April 22, 2010
It was Edward Young who said, "Those who build beneath the stars build too low." This is very similar to famous radio personality, Casey Kasem's famous sign-off, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars." These quotes and many more are simply little quips to remind us to think bigger for ourselves and our dreams.
What is it about these sparkly, little mysteries in the sky that we find so fascinating? I've been on a beach at midnight, looked up and the universe was literally putting on a show for me. All the constellations were right above as if they were being presented in hi-def. Or, maybe you have been on a ranch or out of the city limits late at night to experience the same view. Often seeing shooting stars like they are showing off.
Have you been to the new Fort Worth Museum of Science and History? This massive undertaking is now complete. The Omni Theater is still there, but, contains a whole new everything else after their recent renovation. Not to mention, one of the world's finest planetariums, the Noble Planetarium. But, it's not the stars inside that will draw you to the FWMSH this weekend. It's what is outside. Which leads us back to the stars.
The FWMSH continues on Saturday, April 24, with the popular, entertaining and highly educational Star Parties. These free monthly parties are hosted by the Noble Planetarium staff and by members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. After you enjoy a nice dinner at any of the numerous restaurant options in the Montgomery/7th Street/Camp Bowie area, head over to the FWMSH.
The monthly Star Parties are held in the parking lot, just south of the Museum (corner of Montgomery Street and Harley Avenue). There will be no need to bring your own Hubble telescope or astronomical equipment or software. Everything is provided. You can just show up. The parties begin at dusk, weather permitting, and last until approximately 10:30 p.m.
When you think about it, a "Date Night" doesn't get much better when it includes nature, stars and is free. This week you can have all that without flying to a beach or driving to the country. Vincent Van Gogh obviously had a fascination with stars. One of his most famous works isStarry Night. He once stated, "For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." As the Spring season morphs into Summer, perhaps, this week's outing will cause you two to start dreaming about what your next few months of "Date Nights" are going to look like.
