About Us
About Us
VBAS was originally founded in 1954 as the Rocket City Astronomical Association, thanks to the efforts of a group of high school students interested in Astronomy lead by Sam Pruitt, along with the help and influence of Wernher von Braun.
By 1956, the organization had grown to include several members of the Von Braun Missile Team and they completed the observatory. Our facilities today include a second observatory, astronomical library, solar telescope, and planetarium. Use the "Library", "Observatories", and "Planetarium" links in the top menu to explore our facilities. For more information about our history click the "VBAS History" link in the General Menu to the left.
What We Do
VBAS is a non-profit volunteer organization of amateur and professional astronomers. In addition to operating our planetarium and observatories located in Monte Sano State Park just east of Huntsville, Alabama, we also conduct side walk astronomy events in conjunction with several local community events such as "Concerts In The Park".
Member & Public Events
Members meet at our planetarium on the third Friday of each month, except for December, to discuss recent and upcoming astronomy events which usually includes a guest speaker and the public is welcome to attend!
We also have several planetarium programs throughout the year that the public is invited to and we enjoy viewing the evening skies afterwards when the weather permits.
Watch for details about upcoming Member & Public events on our "Home" page.
VBAS Officers 2018
Last Updated on Friday, 12 April 2019 14:53 Written by Administrator
VBAS Elected Board of Directors
President: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2018-2019
Vice-President: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it & This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2018-2019
Secretary: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2018-2020
Treasurer: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2017-2019
Student Director: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2018-2019
Director of Administration: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2018-2020
Director of Education & Programs: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2017-2019
Director of Facilities & Equipment: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2017-2019
Director of Planning & Research: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2018-2020
Past President: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2018-2019
Appointed Officers
Membership Secretary: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Planetarium Director: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Observatories Director: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Public Communications Coordinator: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Outreach Coordinator: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Librarians: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it & This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Historians: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it & This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dark Skies Rep: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Newsletter Editor: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website Team: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , & This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Terms Of Office
Elected Members of the Board Of Directors assume their responsibilities on July 1st and serve a two year staggered term with the exception of the President, Vice President, and Past President who are all elected first as Vice President and then serve in all three positions for one year each. The term of the Student Director is also one year.
Appointed officer positions are appointed by and serve at the Board's direction.
