With Stars In Our Eyes

The Astronomy Club, and class, had the honor of attending the Okie-Tex Star Party in Black-Mesa, Oklahoma on September 26-29, 2019. Students were able to experience the night sky with little man-made light to obstruct the observation. Students used red lights to further prevent light pollution. The students were able to bathe in star light, see constellations, planets, shooting stars, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Students heard professional and practicing astronomers speak on planets, missions, star imaging, and their trips. Additionally, Mrs. Grzybowski shared her presentation to those observing at Okie-Tex this year, about her trip to Chile. 

Not only did students observe stars, but they also went hiking, shopping, and explored new places in Black Mesa State Park. They even went looking at dinosaur tracks and made new friends. Cole Cappertons favorite part was, “The eight-mile mesa hike and sleeping on the tarp under the stars.” The trip included meals, a van ride, extremely dark nights, and scavenger hunts.

Whether it was sleeping out on the tarps, talking to new friends, hiking, or star-gazing, every student had a favorite part of the Black Mesa trip. Kendall’s Johnson favorite part of the trip was, “Hanging out with all my new friends and seeing the stars.” 

The 2020 Okie-Tex Star Party will be scheduled for next September and students interested should join Astronomy Club, or enroll in the class, and attend observations at Washington Elementary School.