About the Black Hills Astronomical Society
HVO and Comet Hale-Bopp
The Black Hills Astronomical Society has gone through times of growth, rapid change, progress and excitement, as well as times of disappointment, few members and dwindling resources. Through it all a dedicated core of members has held star parties every year since 1956 until the pandemic of 2020. Thousands of people from the region have had their first look through a telescope as a result of this organization, and for some, that experience has changed their lives.
The centerpiece of the Black Hills Astronomical Society is the Hidden Valley Observatory, on the west end of Rapid City. This observatory has been home to their main telescopes since 1965 and currently houses their 12” Meade telescope. The Hidden Valley Observatory is where public and private star parties are held.
In addition to the public and private star parties, the Society has member only star parties where we travel to dark sky locations in the region, a monthly Full Moon Meeting social at a local restaurant, and monthly meetings that are held on the campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in the Fall-Winter-Spring.
Hidden Valley Observatory – 50th Anniversary Picnic
Check out our website for meeting and membership information at https://sdbhas.org/, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our Twitter feed. You are invited to come to our summer star parties to experience first-hand the wonders of the night sky, attend our meetings and programs to learn about Astronomy. You don’t need a telescope to become a member, just an interest in learning.
The Black Hills Astronomical Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a member of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium.