My first experience with the night sky (“Summer skies,” summer 2010) was in a freshman astronomy class. I was not looking forward to it, but our first lab was in the observatory.
I was instantly hooked. While my group was looking at constellations, I observed an unusual object in the sky, and now I can’t turn away from the sky when the sun goes down.
Before this experience, I believed I knew all about space. Now I know the more I learn, the less I know.
Robert Kennemer,
junior history major
 
I remember signing up for astronomy my junior year at UNT. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to look at the stars. I had been interested in constellations since I was a kid and saw Clash of the Titans (goofy, I know). The math part was really hard. I did not do too well on that front.
It was all worth it the first time I drove north to the observatory. I was amazed at how far out it was and how unobstructed the view was going to be. I was amazed at what I could see. It really changed how I view the night sky.
I ended up marrying an Earth science teacher. He, of course, loves anything dealing with stars, planets and their goings on. He looks on NASA.gov all the time and marks the calendar anytime something is going on.
I’ve seen the space shuttle and the International Space Station streak by. I’ve seen falling stars and we watched the Leonids meteor shower.
He has added to my love and wonderment of watching the night sky that the UNT observatory and astronomy program sparked in 1993.
Pamela Tyner
Dietrich (‘97)
Grand Prairie