The future astronomers of PLU invite students to jump in and explore the galaxy with them. Recently, an Astronomy Club emerged on campus. Each week they discuss and explore the wonders and questions that astronomy has to offer. The club welcomes people of all knowledge levels and interests, whether they know every fun fact or just found out Pluto got demoted from planet status almost 20 years ago. All are welcome if they find exploring the hidden gems of the sky interesting.
The club is led by their president Draca Dragona, a first-year astro-physics major at PLU. Her longtime love of space and the desire to create a community for those who share it led her to start the club. She got in touch with her advisors and asked around to see if anyone else was interested, and then they got to work spreading the word.
When asked why this club was so important to her, Dragona replied, “I think clubs in general are important for finding your niche.”
She started the Astronomy Club to “create that group for people who like or are simply just
interested in astronomy.” Dragona’s dream is to eventually help put together an annual astronomy fair at PLU observatory, in partnership with the other STEM clubs at the school; an event where everyone can come explore space and connect over food and fun facts.
Virgil Harris is one of the members and the historian/social media manager of the club. They are a first-year student double majoring in history and biology, and their favorite part about the club is the content: “I love how many new things I get to learn.”
They also got to crochet a miniature Pluto plush for their last meeting, as a prize for a game of Jeopardy.
Dr. O’Neil and Dr. Hay, both professors of physics at PLU, are the faculty who help oversee
the club. They expressed their appreciation for getting to help, but made it clear that the students stepped up to take full charge of their passion. Dr. O’Neil remarked that, “the students have done about 100% of the work in organizing and running this club,” and that all he had to do was to “get equipment and bake cookies” for their first meeting.
The Astronomy Club meets every Monday from 4–7 p.m. in Reike 103B, and all students are invited to drop in and see what’s going on or grab a snack.
Reporter’s note: If you find yourself wishing PLU had a club for something specific, don’t
hesitate! Reach out to any of your professors that would be able to help, and contact Walter Lutsch (walter.lutsch@plu.edu) for all the other additional information to start a club on campus.
