Thank You Texas Night Sky Festival

The Earthbound Astronomers were in full force this past weekend at the Second Annual Texas Night Sky Festival in Dripping Springs.

We came, we saw, we schmoozed. Brian manned the solar scopes 100% of the time while I dipped in and out between showing folks the sun and making new friends. The Austin Astronomical Society was out in full force with a table full of hands on activities and information; including our new solar focused handouts. We reconnected with already established friends from the Texas Museum of Science and Technology, the amazing folks of the Texas chapter of the International Dark Sky Association, Mike Brewster of Reimers Ranch, and Amy Jackson of Starry Sky Austin (check out her new book, Cassandra and the Night Sky). We also made some new friends with the folks of the Wimberly Valley Dark Sky Committee and Park Interpreter Holly Platz with the South Llano River State Park (looking forward to connecting with you in May).

Numbers haven't been totaled but the public was in full force taking part in all the activities, shows, talks and music offered.  We certainly had a large number on the field with us later in the evening.  The clouds weren't terribly forgiving but the public kept in good spirits and the breaks from stars allowed us astronomers time to answer questions and explain equipment.

Thank you to all who brought equipment to the field and shared their eyepieces and expertise. And a special thank you to all who showed up to look through our optics and especially a huge thank you to the parents who brought their kids out to the festival and the star party. You all are what keep STEM alive!

Clear Skies,
Dawn