Useful links

Things we find ourselves going back to — forecasts, sky charts, light pollution maps, and people who explain the sky well. Links that leave this site say where they go.

About the ASN

ASN Mission and Activities

The Astronomical Society of Nevada is a non-profit service organization introducing the pubic to astronomy.  Read about the free programs the ASN supports...

Astronomical Society of Nevada Constitution

This is the ASN's Constitution, revised on February 11, 2022, reviewed and approved on April 12, 2022, by the ASN Members present, and certified by James Fahey, ASN President. This revised document becomes effective April, 2022. 

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ASN Membership

Yearly ASN Membership

Membership is just $30 per year and helps maintain this long-standing, venerable organization. Join us for a trip around the sun!

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ASN News & Activities

The ASN Newsletter

This page includes links to some back issues of the ASN Newsletters. 

ASN Star Party Info

Markleeville , CA Star Party

Markleeville . August 19, 2023 Sunset 7:51 Moon set 9:34 THIS IS A DARK SKY AREA!. Read the article for details and map.

Astronomy Weather

Astrospheric

Astropheric (www.astrospheric.com) is a website and app that provides detailed weather forecasts specifically tailored for astronomers and astrophotographers in North America. It gathers and presents various types of astronomy-related information to help users plan their observing sessions.

Educational Resources

Dark Sky/Light Pollution Map

Regarding light pollution, Nevada is exceptional for its dark skies. This light pollution mapping application displays VIIRS/DMSP/World Atlas over Microsoft Bing base layers. 

lightpollutionmap.info

Fleischmann Planetarium

The emphasis is on education for enthusiasts of all ages, providing educational shows, presentations and scientific exhibits that correlate with K-12 Next-Generation Science Standards.

Our Amazing Universe

Incredible images gathered from many astronomy sites, including the Solar Dynamics Observatory, the Solar & Heliospheric Observatory, the European Southern Observatory, NASA, the Hubble Space Telescope, and more.

On this site

Sky & Telescope

Packed with information, the magazine and website focus on amateur and professional interests in astronomy.

skyandtelescope.com

Star Parties & Events

There are several good lists for Star Parties and other astronomical events. Some are kept up-to-date more than others. Check out these lists.

Telescopes

Using information gathered from Wikipedia, the SVAS details the differences between reflecting, refracting, and catadioptric telescopes.

svas.org

Past Events

Astronomy Day 2022

Join us! Everyone is welcome. Astronomy Day 2022 will be at the Chinese Pagoda Pavilion, Rancho San Rafael Park, 1595 N Sierra Street Reno, NV. There will be many fun and exciting activities, including solar viewing, free NASA swag, and a FREE Raffle for a telescope!

Watch the Transit of Mercury

From NASA: The sky will put on a stellar show on Nov. 11, 2019, as Mercury crosses in front of the Sun. From our perspective on Earth, we can only ever see Mercury and Venus cross in front of, or transit, the Sun, so it's a rare event you won't want to miss!

For local viewing: View the Mercury transit at Sparks Marina (west peninsula) on the morning of Monday, November 11, 2019 from 6:50 am to 10:00 am. A solar telescope will be available for safe viewing. The transit is visible beginning at sunrise, about 6:50 am at the Sparks Marina.

Photo Credit: NASA

Solar Studies

Space Weather at NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce), maintains extensive dashboards for satellite and space weather enthusiasts.

Stellar Studies

Clear Sky Charts

Clear Sky Charts are created by Attilla Danko at cleardarksky.com, using data produced by the Canadian Meteorological Center. CMC's numerical weather forecasts are unique because they are specifically designed for astronomers.

Time and Distance

Time & Date Information

For many centuries, temporal measurement was considered the work of astronomers.

On this site

Everything else

Star parties: what to expect

A casual, open-to-all stargazing night where volunteers set up telescopes, answer questions, and show visitors planets, the Moon, and deep-sky objects. No equipment or experience needed—just dress warmly, bring a red light if you have one, and check for weather cancellations.