the Moon"
2024-12-13 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Since antiquity, humankind has been voyaging to the Moon with imagination and curiosity. This presentation helmed by Center Supervisor James DeOliveira introduces the beginners to making his or her own observations. Neither a rocket nor a spacecraft is required! [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2024-12-13 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The 20OGS will not be available due to ongoing LSU maintenance. Viewing will take place on the front pad.
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 78° in Taurus. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 1%, sky cover 32%, relative humidity 93%, temperature 14C, wind E 11 km/h

Science Academy: "Helicopters and Airplanes"
2024-12-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Cadets will investigate the flying machines that have been with us for over a century. [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 531990.]

Light Pollution Committee Meeting
2024-12-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The Light Pollution Committee is an education effort overseen by the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society. The public is invited. The LPC teaches people what light pollution is, what the different types of light pollution are, how they are detrimental and how to determine if any particular location has a light pollution problem. [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2024-12-14 20:00 - 22:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The 20OGS will not be available due to ongoing LSU maintenance. Viewing will take place on the front pad.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the Full Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 73° in Taurus. 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 50%, relative humidity 93%, temperature 18C, wind SE 10 km/h

Solar Viewing
2024-12-20 10:30 - 13:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Weather permitting, viewing of the Sun’s image in three different manners (indirectly onto a white surface, directly with safely-filtered optical light and directly in 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.
This special session of solar viewing is programmed due to the predicted increase in solar activity due to Solar Cycle 25. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]

Friday Night Lecture Series: "Wonders of the Winter Sky"
2024-12-20 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
2024-12-20 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning gibbous 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 0%, relative humidity 68%, temperature 7C, wind chill 6C; wind N 12 km/h

Science Academy: "The Language of Astronomy"
2024-12-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The etymology of a word is basically its “biography”. Cadets will learn the origins of the words that denote the objects and concepts prevalent in astronomy. [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 531990.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2024-12-21 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning gibbous 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 1%, relative humidity 69%, temperature 7C, wind chill 6C, wind N 5 km/h

2025 Preview Party
2024-12-27 18:00 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The 20OGS will not be available due to ongoing LSU maintenance. Viewing will take place on the front pad.
NOAA has issued a Dense Fog Advisory from 6pm to 10am.
The last open Friday of December is devoted to premiering much of the 2025 schedule (lectures, camps, celestial events, special programs, classes and guests). [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Fair): precipitation potential 4%, sky cover 49%, relative humidity 95%, temperature 21C, wind S 3 km/h

Solar Viewing
2024-12-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
HRPO will close at 12:30pm. NOAA has issued a Tornado Watch until 3pm.
Weather permitting, viewing of the Sun’s image in three different manners (indirectly onto a white surface, directly with safely-filtered optical light and directly in 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 (Bad): precipitation potential 58%, sky cover 84%, relative humidity 95%, temperature 23C, wind S 16 km/h

STEM Expansion: "Mars Mania"
2024-12-28 14:30 - 18:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory

Evening Sky Viewing
2024-12-28 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
CANCELLED. NOAA has issued a Tornado Watch until 9pm.
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 (Bad): precipitation potential 75%, sky cover 87%, relative humidity 94%, temperature 21C, wind W 16 km/h

Friday Night Lecture Series: "2024--The Space Year in Review"
2025-01-03 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Tradition continues, with HRPO’s cornerstone program returning for another calendar year with a look back at the discoveries, advances and celestial events of 2024. [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-01-03 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waxing crescent Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 9° in Aquarius. 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 15%, relative humidity 80%, temperature 12C, wind NE 5 km/h
