Paul Derrick's Stargazer

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Programs & Star Parties

for Education and Entertainment

** See MAPS & DIRECTIONS to star party areas. **


Paul conducts public and private amateur astronomy programs and star parties for children and adults in schools, camps, parks and other settings. Below are some of his slide (Power Point) programs which are geared to general audiences of all ages with limited astronomical background. (Some will also be of interest to the more sophisticated amateur astronomers.)

Paul presenting at 2007 Texas Star Party
Paul presenting at 2007 Texas Star Party

"A Brief History of the Copernican Revolution"
This program presents the major players and their roles in the "paradigm shift" from the Ptolemaic Earth-centered view of the cosmos to Copernican's Sun-centered view.

"Constellations with a Little Imagination"
This program introduces star patterns we call constellations, how and why they came to be, and some of the better known patterns.

"Constellations of the Season"
This program focuses on the constellations prominent in the current season.

"Cosmic Concert"
In 2001 concert pianist Dr. Michael Ard and amateur astronomer Dr. Paul Derrick combined their talents to present a concert in which Dr. Ard's piano performance of William Duckworth's "The Time Curve Preludes" was given a cosmic perspective by Dr. Derrick's accompanying astronomy slide presentation. In Dr. Ard's absence (he has now retired to Tucson), Dr. Derrick's revisited presentation, set to Don Robertson's synthesized recorded "Starmusic: Horizons Beyond Infinity," produces a visual-auditory-cerebral experience that takes one from the beginning to the end of time-space, and from the remote reaches of deep space to everyday life -- all in 15 minutes.

"Extraterrestrials"
Based on the marvelous book Extraterrestrials: A Field Guide for Earthlings written by Terence Dickinson and illustrated by Adolf Schaller, this program presents speculations on what extraterrestrial life - if it exists - might be like.

"Journey to Outer Space"
Using the metaphor of an imaginary journey starting at planet Earth and traveling into deep outer space, this program presents a good introductory survey of "what's out there" - from solar system objects to stars, nebulae, clusters, galaxies, and yes, even black holes.

"Learning the Night Sky by Regions"
This program is an introduction to Paul's original system of learning the major stars and constellations by partitioning the night sky into nine regions and the story or theme which relates each of the region's constellations to one another.

"Life Cycle of a Star"
This program examines the life cycle of stars beginning with their formation in star-birthing nebulae through their main sequence and on to their end stages and death, including planetary nebulae, white dwarfs, supernovae, pulsars, and black holes.

"Maya Astronomy"
This program presents an elementary introduction to the role of astronomy in the creation myths of the Mayas who lived hundreds of years ago in what is now southern Mexico and Guatemala.

"Meteors, Comets and Impacts"
This program introduces meteors, comets and the relationships between them, and the effects produced by their impacts with other objects, including Earth.

"Our Expanding Universe"
The Big Bang, the Copernican Revolution, other intelligent life in the universe, and the impact these things have on us and our species are among the topics are presented and opened for discussion.

"Seeing the Southern Sky"
Based on the Stargazer's 2001 and 2012 trips to New Zealand (and Tahiti), this program presents highlights of the night sky as seen from the southern hemisphere and the differences those of us from the northern hemisphere are accustomed to seeing - not just seeing new stars and constellations but also seeing familiar patterns from a different perspective - like an "up-side-down" Orion.

"Solar System Model"
Using familiar every-day objects (e.g., Earth as a tennis ball) and the Waco area, this program helps one visualize the relative sizes of solar system objects and the distances between them.

"Time: Cycles of Nature and Humans"
This program identifies the major measures of the passage of time we use in our everyday life, differentiates those which are human inventions, and examines more closely those based on cycles of nature.


Star parties can emphasize naked-eye green-laser-pointer sky tours (identifying major constellations and bright stars), or viewing solar system and deep-sky objects through Paul's telescope, or a combination of both -- depending upon your preferences and sky conditions.

Fee policy:  Paul's fee for private astronomy programs and star parties is $100 in the Central Texas area (higher for out-of-area events requiring travel.) There is usually NO fee for schools and other non-profit groups/organizations.


