Las Vegas Astronomical Society works to protect night skies

Astronomy is a whole galaxy more than Zodiac signs.

So says the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, a nonprofit organization of amateur astronomers that meets monthly and recently joined the charge against a proposed development near its regular stargazing go-to site.

Developers have their sights on a parcel near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for up to 4,500 homes and a business park. The society has taken a stand on the project, maintaining that the light pollution and noise will rob it of a quality dark-sky site, said president Jim Gianoulakis.

He intends to represent the group and its stance at the Clark County Commission's planned Feb. 8 meeting.

"Our kids deserve the ability to see the Milky Way on a summer evening," he said. "Preservation of dark skies is everyone's concern. I'm not anti-growth, but we need to grow appropriately."

Gianoulakis welcomed newcomers curious about the area's stargazing potential to the next planned public star party at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Visitor Center, 1000 Scenic Loop Drive.

People of all ages and levels of expertise are invited, he said.

The Las Vegas Astronomical Society formed in July 1980 via the College of Southern Nevada Planetarium and the facility's director, Dale Etheridge.

The society's regular meetings and observations help novice astronomers understand and condense the blanket of stars above, said group outreach director Rob Lambert.

The group, which includes about 100 members, also narrows the spectrum of tools and techniques for observation, astrophotography, astronomical computer software and other topics concerning general astronomy.

Meetings are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at CSN Planetarium, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave.

"For most of us, it's a passionate hobby," Lambert said. "My interest came from contact of this club. I went to a Red Rock event, saw the Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula, and I was hooked."

Lambert's casual encounter six years ago led to a professional fervor he took to academia. He teaches astronomy labs at CSN.

Meetings and star parties often include a presentation and outside stargazing, Lambert said.

Members are welcome to the groups' astronomical library, loaner telescopes, observation outings and monthly shows and events at the CSN Planetarium.

The group has discovered asteroids and named them after fellow or honorary society members.

The society includes articles on its website for beginners intimidated by the prospect of joining, Gianoulakis said. The literature will help familiarize wannabe astronomers with the lingo or hot topics related to the study of celestial objects.

"Individuals without equipment are welcome to attend, and the group is happy to share that love of the night sky with their equipment," Gianoulakis said. "Sharing our love of the hobby is what most of us get the most joy out of it."

Annual dues are $25 per family or $10 for students and teachers.

For more information, visit lvastronomy.com or call 461-1390.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.