The atmosphere was more than congenial as amateur astronomers chatted about topics ever so astronomical, waiting for the meeting to begin. Mr. Stephen O’Meara, who would be the featured  speaker at the meeting, had a gathering crowd of enthusiasts around him, as he signed autographs, caught up with friends and talked about the events that were to occur the following day; astronomy day.
HCCS hosted the 7th Annual Houston/Beaumont Regional Astronomy Meeting Friday October 19th, which brought together members from seven local astronomy groups and many more astronomically interested individuals. As the audience of nearly 200 people sat in the auditorium of the HCC systems building, Dr. Juan Carlos Reina, director of the Title V Program and professor of both physics and astronomy at HCC, kicked off the meeting with a call to order.
The clubs were brought together in order to discuss their own activities with the other amateurs from the local area and the activities and events happening the next day at The George Observatory, the greatly anticipated astronomy day. Astronomy day is a free event open to the public held at the The George Observatory, located in Brazos Bend State Park, which is southwest of Houston. The event seeks to inspire, educate and entertain about all things astronomical. Through talks on topics from the planets to the universe, guided tours of the night-time sky, solar and night-time observation, with a large number of telescopes, the event hosts an array of happenings and a range of activities for all ages and the regional meeting was it’s prelude.
The meeting on this cool October evening continued with representatives from the local clubs speaking on their own meetings, goals, aspirations and membership to the crowd of their fellows. There was an air of both respect and kinship between the passionate individuals and one could easily tell from their expressions that they were all enjoying themselves. As the first part of the meeting ended and the break began, laughter and conversation echoed in the lobby of the auditorium, with the club members relishing the door prizes they had won and sharing both their anticipations and hopes for the following day. But everyone was quick to once again find a seat as the break ended and they prepared for the evenings featured speaker and his presentation.
 After a short introduction from the President of The Houston Astronomical Society, praising the speaker, Mr. O’Meara, for his achievements in astronomy and contributions to the world-wide astronomical community, Mr. O’Meara took to the podium, the lights dimmed and his presentation began. Entitled “Comets and the Salem Witch Hysteria of 1692”, a seasonally appropriate talk, the presentation delved into the historically ominous perception of comets and how they played a part in the culture and atmosphere surrounding the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Through both his eloquence and attention to detail, Mr. O’Meara shed light on the events and conditions of perception that lead up to the “hysteria” of this
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turbulent time in American history, emphasizing the religious implications of comets in this historical period and their great affect on the sentiments of the then fledgling society. Highlighting the intensity of the trails and deaths in this now famous event (The Witch Trails) and correlating them with a compounded culturally tendency toward things both supernatural and superstitious, Mr. O’Meara gave an enlightening account and a wonderfully informative lecture.
With a final note of appreciation for Mr. O’Meara, including a token of thanks and respect presented by Fort Bend Astronomy Club Member Cynthia Gustava, the meeting adjourned and the attendees filled into the lobby going to prepare for astronomy day which was now only a few hours away…
The next afternoon came quickly and with it an endless blue sky, ripe for the events unfolding at Astronomy Day. Talks were underway, telescopes were being set up and people were arriving, with children in tow, gleaming with anticipation of the opportunities soon to be had. Couples and strangers, parents and children all mingled in and throughout the George Observatory, eating pretzels and popcorn, wandering through the dense nature that now surrounded them.
As the rosy fingers of sunset gave way to the encroaching veil of purple twilight the solitary stars began their shimmering march across the heavens. The energy was palpable as the young ones tugged on the coats and sweaters of their parents, urging them onward and up the steps, where crowds of people, eyes turned upward, marveled at the crystal night. The impressive equipment already set up on the deck of the observatory could be matched only by the immensity of the sky above. There were telescopes with motors, telescopes without; there were telescopes with computers and lights, gadgets and contraptions all to aid in the ancient practice of heavenly observation. Some were pointed toward the giant planet Jupiter, shinning steadily in the darkened sky; others were aimed at the bright moon, which seemed to be a favorite among the shadowy crowd, made into silhouettes by its pale light. As the large dome of the biggest telescope echoed with the noise of operation, there were still other telescopes set toward this or that star cluster and in the plethora of lenses even a galaxy or two could be found, glowing with the light of millions of stars, throwing their existence through time and across the vast expanse. As the hours quickly passed, ever more objects made their way into view, making quite an entrance through the telescopes and into the eyes of smiling observers.
All the effort of those few that gave of themselves to make possible this evening for the many that ventured out and enjoyed it, nearly four thousand, turned the twinkle of the stars into an experience that shall not soon be forgotten. These volunteers whom had so earnestly shared their time and themselves with so many curious strangers had communicated that passion, wonder and excitement that drove them heaven bound and as the visitors peered gently into the night the awe was resonated in their gasps of astonishment and delight.
The evening came to a close and the crowd thinned to just a few, the people made their way along the path leading away from the observatory, leaving with a new found pleasure of the night and as the children hoped and skipped alongside their parents one could clearly see what had been gained, for it seemed as if they believed themselves no longer just below the stars but now among them, shining forth and glowing into the darkness that lay ahead.
-- Nathaniel Whitehead. |