LaVega students viewing 2006 transit of Mercury
LaVega students viewing 2006 transit of Mercury   

Paul with LaVega class 2008 Paul at Fossil Rim 2007
           LaVega class in 2008                                                 Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in 2007

Presenting at Centerville Elementary in 2009
Presenting at Centerville Elementary in 2009   

Paul presenting @ U-Bar-U Family Astro Weekend Feb 2011 Paul @ youngster @ U-Bar-U Astro Weekend Feb 2011
Astronomy Family Weekend @ U-Bar-U Retreat Center - Feb. 2011
Paul Presenting & with Youngster Proudly Holding His Star Bear

Presenting in New Zealand
Presenting at Half Moon Bay School in Oban on New Zealand's Stewart Island in 2012   

Presenting at Tyler Elementary, Belton, TX
Presenting at Tyler Elementary, Belton, TX, Jan. 2014   


For booking, contact Paul at:
(254) 723-6346 (cell)
paulderrickwaco@aol.com

** All events are free unless otherwise indicated **


2023 Events:

  • Aug 12 / Iowa Humanist Society's Perseid Meteor Watch Party (program: Perseid Meteor Shower) [Stine Barn, West Des Moines, IA]
  • Oct 13-14 / UBarU Annular Eclipse Weekend (programs: "Constellations of Fall" and "A Journey to Outer Space" and sky tour) [UBarU Retreat Center, near Kerrville, TX])


2022 Events:

  • Oct 15 / CTAS Meyer Observatory (program: sky tour)


2021 Events:

  • May 14, 15 / CTAS Meyer Observatory (program: sky tours)
  • Sep 4-5 / UBarU Star Party (program: "Learning the Night Sky by Regions") [UBarU Retreat Center, near Kerrville, TX]


2020 Events:

  • No programs


2019 Events:

  • No programs


2018 Events:

  • Oct 1-3 / Private sky tours [Terlinqua Ranch Lodge, Study Butte, TX]
  • Aug 11, 12 / Family outings to view Perseid meteor shower [mountains west of Denver (11), plains east of Denver (12)]


2017 Events:

  • Aug 17 / Total solar eclipse with family [Prairie Oasis RV Park, Henderson, NE]
  • May 15 / 8:30 p.m. / Mason Public Star Party (program: "A Journey to Outer Space" and sky tour) [Mason Public Library, Mason, TX]
  • May 13 / 8:30 p.m. / Pedernales Falls State Park (sky tour at Obelisk Amphitheater) [Johnson City, TX]
  • May 2 / evening / China Spring school (assisted wih CTAS school star party) [China Spring, TX
  • Mar. 31 / 8:30 p.m. / Davis Mts. State Park (program: "Constellations of Early Spring" and sky tour) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • Mar. 30 / 8:30 p.m. / Davis Mts. State Park (program: "A Journey to Outer Space" and sky tour) [Ft. Davis, TX]


2016 Events:

  • Sep. 23 / Impromptu Family Star Party [Pipkin residence, Bedford, VA]
  • Jul. 23 / Star Party @ FUSD family campout [Pickle Gulch Campground, CO]


2015 Events:

  • Oct. 9 / 2nd Private Star Party for FUSD Auction Donors (w/ Greg Wimpey) [near Rocky Mt. Arsenal NWR, Denver]
  • Sep. 11 / Private Star Party for FUSD Auction Donors (w/ Greg Wimpey) [near Rocky Mt. Arsenal NWR, Denver]
  • Jun. 29 / Private Star Party @ First Unitarian Society of Denver [Denver]


2014 Events:

  • Jan. 30 / 3rd grade classes of Tyler Elem. School (program: Solar System Model) [Belton, TX]
  • Mar. 11 / Impromptu mini-star party for Audubon Birding Tour group [Pook's Hill Lodge, Belize, Central America]
  • May 5 / Star Party for Homeschool class [Private residence, Waco, TX]
  • May 20 / Central Texas Astronomical Society (program: Summary of My PowerPoint Programs [Lorena, TX]
  • May 31 / Star Party/Meyer Observatory Tour (for our neighbors) [Turner Research Station/Meyer Observatory, near Clifton, TX]
  • Jun. 30 / Star Party @ Davis-Derrick family campgout [Glacier Basin Campgnd, Rocky Mt. NP. Colorado]
  • Jul. 18 / Star Party @ FUSD family campout [Pickle Gulch Campground, Colorado]
  • Sep. 3 / Star Party for Denver Montessori School student campout [Pickle Gulch Campground, CO]


