1. Virginia Peninsula Astronomers and
Stargazers Hosts Viewing Events
By Steve Shellman

2. Introduction
• Dr. Stephen “Steve” Shellman is founder, chief executive
officer, and chief scientist at Strategic Analysis
Enterprises, Inc. (SAE), located in Virginia. In addition
to his work there, he directs the Violent Intranational
Political Conflict and Terrorism (VIPCAT) Research
Laboratory at the College of William and Mary. When
not in the office, Dr. Steve Shellman belongs to the
Virginia Peninsula Astronomers and Stargazers (VPAS)
organization.
Established in 2002, the VPAS is a free organization
located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads
region. Members observe the stars and gain information
on astronomy-related topics.

3. Virginia Peninsula Astronomers
• The VPAS hosts events throughout the year for
members to view the sky and share their
experiences. One event that occurs on the
second Saturday of every month (weather
permitting) is the Virginia Living Museum Star
Party. Attendees can arrive around sunset with
their telescopes and stay as long as they desire,
though staff members typically leave around
11:30 p.m. The planetarium operates laser shows
during much the evening.