The night sky belongs to everyone, and as we gaze at the glowing planets and shining stars, curiosity runs rampant through our minds. Being innately fascinated by Earth — and the seemingly infinite number of planets we cannot see with our naked eye — we hold a constant quest within ourselves to seek a better understanding of the universe we live in. An organization that captures and illuminates this curiosity and fascination is the Astronomy Club. No matter your field of study, a welcome conversation about all things space awaits you. And with informational activities comes friendly, engaging and fun games meant to connect the members of the organization.
Astronomy Club is an organization full of activity, kindness and inclusivity towards all that attend the biweekly meetings. To comment on what this organization does and to share their experiences are three current executive officers and long-term members of the organization. They will touch on the goals of the organization, some of what they do for activities and what it is like within the Astronomy Club at West Chester University.
First, Tyler Hoffman, president of the organization, has been in the club for around four years. Sharing the goals of the club, Hoffman said they “aim to be an inclusive club that appeals to as many interests as possible.” They work to achieve this goal by “allowing people to explore new facts and theories about space and astronomy while also exploring topics that interest them in the process.”
Hoffman continued and stated that “members are always encouraged to bring their own news articles and topics of discussion,” and that in the past the organization has “hosted star parties, which are group stargazing nights down in the S-lot on campus.” The organization is able to do this thanks to school-provided telescopes.
When Astronomy Club is unable to be together and stargaze, they play “community-driven games, like the Jackbox Party Packs, and other games that are based on space, like Universe Sandbox 2.” Hoffman, commenting on his time in Astronomy Club, said it “was honestly the only club that interested [him during his] freshman year here at WCU,” and that he “definitely does not regret joining,” as it has “been a blast.” He is “proud and honored to have been a part of the club” and can’t wait to see what it looks like in the future.
Next, Agostino “Austin” Nigro, the current vice president of the organization, has been in Astronomy Club for about two years. Nigro said he joined due to his “love and interest for space,” although in the beginning he “was very shy and discouraged” when he first came to West Chester. His discouragement quickly left him, though, as he found friends and inviting and kind individuals within Astronomy Club. Nigro’s time in the organization has been nothing but “amazing,” and he would like to extend an invitation to all of his fellow students to come check it out. He would like to “share the organization’s love of space and astronomy with everyone.”
Lastly, Sarah Davis, the current secretary, has been in the organization for around three years. Davis joined because she had “an interest in space and [she] wanted to learn more while making friends who have similar interests.” She continued, saying “it has been a lot of fun” and that “it is a nice break from classes and schoolwork.” Davis commented further, stating that “the club is a lot of fun when it is in person,” citing the “space-themed Halloween parties, game or movie nights and stargazing opportunities” the organization provides.
No matter your academic path, the Astronomy Club provides valuable information and insight into the universe we live in. They achieve an educational and exciting activity balance in each meeting they hold. Should you want to check out this organization, it meets every other Monday at 7:15 p.m. with the next meeting being held on Apr. 19. To ensure you are notified of the upcoming meeting, find the organization on RamConnect using the link below, and sign up to be a part of the Astronomy Club.
Academic Makeup:
- Majors – Business Management, Music Education, Music Composition,
- Minors – Information Technology (IT), Economics,
Ramconnect Page- https://ramconnect.wcupa.edu/feeds?type=club&type_id=19745&tab=home
Website- https://ramconnect.wcupa.edu/astronomyclub/home/
Evan Brooks is a third-year Business Management major with minors in Economics and Civil & Professional Leadership. EB916132@wcupa.edu