2013 Events:

  • Mar. 1-3 - Fri. evening to Sun. noon / Astronomy Family Weekend (indoor/outdoor activities) [UBarU Retreat Center, Kerrville, TX]
  • [CLOUDED OUT] Mar. 19 / Tennyson Middle School star party (w/ Johnny Barton) [Waco]
  • Apr. 13 - 7:30 p.m. / Waco Wetlands Star Party (programs: Journey to Outer Space, Extraterrestrials) [Waco]
  • Apr. 27 - 8:15 p.m. / Pedernales Falls State Park Amphitheater (program: Learning the Night Sky by Regions, for park staff) [near Johnson City, TX]
  • May 6 / 9-10 p.m. / Texas Star Party (sky tour) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 8 / 8:30 p.m. / Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program: Constellations of the Season" and sky tour) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 9 / 3 p.m. / Texas Star Party (afternoon program: "Revisiting the Land of the Upside-down Night Sky") [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 9 / 8:30 p.m. / Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program: "A Journey to Outer Space" and telescope viewing) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • [CLOUDED OUT] May 21 / McGregor Elementary star party [McGregor]
  • July 29 / Private star party [Glen Rose, TX]
  • [CANCELED DUE TO CONGRESSIONAL SEQUESTERED BUDGET CUTS] Aug. 10 - 8:30-10 p.m. / Reynolds Creek Park Amphitheater (program: "Constellations of the Season," sky tour, telescope viewing) [Waco]
  • Aug. 11 / UUFW Children's Program (constellations) [Waco]
  • Sep. 11 / Waco Montessori School (two class sessions: "Life Cycle of Stars")[Waco]
  • Sep. 23 / Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Reg. 3 Management Round Up at Camp Bucker (star party)[Inks Lake, TX]
  • Sep. 28 / Waco Cultural Arts Fest - Science Fest Section (CTAS display booth) [Waco]
  • [CLOUDED OUT]Nov. 22 / 6:30 p.m. / Speegleville Elementary (star party with members of Central Texas Astronomical Society) [Speegleville]
  • Nov. 25 / McGregor Elementary (program: "Journey to Outer Space")[McGregor]


2012 Events:

  • January 14 / RESTRICTED: Kaufman Boy/Cub Scouts Overnight (program: work on Astronomy merit badge) [CTAS Turner Research Station]
  • February 8 / 2:00 p.m. / RESTRICTED: Half Moon Bay School (program: "Journey to Outer Space" [Steward Island, New Zealand]
  • March 6 / 2:30 p.m. / RESTRICTED: Lorena Middle School (program: "Time: Cycles of Nature and Humans" [Lorena]
  • March 23 / 1 p.m. / RESTRICTED: Provident Heights Elementary School (program: "Extraterrestrials" [Waco]
  • April 12 - 8-10 p.m. / PUBLIC: Yuri's Night (hosted by MCC Engineering & Physics Club) (viewing/sky tour) [Lake Waco Wetlands]
  • [CANCELED] April 16 / 9 p.m. / REGISTRANTS: Texas Star Party (sky tour) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • [CANCELED] April 18 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program: Constellations of the Season" and sky tour) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • [CANCELED] April 19 / REGISTRANTS: Texas Star Party (afternoon program: "Revisiting the Land of the Upside-down Night Sky") [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • [CANCELED] April 19 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program: "A Journey to Outer Space" and telescope viewing) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 20 / 7 p.m. to 8:21 p.m. (sunset) / PUBLIC: Solar eclipse watch party
  • June 5 / 5 p.m. to 8:31 p.m. (sunset) / PUBLIC: Venus transit watch party
  • June 10 / RESTRICTED: Youth Education (program: "Extraterrestrials") [Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waco]
  • June 28 / RESTRICTED: Bosque Co. 4-H Day Camp (program: "Constellations with a Little Imagination") [Meridian State Park]
  • July 19 / RESTRICTED: Cottages at Oak Springs (program: "Journey to Outer Space") [Waco]
  • [CANCELED] July 23-26 / PAID REGISTRANTS: Unitarian Summer Institute (4-session workshop) [Sequoia State Park, OK]
  • August 1 / 10 a.m. / PUBLIC: Gatesville Public Library (children) (program: "Extraterrestrials") [Gatesville]
  • [CANCELED] August 10-11 / RESTRICTED: Kaufman Boy/Cub Scouts Overnight (sky tour and work on Astronomy merit badge) [CTAS Turner Research Station]
  • [RAINED OUT] August 18 - 8-10 p.m. / PUBLIC: Reynolds Creek Park Amphitheater (program: "Constellations of the Season," sky tour, telescope viewing) [Waco]
  • September 7 / RESTRICTED: Waco Montessori School (two class sessions: "Solar System")[Waco]
  • September 19 / 7:30 p.m. / OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Central Texas Astronomical Society (program: "Visiting the Land of the Up-side-down Night Sky" featuring my return trip to New Zealand in early 2012) [Waco -- Baylor Campus, Rogers Engineering Bldg., Lecture Hall #109 (free evening parking in the lot behind the Visitor Center, between the VC and Rogers Engineering Bldg.)]
  • October 11 / RESTRICTED: McGregor Elementary (program: "Journey to Outer Space")[McGregor]


