Astronomical Opportunities at Fort Hays

BY RAEGAN NEUFELD

Like any university, Fort Hays State is home to many different clubs and organizations that cater to a variety of interests. Students have the opportunity to be involved in anything from Greek life to swing dancing; and even astronomy.

For those who like to learn about planets, space, or just like stargazing, the Astronomy Club is the place to be.

“The main goal for the Astronomy Club is just to create a space where people can come talk about anything that is happening space-related or any astronomical events that are occurring,” Drake Kee, president of the Astronomy Club, said. “It’s a great opportunity to hang out and meet new people.”

Kee himself became interested in joining after taking an astronomy class with Dr. Jack Maseberg, who is the on-campus advisor for the club. Kee also mentioned that he enjoys stargazing and is interested in sailing.

“I know you can navigate out in the ocean with the stars, so I wanted to learn more about that,” he said.

Danny Sleigh also credits Dr. Maseberg’s class as one of the reasons she became interested in the Astronomy Club. 

“I think astronomy is cool and I like to learn and try new things,” she said. 

After joining, Sleigh said that she has learned how to use a telescope, and also where different objects such as stars and galaxies are located in the sky.

Meetings for the Astronomy Club consist of a combination of learning and observation. At last Tuesday’s meeting, Kee shared with the other members a short presentation about 3D printing. Members watched a video and looked at several pictures that showed how 3D printing can be used in space and by astronomers here on earth.

Members of the Astronomy Club also get to use the Tomanek Hall observation deck and observatory on top of Albertson Hall. Last Tuesday night, they were able to see Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn through the telescope in Albertson.

Sleigh said that what she looks forward to the most is the observation nights when they can look at the sky.

The Astronomy Club will be taking part in this week’s Space Week, which is October today through Sunday. Events include 3D printing of space-related models, the regular Tuesday meeting, an opening of the observation deck, and a showing of the movie Hidden Figures

Friday, October 8, the Astronomy Club will be traveling to Great Bend. 

“We’re going to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center,” Kee said, “We’ll be putting on a program for the community. Anybody can come, and we’ll tell star stories and have a good stargazing night.”

Astronomy Club meetings are held at 7 p.m. in Tomanek hall 201 every other Tuesday. The observation deck is open to everyone on Tuesdays as well from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. this semester. More information can be found on the Fort Hays State University Astronomy Club’s TigerLink page.

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