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. Annual star parties returned in 2024. 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, set in the northwest corner of Rapid City. This observatory has been home to the club’s main telescopes since 1965 and currently houses a 12” Meade telescope. Public and private parties are held at Hidden Valley Observatory.
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 webpages for meeting and membership information, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our feeds on Mastodon or Bluesky. You are invited to come to our summer star parties to experience first-hand the wonders of the night sky. 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.