2011 Events:

  • Jan. 5 - 2 p.m. / PUBLIC: Clifton Civic Improvement Society (program: "Intro to CTAS") [Clifton Civic Center]
  • Jan. 14 - 11 a.m. / RESTRICTED: Carver Academy (program: "Journey to Outer Space" for students) [Waco]
  • Jan. 21 - 2:40 p.m. / RESTRICTED: Lorena Middle School (program: "Solar System")[Lorena]
  • Feb. 8 - 6:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Carver Academy's Community NASA Night (telescope demonstation) [Waco]
  • Feb. 25-27 - Friday evening - Sunday noon / PUBLIC: Astronomy Family Weekend {nominal charge for program, materials, bunks, meals} (indoor and outdoor activities, including music around a campfire!) [UBarU Retreat Center, near Kerrville, TX]
  • Mar. 26 - 7:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (viewing, sky tour) [Waco]
  • Apr. 12 - 8-10 p.m. / PUBLIC: Yuri's Night (hosted by MCC Engineering & Physics Club) (viewing/sky tour) [Lake Waco Wetlands]
  • Apr. 25 - 9:30, 11 p.m. / RESTRICTED: Lake Waco Montessori School (2 programs: "Journey to Outer Space") [Waco]
  • June 8, 15, 22, July 6, 13, Aug. 3, 10, 17 - 3-4 p.m. / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • Jul. 6 - 9 p.m. / RESTRICTED: Living Youth Camps (program: "Journey to Outer Space" and star party w/ other CTAS members) [Ft. Parker State Park]
  • Jul. 25-28 / PAID REGISTRANTS: Unitarian Summer Institute (4-session workshop) [Sequoia State Park, OK]
  • Aug. 20 - 8-10 p.m. / PUBLIC: Reynolds Creek Park Amphitheater (program: "Constellations of the Season," sky tour, telescope viewing) [Waco]
  • Sep. 17 - 8-9:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Peaks of Otter, 85919 Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 86), Bedford, VA 24523 (program: sky tour) [Bedford, VA]
  • Oct. 3,10,17,31 - 10-11:30 a.m. / PAID REGISTRANTS: Baylor Alum Assn Lifelong Learning in Retirement (class: "An Astronomical Potpourri") [Waco]
  • Oct. 21 / RESTRICTED: Live Oak Classical School (assist w/ star party) [Lake Waco Wetlands]
  • Oct. 22 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (viewing) [Waco]
  • Nov. 3 / RESTRICTED: Clifton Middle School (CTAS star party) [CTAS Turner Research Station]
  • Nov. 19 / 5:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program: "Journey to Outer Space" and star party for Girl Scouts) [Waco]


