By Karen Alava | Staff Writer
The Astronomy Club is building a space where students from all majors can come together to explore the universe, no prior experience required. Through events, discussions, and hands-on activities, the club focuses not only on astronomy but also on creating a welcoming community for anyone curious about space.
Led by club president Camila Villa, a biochemistry major, the organization reflects an interdisciplinary approach to science. Villa hopes to one day work at NASA analyzing matter from space, combining her background in biochemistry with astrophysics.
That mix of interests is something the club actively encourages, bringing together students with different academic perspectives.
E-board members: Camila Villa, Dennis Moreno, Adrian Diaz and Matthew Romero with Astronomy Club members | Karen Alava, PantherNOW
One of the club’s recurring events is Telescope Night, designed as an opportunity for students to observe celestial objects and learn more about the night sky. However, during the April 9 meeting at the Stocker Astroscience Center, the weather didn’t cooperate.
Rain made it impossible to use the telescopes, but the event continued indoors. Instead of stargazing, students gathered in the lower level of the building, where the focus shifted to conversation and connection. Attendees spent the evening meeting new people, asking questions about astronomy, and learning more about the club’s mission and future events.
The setting, along with free food, helped create a relaxed environment that encouraged participation, even from those who may not have attended for the science alone.
What could have been a canceled event instead became an introduction to the community the club is building.
Astronomy Club members | Karen Alava, PantherNOW
Guided by Dr. James Webb, director of the Stocker Astroscience Center and a specialist in astrophysics, the club continues to emphasize accessibility and engagement. Whether through telescope observations or simple conversations, the goal remains the same: to make astronomy something students can experience together.
Even without a clear sky, the Telescope Night showed that the Astronomy Club offers more than just a view of the stars, but also a place to connect.
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