Dan Roy and Don Adams write...
I had been driving for over one hour, cursing at aggressive drivers, irritated seeing that traffic around here is even worse in my (Dan Roy) native Paris, France. But then, I turned onto West Road and followed the GPS calls. All of sudden, I was on a lazy winding road among the most gorgeous and serene environment. A beautiful prairie, a few trees, lots of flowers, a serene 170+ acre reservoir. I pulled into the parking lot of a pristine cottage of the kind you only see in movies. I had arrived at John Paul Landing’s Environmental Education Center that also serves as the main office. I was taken by the radiating peace of the place. All that, only a few miles from Houston traffic! You don’t see that in Paris.
Now I understood why our friend Don Adams had been speaking and observing there for over a year. He had warmly recommended his contact there, Bobby Martin, an astronomer and born educator. I was not disappointed. Bobby’s enthusiasm is contagious. He puts together monthly meetings (on the second Saturday of the month) in his idyllic cottage with an invited speaker, a local audience of 40-100+ (half of them kids) and follows the talk with practical handy work for the kids and telescope observing for all.
Although he is open to discussing any subject, Bobby likes to focus the talks on one constellation at a time.
I was particularly impressed by the assignment he gives to the children. He has them make a constellation projector out of a toilet paper roll. One end is covered with a print of the main stars of the constellation of the night and then pierced with a thumb tack where the stars are supposed to be. Put a flashlight at one end, direct the other at the ceiling, you have a wonderful projection of the constellation on the ceiling!
Don has now moved on to other projects but we both agree that HAS should build on his achievements and leadership at John Paul Landing Park.
I am looking for speakers who can captivate naïve audiences without being condescending or too technical. Don says the events are a great experience and fun adventure. Also, Coordination with the Constable’s office enables observing hours that go beyond park closing hours if necessary. There are always at least 2 on staff on astronomy night. The park’s staff also turn off the parking lot lights for the event. The actual observing site is located on a series of paved trails just outside the north side of the building with direct access into the building and its restrooms available the entire evening. The building, along with a small hill to the west, blocks direct light from other parts of the park. The night skies here are Bortle 7 and the views at night are always a pleasant surprise and a welcome change from the bright lights just three or four miles away. Dimmer stars pop into view and constellations become much easier to find and recognize. Planets are easily tracked down and the views of the Moon are always a special part of every event. This is a dark site in the Houston area best to be experienced rather than read about. Come on out and check it out!
Finally, we absolutely love the idea of constellation projectors and we encourage all to try that on your kids. BTW, are there other projects that could motivate kids to look at the sky? Let us know.
Ad astra.
Don [email protected] and Dan [email protected]