2010 Events:

  • [CANCELLED-COLD WEATHER] Jan. 9 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (sky tour/viewing) [Waco]
  • Jan. 25,26,27 / RESTRICTED: Lake Waco Elem. School (three class sessions, star party)[Waco]
  • Feb. 6 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (viewing) [Waco]
  • [CLOUDED OUT] Feb. 10 / PUBLIC: Carver Academy (viewing) [Waco]
  • Mar. 3 / RESTRICTED: Lorena Middle School (program: "Time & Cycles of Nature") [Lorena]
  • Mar. 6 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program: "Constellations") [Waco]
  • Mar. 13 / RESTRICTED: Somervell History Foundation (star party) [Glen Rose]
  • [CLOUDED OUT] Mar. 15 / RESTRICTED: Midway High School astronomy class (star party) [Waco]
  • Mar. 24 / RESTRICTED: Waco Lion's Club (program: "Extraterrestrials") [Waco]
  • Apr. 5 / PRIVATE: Homeschoolers History Co-op (programs: "A Brief History of the Copernican Revolution" and "Extraterrestrials") [Denver, CO]
  • Apr. 12 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Uri's Party {hosted by MCC physics club} (viewing and/or program) [Lake Waco Wetlands]
  • Apr. 13 / PRIVATE: Current Events Club (program: "What's My Line") [Waco]
  • [CLOUDED OUT] Apr. 17 / 8 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program/viewing) [Waco]
  • Apr. 22 / PRIVATE: Homeschoolers History Co-op (programs: "A Brief History of the Copernican Revolution") [Waco]
  • May 10 / 9 p.m. / REGISTRANTS: Texas Star Party (sky tour) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 12 / 3:30 p.m. / REGISTRANTS: Texas Star Party (program: "Some Long-Range Anticipations") [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 12 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program: Constellations of the Season" and sky tour) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 13 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program: "A Journey to Outer Space" and telescope viewing) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 28 / RESTRICTED: Lorena Middle School (program: "Extraterrestrials")[Lorena]
  • Jun. 5 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Jun. 7/8 / RESTRICTED: Reg. 12 Education Service Center (teacher training) [CTAS Turner Research Station]
  • Jun. 12 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Reynolds Creek Park Amphitheater (program: "Constellations of the Season," sky tour, telescope viewing) [Waco]
  • [CANCELED-FLOODS] July 2 / 8 p.m. / MEMBERS & VISITORS: Houston Astronomical Society (program: "Some Long-Range Anticipations") [UH campus, Houston, TX]
  • Aug. 18 / RESTRICTED: Waco Senior Kiwanis Club (program: "Extraterrestrials") [Waco]
  • Sep. 5 / RESTRICTED: UU Fellowship of Waco children (program: "Extraterrestrials") [Waco]
  • Sep. 10 / RESTRICTED: Waco Montessori School (two class sessions: "Constellations")[Waco]
  • Oct. 8 / RESTRICTED: Live Oak Classical School (assist w/ star party) [Waco]
  • Oct. 22 / Time: TBA / MEMBERS & PUBLIC: Texas Astronomical Society (program: "Our Expanding Universe") [Dallas]
  • Oct. 28 / RESTRICTED: Clifton Middle School (assist w/ CTAS star party) [CTAS Turner Research Station]
  • Nov.6 / 7 p.m. / RESTRICTED: Pedernales Falls State Park Star Theater (sky tour for park staff and volunteers) [Johnson City, TX]
  • Nov. 8 / RESTRICTED: McGregor Elem. (class presentation: "Journey to Outer Space"; evening star party)[McGregor]
  • Nov. 12 / 6:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Speegleville Elementary (presentation: "Solar System Model" and telescope viewing with members of Central Texas Astronomical Society) [Speegleville]
  • Nov. 16 / Time: TBA / MEMBERS & PUBLIC: Ft. Worth Astronomical Society (program: "Mayan Astronomy") [Ft. Worth]
  • Nov. 27 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Dec. 1 / RESTRICTED: Midway High School (star party) [Crawford]
  • Dec. 11 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]


