At Discovery Green, we routinely get hundreds of visitors who come out just to look through our telescopes. At other events, we might only have 40-50. In either case, the kid who looks through your telescope might end up being the next Edwin Hubble, Carl Sagan, or Clyde Tombaugh. All it take is a spark; and I like to think that, if nothing else, we're doing our small part to provide that. That's why outreach is one of the most important functions we have as a society.  I implore you, if you've never done one of these outreach events before, join us for one in the near future. 

First, it's a great opportunity to meet other members of the club and get to know others who share the same passion you do about astronomy. Second, you'll learn a lot from those people. And lastly, you get to interact with people from all walks of life who just want to learn, and chances are, you'll be able to help them with that.

Out next event at Discovery Green is Saturday, September 7, and then we have another star party at the Westbury Community Garden on September 10. Jupiter, Saturn, and the moon will all still be visible then, so there will be no shortage of things to look at. If you're interested in joining us for either, please email me at outreach@astronomyhouston.org to let me know.  Bring a telescope or just bring yourself and help out however you're comfortable!

Joe Khalaf
Vice President and Education & Outreach Co-Chair
Houston Astronomical Society