By Aelynn Hyten
The 830 Times
While studying astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin, Valeria “Orion” Vasquez found a way to connect with her passion in astronomy.
“Hosting star parties in Austin with my student organization, or for South by Southwest, showed me just how transformative they could be,” Vasquez said. “Watching people’s eyes light up as they gazed at Saturn’s rings or discovered constellations they’d never seen before was unforgettable.”
She wanted to bring this astonishment to her hometown.
With the help of her friends, Elijah Felan and Manuel Martinez, Vasquez was able to host one of the first star parties at the Rock Quarry Campground March 20. Their team provided space-themed snacks and telescopes for everyone to use, along with Vasquez being open to answer any questions and identify constellations and planets that were visible.
The event itself garnered a substantial turnout with star enthusiasts from all over Del Rio joining in the night of stargazing. “People of all ages were craning their necks, pointing excitedly, and gasping in awe as they spotted constellations and planets in the night sky, or when they saw Pleiades through the telescope.” said Vasquez.
Vasquez is now actively collaborating with the National Parks Service, Del Rio Parks & Recreation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife to turn star parties into a regular event for the citizens of Del Rio. “On top of that, I’m also working closely with Outreach Coordinators and staff from McDonald Observatory to help me figure out a way to streamline everything and make it run seamlessly,” Vasquez added.
Vasquez and her team are planning to host another star party this summer to continue sharing knowledge of the stars to the citizens of Del Rio.
