The Stars Come Out in Murrieta

Despite cool evening temperatures, local families gathered outside the Murrieta Library for a rare opportunity to get a closer look into outer space. 

Members of the Temecula Valley Astronomers (TVA), a local group founded on the concept of bringing people together to build an interest in and educate others about the universe, set up their personal telescopes and binoculars allowing the community to see pieces of our solar system much clearer than could ever be possible with the naked eye.

Small children climbed up on stools to be able to peer through the eyehole of the large telescopes, some of which were larger than themselves. When they looked through, most were able to see stars and the moon, but a few fortunate viewers were able to see Jupiter, as well as the constellation Orion. Heavy cloud cover made the viewing difficult for some.

TVA regularly coordinates one or two Star Parties per month, throughout the region. This was the second Star Party hosted at the Murrieta Library.

“We look for things that will spark interest in the community,” said Youth Services Librarian, Joyce Brown. “We held a Star Party at the Library last year and received positive feedback. We were happy to host another one again.”

“There aren’t many opportunities for children to use a telescope to see the stars.”  

Brown said the Library makes an effort to offer its patrons a variety of entertaining events to attend, including educational and cultural experiences.

Prior to star gazing, attendees sat in the Community Room engaged as they listened to a presentation by John Garrett, former president of TVA. For the younger children sitting on the floor listening, he simplified how the solar system works. By sharing an image of the solar system with moving parts, he explained how the planets revolve around the sun, clarifying what can be seen in the sky at different times of the year.

After the presentation, the eager crowd lined up behind the telescopes and binoculars for an opportunity to look into space.

At times, the cloudy night made Jupiter difficult to see. Some of the challenges with astronomy in the winter can include clouds and cold weather, said Mark Baker, TVA president.

But the cold weather didn’t keep curious minds away. Bundled up in jackets and scarves, those interested waited for a peek into another world.

“We want children to build an interest in astronomy. I have been intrigued with it since I was 8 years old,” Baker said. “We want children to know that you don’t need an expensive telescope to explore outer space, even a nice set of binoculars can do the trick.”  

He added that astronomy is one of the few scientific fields where amateurs are able to contribute findings. There are even asteroids and comets that are being named after children who discover them, he said.

Members of TVA who shared their equipment included, Mark Baker, president; John Garrett, former president; Curtis Crowlet; Mark Devicio and Steve Thornton.