The Madison Astronomical Society has continuously operated as a club for over 90 years. But, like many organizations, we have paid only passing attention to documenting our own history.
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History of the Madison Astronomical Society
September, 1950 MAS meeting at the Washburn Observatory. -
Moon Over Monona Terrace
Friday October 3, 2025, 7:00pm – Monona Terrace Convention Center
What: One of the biggest star parties in the US
When: Friday, October 3, 7-10 pm
Where: Monona Terrace Convention Center (rooftop)MAS will have multiple telescopes, binoculars and other instruments set up so members of the public can explore the moon and other celestial objects.
Free and open to the public but tickets are required for admission.
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Public Outreach Star Party at Anderson Farm Dog Park, Oregon
Thursday Sept. 25, 2025, 7:00pm.
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Chasing the Ephemeral Aurora Borealis Wisconsinae: My Story and What Works
Friday September 12, 2025, 7:00pm – UW Space Place
Seeing the Aurora Borealis is a bucket-list item for many. I’ll tell my story of how I learned about and finally saw the aurora here in Wisconsin, and share some tips tidbits I’ve picked up that can help you see and capture it too, whether it’s your first time or one of many.
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Public Outreach Star Party at Korth Park, Lake Mills
Wednesday August 20, 2025, 8:15 PM
A public presentation starts at 8:15 PM and stargazing starts at 8:45 PM.
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Stargazing Event at Donald County Park
Saturday August 16, 2025, 8:00 PM – Donald County Park (CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER)
Join the Friends of Donald County Park and Madison Astronomical Society at the Pop’s Knoll picnic area to view the planets and stars. Telescopes will be provided, but bring your own if you have one. Bring your family and friends, flashlight, insect repellent, blanket or chairs and marshmallows for roasting. Firepits will be ready.
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Steve Meyer (1945-2025)
Steve Meyer passed away unexpectedly on February 8, 2025, from complications arising following heart surgery.
Born and raised in Stockbridge, WI, on Lake Winnebago’s eastern shore, Steve developed an early appreciation for dark, pristine rural skies. His dad was a high school principal and the elder Mr. Meyer’s belief in equal opportunity for students with disabilities planted the seed for Steve’s lifelong passion for human rights.
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Sue Balliette (1953-2023)
Sue Balliette joined the Madison Astronomical Society in the late 1960s as a high school student after she learned of the club during a visit to the Washburn Observatory.
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The Monsters of the Universe: Supermassive Black Holes and Quasars
Friday August 8, 2025, 7:00pm – UW Space Place
Supermassive black holes, with masses that range from tens of thousands to billions of times the mass of our Sun, are thought to be present in every galaxy in the Universe and can affect the growth and evolution of these galaxies. In order to understand how galaxies evolve, we must therefore understand the role played by supermassive black holes.
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Wynn Wacker (1949-2023)
At the August 11th 2023 meeting of the Madison Astronomical Society, we learned that the Society had lost one of its longest serving members and guiding forces, Wynn Wacker.
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