Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program is all about the idea that if people are unable, unwilling, or unmotivated to go see the stars, why not bring the stars to them? I’ve just heard back from John Klebenow of the Brazosport Astronomy Club, south of Houston, Texas, a group that took this idea and ran with it. John explains:
A family gazes at the sky as part of Texas’ Brazosport Astronomy Club’s consecutive sidewalk astronomy sessions July 14-16, 2011, taking advantage of the crowds attending a show at the local performing arts center. // Roy Lostracco photo
Our
Discover the Universe event was a great success! The nine intrepid club members who took part did a great job covering the multi-day event. The venue was the sidewalk and parking area just outside the Brazosport Center for the Arts and Sciences in Clute, Texas.
We took advantage of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat performing each night of July 14 through 16. During intermissions and after the shows, we entertained and educated the crowds with the night sky. The clouds cooperated with us for two of the three nights, but even on that poor night, a dozen or so curious souls stayed late to catch an occasional glimpse of the Moon and Saturn. The other nights were actually quite good for observing!
Two group members display some of the supplies Astronomy sent as part of its Discover the Universe program, which helps astronomy clubs put on such events. // Roy Lostracco photo
Altogether we engaged almost 200 people with the excitement of astronomy! One lady commented that the play was like dessert for her, and the stargazing was the icing on the cake! Throughout the nights, we happily handed out
Astronomy’s supplies, which really helped and were enthusiastically received. Our club extends its thanks to all at
Astronomy.
Thanks for sharing the details, John! What a great way to surprise the crowds with the beauty of the heavens. It was our pleasure to help make such a great event happen. If you want to know how Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program can assist your club, please email me at bandrews@astronomy.com.