Hello, everyone! James here with another post about interesting places I’ve visited. But this one lines up perfectly with me as an amateur astronomer and a science fiction author! Once again, a big welcome to my new subscribers! Glad to have you along for the ride!

Recently, while we were in Huntsville, AL visiting the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, we went to see the Von Braun Astronomical Society Planetarium and Observatory. Since it was Saturday, they were having their weekly planetarium show and star party.

The place is set on the northeast corner of the flat-topped Monte Santo Mountain and state park east of Huntsville. Despite the overcast sky, a nice crowd showed up.

The planetarium show was pretty neat. It was all about how the universe was trying to kill us! Done tongue-in-cheek, it served as a reminder of how dangerous this Earth and universe really are. It was also a reminder of how precious our Earth is and how we need to take good care of it.

Since the sky was clouded over (I could only just make out Arcturus with my pocket scope), the star party was cancelled and most folks headed home. But some stayed to talk about the latest projects the observatory had going on and my wife and I stayed to listen in. Finally, knowing there was a large telescope nearby, I asked very nicely, as an amateur astronomer, if I could have a peek at it. A very nice man who was part of the team there took us up to see the 21” Swanson that was the main telescope of the observatory.

Suffice to say it was love at first sight!

As I understand it, Werner Von Braun was asked about building an observatory by a high school kid who was interested in astronomy. Von Braun jumped on the idea and used his influence to gather a telescope and materials for the dome, etc. (This place is just dripping with history!) They installed a 16” telescope and later Von Braun used it to scout out landing sites on the Moon for the Apollo program! Sometime later they upgraded to the 21” they have today.

The VBAS Observatory and Planetarium is an amazing place and you should try to get over there on a Saturday night if you’re ever in Huntsville. Perhaps, if you’re like me, you will even join the Von Braun Astronomical Society as a member. They even have programs where you can spend the night in the observatory and an astronomer will direct the main telescope anywhere you want to look. They will even take photos for you! And the price is VERY reasonable. How often do you get to use a 21” telescope?

Well, that’s it for now. Until later, I wish you happy reading and clear, dark skies. – James

Novels by James Crawford (available in print, eBook, and audio book) –

Mariner Valley – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0141N9UXO

Seed of Aldebaran – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SHXTRMP

AlCent Sagas Book One: Formation – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ5C3TQT

AlCent Sagas Book Two: Revelation – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2FRH6Q8

AlCent Sagas Book Three: Investigation – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5SBFYMW

AlCent Sagas Book Four: Desperation – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8767LHL

AlCent Sagas Book Five: Confrontation – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9PPTX6G

A Noble Paradise – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QG6LZ10

Cover artist Wojtek Kapusta – https://www.artstation.com/kapucha76

Audible narrator Lyle Blaker – https://www.acx.com/narrator?p=AXZPXFQRN07M3