Cache Valley Astronomical Society embraces sky-high curiosity
Tom Westre’s love of astronomy began with a trip to an observatory when he was 10 years old.
That Christmas, he received his first telescope. Sixty years later, the now-president of the Cache Valley Astronomical Society maintains his curiosity of the night sky and wishes to share it with others.
The CVAS, formerly the Cache Valley Star Gazers, meets monthly to share their interest in astronomy with residents of Cache Valley.
“The Cache Valley Astronomical Society was formed by local amateurs who enjoy observing together, learning from each other and sharing the night sky with interested members of the community,” wrote Lyle Johnson, the public relations manager for the CVAS.
From May to August, the society conducts “star parties.” Participants travel to a location free of light pollution to observe the night sky.
During the colder months, club meetings are held. A typical club meeting involves an overview of events in the sky happening that month, a 45-minute presentation and a question and answer session. Members of the presidency make a point to acquaint themselves with members, offer resources and help astronomers pursue their individual interests.
Club meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Science Engineering Research Building, Room 224. November’s meeting will be held Friday. This month’s presentation is on buying your first telescope.
“Just come with a desire and a curiosity about the skies,” Westre said.
One common misconception about astronomy is that it takes a lot to take it up as a hobby. Many people believe that you need an expensive telescope and a lot of equipment. However, all it takes is a budding curiosity to getting started, Westre said.
“I’ve got to admit, it seems like amateur astronomers are getting older,” said Dell Vance, vice president of the Cache Astronomical Society. “They don’t realize that you can get into it for almost nothing.”
Westre suggests the best way to get started is with a star map, which you can find for free on the internet. Astronomy clubs like this one are also a resource for people looking to expand their interest.
“I enjoy sharing my equipment and knowledge with anyone in the community who is interested in seeing the wonders of our solar system, our galaxy and beyond with their own eyes,” Johnson wrote. “I have conducted ‘star parties’ with individuals, families, scout groups, youth groups, ‘Sunbirds’ and the general public many times.”
Christopher Austin, a senior in psychology, took his first astronomy class last summer. He thought it would be a more interesting way to meet his physical science requirement, and he was not disappointed.
“I loved it,” Austin said about the class. “I thought it was a great time.”
The average college student has a lot of demands on their time. For Austin and others, not pursuing an interest in astronomy is more about a lack of time than a lack of enthusiasm.
When asked if he would be interested in attending club meetings, Austin said, “Maybe, if I have time. I don’t really know a lot about astronomy, but it’s something I would do because I think it’s fun to talk about.”
The CVAS welcomes people of all ages, interests and walks of life. One of its main goals, however, is to pique an interest in teens and young adults. Society members believe gaining a passion in science now can last a lifetime.
“I was 12 years old when I got my interest, and that interest carried with me through 50 years,” Vance said. “We’d like to see young people get an interest. They may not be able to do it every week or every month or for years, but eventually they’ll have an opportunity to do it.”
Some of Westre and Vance’s fondest memories were the great strides of the space program during their youth. Their generation can remember the Apollo program, while generations after him may miss out on equally exciting advancements.
“Nobody knows astronauts anymore,” Westre said. “The younger generation doesn’t have a lot of space heroes to look up to. It’s harder and harder to get younger people involved not only in astronomy but science.
However, the club presidency still plays its role in engaging the community in astronomy and science. Westre recalled one time in particular when an 80 year-old woman attended a star party and looked through a telescope for the very first time.
“It’s a shame to go through that many years of your life and never, ever look through a telescope,” Westre said.
— whitney.howard@aggiemail.usu.edu