2009 Events:

  • Jan. 17 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Feb. 5 / RESTRICTED: Carver Academy (viewing) [Waco]
  • Feb. 14 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program: "A Journey to Outer Space"; viewing clouded out) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Mar. 17: RESTRICTED: Cedar Ridge Elem. (program: "Reading the Night Sky") [Waco]
  • Mar. 21 / 8 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Mar. 25: RESTRICTED: Rapoport Academy (Career Day session) [Waco]
  • Mar. 27 / RESTRICTED: Baylor University Biology Dept. (sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Apr. 4 / 8 p.m. / PUBLIC: Hubbard Lakes City Park (sky tour/viewing) [Hubbard, TX]
  • Apr. 9 / RESTRICTED: Centerville Elementary (afternoon program: "A Journey to Outer Space"; evening star party/viewing) [Centerville and Ft. Boggy State Park, TX]
  • Apr. 16 / 7-9 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco-McLennan Co. Public Library (panel) [Waco]
  • Apr. 20,21 / REGISTRANTS: Texas Star Party (evening sky tours) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • Apr. 22 / 1:30 p.m. / REGISTRANTS: Texas Star Party (afternoon program: "Mayan Astronomy" [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • Apr. 22 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program: "Constellations of the Spring") [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • Apr. 23 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program: "A Journey to Outer Space"/telescope viewing) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • Apr. 24 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Sierra la Rana Astronomy Village (program: "Constellations with a Little Imagination") [Alpine, TX]
  • Apr. 26 / 10:45 a.m. / PUBLIC: Unitarian Universalist of the Big Bend Church (program: "A Cosmic Concert") [Alpine, TX]
  • May 5,7 / RESTRICTED: McGregor Elementary (program: "A Journey to Outer Space", star party) [McGregor, TX]
  • May 9 / 3 p.m. / PUBLIC: Storiebook Cafe-Bookstore (program: "Solar System Model", book signing) [Glen Rose]
  • May 12 / RESTRICTED: Cedar Ridge Elementary Science/Astronomy Club (program: "Comets, Meteors, and Impacts") [Waco]
  • May 16 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program: "Journey to Outer Space") [Waco Wetlands]
  • June 10 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • June 11 / REGISTANTS: Cub Scouts Day Camp (6 presentations of "Constellations with a Little Imagination") [Place: Waco]
  • Jun. 13 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program: "Introduction to CTAS"/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • June 17 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • June 19 / REGISTANTS: City of Waco Recreation Dept. Day Camp (program: "Journey to Outer Space") [Place: Devey Rec. Center]
  • June 24 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • July 1 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • July 8 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • Jul. 11 / 8:30 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program: "Extraterrestrials"/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • July 15 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • July 22 / MEMBERS: Senior Kiwanis Club (program: "Mayan Astronomy") [Place: Waco]
  • July 22 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • July 24 / PUBLIC: North Houston Astronomy Club (program: "Learning the Night Sky by Regions" and "Our Expanding Universe") [Place: Lone Star College, Kingwood, TX]
  • July 29 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • Jul. 31 / REGISTANTS: City of Waco Recreation Dept. (program: "Comets, Meteors, and Impacts") [Place: Speegleville Park]
  • Aug. 5 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • Aug. 12 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • Aug. 15 / 8 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program: "Intro to CTAS"/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Aug. 19 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (program/activities) [Place: Waco]
  • Aug. 19 / REGISTRANTS (free): Junior Stargazers Club (star party) [Place: CTAS Observatory]
  • Aug. 22 / 8 p.m. / PUBLIC: Reynolds Creek Amphitheater (program: "Constellations of the Season," sky tour, telescope viewing)[Reynolds Creek Park, Waco]
  • Sep. 4 / RESTRICTED: Waco Montessori School (two class sessions: "Solar System")[Waco]
  • Sep. 21 / RESTRICTED: Bell's Hill Elementary (assembly presentation: "Solar System")[Waco]
  • Sep. 24 / RESTRICTED: Rotary Club (presentation: "Extraterrestrials")[Clifton]
  • Oct. 5,6,7 / RESTRICTED: St. Paul's Elementary (classes)[Waco]
  • Oct. 10 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Nov. 7 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Nov. 9 / RESTRICTED: McGregor Elem. (presentation: "Journey to Outer Space"; evening star party)[McGregor]
  • Nov. 13 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Speegleville Elementary (presentation: "Extraterrestrials" and telescope viewing with members of Central Texas Astronomical Society) [Speegleville]
  • Nov. 18 / RESTRICTED: Midway High School astronomy class (presentation: "Life Cycle of Stars"[Waco]
  • Dec. 9 / 6 p.m. / PUBLIC: Texas State Technical College (telescope viewing) [Waco]
  • [CLOUDED OUT] Dec. 12 / 7 p.m. / PUBLIC: Waco Wetlands Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]


2008 Events:

  • Jan. 2: Gatesville Intermed. School (program) [Gatesville, TX]
  • Jan. 11: G.L. Wiley Middle School, Waco (viewing, observatory tour) [TRS]
  • Jan. 17: Cub Scouts (program/viewing) [Troy, TX]
  • Jan. 26: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Jan. 29: Cedar Ridge Elem. (program/viewing) [Waco]
  • Feb. 12: Carver Academy (viewing, program) [Waco]
  • Feb. 23: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Mar. 25: West Ave. Elem. (two program) [Waco]
  • Mar. 26: LaVega High physics class (star party) [Waco]
  • Mar. 29: CLOUDED OUT/Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Apr. 21: Heritage Hill Comm. Cntr. (program) [Fredericksburg, TX]
  • Apr. 23-26: Nature Quest (programs/sky tours/viewing) [Concan, TX]
  • Apr. 26: CLOUDED OUT/Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Apr. 30: Lake Shore Baptist Church (program) [Waco]
  • May 6: McGregor Elementary (class session)[McGregor, TX]
  • May 8: McGregor Elementary (star party)[McGregor, TX]
  • May 24: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • May 30: Fossil Rim (program/sky tour/viewing) [Glen Rose, TX]
  • Jun. 4,5: Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program/sky tour/viewing) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • Jun. 4: Texas Star Party (2 afternoon programs)[Ft. Davis, TX]
  • Jun. 21: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Jun. 28: Reynolds Creek Amphitheater (program, sky tour)[Speegleville I Park]
  • Jul. 16: Fossil Rim (program/viewing) [Glen Rose, TX]
  • Jul. 21-24: Unitarian Summer Institute (4-session workshop/telescope viewing) [Lake Murray, OK]
  • Jul. 26: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Aug. 1: CANCELED/Fossil Rim (program/sky tour/viewing) [Glen Rose, TX]
  • Aug. 23: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Sep. 5: Waco Montessori School (two class sessions)[Waco]
  • Sep. 19-20: Fall Nature Quest (programs/sky tours/viewing) [Concan, TX]
  • Sep. 20: CANCELED/Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Sep. 29: Cub Scouts (program) [Waco]
  • Oct. 6,7,8: St. Paul's Elementary (classes, TRS tour)[Waco]
  • Oct. 11: Moody HS Science Club (program/viewing) [Moody, TX]
  • Oct. 18: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Oct. 21,22,23: LaVega Intermed. School (classes, viewing session) [Bellmead, TX]
  • Oct. 24: Air Stream Rally (program/sky tour/viewing) [Lake Whitney State Park, TX]
  • Oct. 25: St. Paul's Elem (sky tour/viewing) [CTAS Turner Research Station]
  • Oct. 29: School Group (sky tour/viewing) [Old Fort Parker, Mexia, TX]
  • Nov. 5: Lorena Middle School (class program)[Lorena, TX]
  • Nov. 6,13: Baylor Univ Alum Assn (Mayan Archeoastronomy w/ Dr. John Fox)[Waco]
  • Nov. 7: Speegleville Elementary School (program, star party) [Speegleville]
  • (tent) Nov. 19: Davis Mts. State Park Interpretive Center (program) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • Nov. 21: CANCELED/Fossil Rim (program/sky tour/viewing) [Glen Rose, TX]
  • Nov. 22: CANCELED/Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Dec. 20: CANCELED/Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program/sky tour/viewing) [Waco Wetlands]


