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The Rio Rancho Astronomical Society began in 1998 as an astronomy club with Rio Rancho High School.  Soon after its founding, the club expanded to become a public club, independent of the high school.  Over the years, we have grown and expanded, with new members coming and going, to the current public club we are today.  We are open to all types of members, from beginning astronomers to seasoned veterans.   And no, you don't need to be a master observer or even own a telescope to join.  All you need are a good pair of eyes and a willingness to learn.

Our monthly meetings are usually held at Rainbow Park Observatory 301 Southern Blvd in Rio Rancho.  The building is located behind Rainbow Park Pool (See map link at right).  The monthly meeting is usually on the Friday of the month that is between New Moon and First Quarter Moon, starting at 7:30 PM and a public stargaze follows each meeting, weather permitting.

Upcoming Club Events

October 22 -26

Enchanted Skies Star Party

November 1, 7:30 PM

Monthly Meeting

Monthly meeting of the RRAS held at Rainbow Park Observatory

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11's flight to the Moon. New Mexico space author Loretta Hall will take you along on the journey that sent the first human beings to a brand new world.  Loretta Hall is an award winning author of "Space Pioneers: In Their Own Words," "Out of this World: New Mexico's Contributions to Space Travel," "The Complete Space Buff's Bucket List," and "Miguel & Michelle Visit Spaceport America." She recently received a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America in the History category for "Space Pioneers." She is also an award-winning speaker and a Space Ambassador for the National Space Society.

November 11, 8:00 AM

Transit of Mercury

On Monday, 2019 November 11, Mercury will transit the Sun for the first time since 2016. The transit or passage of a planet across the face of the Sun is a relatively rare occurrence. As seen from Earth, only transits of Mercury and Venus are possible. There are approximately 13 transits of Mercury each century. In comparison, transits of Venus occur in pairs with more than a century separating each pair.

Rainbow Park Observatory will open to the public for this event.  The Observatory opens at 8:00 AM (the transit starts before local sunrise), and the transit will end at 11:04 AM.