2007 Events:

  • Feb. 10: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour/program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Feb. 20: Hillcrest Elem. (program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Mar. 10: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour/program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Mar. 19: Fossil Rim (program/sky tour/viewing) [Glen Rose, TX]
  • Mar. 23: Texas Astronomical Society (program) [Dallas, TX]
  • Mar. 27: Cedar Ridge Elem. (program and viewing) [Waco]
  • May 2: St. Paul's Episcopal Church youth (program, viewing)[Waco]
  • May 4: Mountainview Elem. (program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • May 5: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour/program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • May 7: McGregor Elementary (program)[McGregor, TX]
  • May 17: Davis Mts. State Park Interpretive Center (program) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 19: Texas Star Party (afternoon program)[Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 21: McGregor Elementary (star party)[McGregor, TX]
  • Jun. 2: Fossil Rim (program/sky tour/viewing) [Glen Rose, TX]
  • Jun. 9: Turner Research Station (CTAS dedication star party) [Clifton]
  • Jun. 12: Camp Fire -- Camp Val Verde (program/sky tour) [Waco]
  • Jun. 16: Reynolds Creek Amphitheater (program, sky tour)[Speegleville I Park]
  • Jun. 19: Camp Fire -- Camp Val Verde (program/sky tour) [Waco]
  • Jun. 25: Camp Fire -- Camp Val Verde (program/sky tour) [Waco]
  • Jul. 7: CANCELED-HIGH WATER/Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour/program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Jul. 13: CANCELED-HIGH WATER/Reynolds Creek Amphitheater (program, sky tour)[Speegleville I Park]
  • Jul. 15, 10:45 a.m.: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waco (Cosmic Concert program) [4209 N. 27th, Waco]
  • Jul. 19: Noah's Ark Day Care (program)[Central Christian Church, Waco]
  • Jul. 23-26: Unitarian Summer Institute (workshop series, telescope viewing) [Lake Murray, OK]
  • Aug 4: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour/program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Aug. 11: CTAS Star-B-Q (sky tour) [Turner Research Station]
  • Aug. 20: Texas Outdoor Women Network (program, viewing) [Cameron Pk Clubhouse, Waco]
  • Sep. 8: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour/program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Sep. 13: Waco Montessori School (two class sessions)[Waco]
  • Oct. 6: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour/program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Oct. 8,9,10: St. Paul's Elementary (classes, TRS tour)[Waco]
  • Oct. 20: Isaiah's Place (program/sky tour) [Whitney, TX]
  • Nov. 7,8,9: LaVega Intermediate School (classes, viewing session) [Bellmead, TX]
  • Nov. 30: Fossil Rim (program/sky tour/viewing) [Glen Rose, TX]
  • Dec. 1: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour/program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Dec. 4: G.L. Wiley Middle School (program) [Waco]
  • Dec. 29: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour/program) [Waco Wetlands]


2006 Events:

  • Jan. 21: Cub Scouts (program) [Hewitt]
  • Jan. 23: Cedar Ridge Elem. Astronomy Club (program)[Waco]
  • Feb. 11: Temple Recreation Dept (viewing) [Mother Neff State Park]
  • Mar. 18: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Mar. 20,21,22,23: Learning the Night Sky (4-session course) [Waco]
  • Mar. 23: McLennan Co. Home Learners (class presentation)[Waco]
  • Apr. 12: Meridan Public Library (program) [Meridian, TX]
  • Apr. 15: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Apr. 22: Pollard Ranch (private star party) [Menard Co., TX]
  • Apr. 25 & 27: Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (programs) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • Apr. 24 & 26: Texas Star Party (sky tours)[Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 12: Speegleville Elementary (program, viewing) [Speegleville, TX]
  • May 15: Cedar Ridge Elem. Astronomy Club (program)[Waco]
  • May 16: McGregor Elementary (program, sky tour)[McGregor, TX]
  • May 19: Morgan Elementary (program)[Morgan, TX]
  • May 20: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour) [Waco Wetlands]
  • May 27: Texas Stars & Guitars Fest (sky tour) [Lake Whitney State Park]
  • Jun. 8: Cub Scout Day Camp (program) [Waco]
  • Jun. 17: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Jul. 15: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Aug. 12: Reynolds Creek Amphitheater (program, sky tour)[Speegleville I Park]
  • Aug. 26: Lake Whitney Summer Star Party (sky tour) [Lake Whitney State Park]
  • Sep. 8: Waco Montessori School (two class sessions)
  • Sep. 16: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Sep. 19: Ft. Worth Astronomy Club (program) [Ft Worth]
  • Sep. 23: Boy Scouts Campout (sky tour, viewing) [Valley Mills]
  • Oct. 8: Unitarian Fellowship (children's class) [Waco]
  • Oct. 9,10: Learning the Night Sky (course) [Waco]
  • Oct. 14: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Oct. 18: Sr. Kawanis Club (program) [Waco]
  • Oct. 24: Texas Tech Univ--Junction Outdoor School (program) [Junction, TX]
  • Oct. 26: U-Bar-U Retreat Center (program/star party) [Kerrville, TX]
  • Oct. 29: Unitarian Fellowship (children's class) [Waco]
  • Nov. 1: McLennan Co. Home Learners (class presentation) [Waco]
  • Nov. 7,9: LaVega Intermediate School (classes) [Bellmead, TX]
  • Nov. 8: LaVega Intermediate School (Mercury transit viewing) [Bellmead, TX]
  • Nov. 9: McLennan Co. Home Learners (class presentation)[Waco]
  • Nov. 9: Bunce Private Party (star party) [Waco]
  • Nov. 11: Ft. Parker Weekend (star party) [Mexia]
  • Nov. 12: Texas Tech Univ--Junction Outdoor School (sky tour) [Junction, TX]
  • Dec. 9: Waco Wetlands Public Star Party (sky tour, program) [Waco Wetlands]
  • Dec. 12: Cub Scouts (program) [Waco]


2005 Events:

  • Jan. 3,4,5,6: Learning the Night Sky of Winter (4-session course) [Waco]
  • Jan. 24: Cedar Ridge Elementary Astronomy Club (slide program)[Waco]
  • Feb. 21,22, 28, Mar.1: Learning the Night Sky (4-session course) [Bosque Conservatory, Clifton]
  • Feb. 28, Mar. 2, 30 : Rapoport Academy (class sessions) [Waco]
  • Mar. 7: McGregor Elementary School (indoor class, outdoor viewing) [McGregor]
  • Mar. 23: LaVega Intermediate School (outdoor viewing) [Bellmead]
  • May 3, 5: Davis Mts. State Park Amphitheater (program) [Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 4, 6: Texas Star Party (sky tours)[Ft. Davis, TX]
  • May 12: Sam Houston Elementary (indoor class, outdoor viewing) [Huntsville, TX]
  • May 16: St. Louis Jr. High School (program) [Waco]
  • May 21: Girl Scouts @ Lake Brownwood State Park (program) [Brownwood, TX]
  • May 23: Cedar Ridge Elementary Astronomy Club (viewing) [Waco]
  • Jun. 4: Texas Stars & Guitars Fest (sky tour) [Lake Whitney State Park]
  • Jun. 8: Rotary Club (program) [McGregor, TX]
  • Jun. 21: 4-H Club @ Meridian State Park (program) [Meridian, TX]
  • Jul. 12: AARP Chapter (program) [Clifton, TX]
  • Jul. 19: Ft. Worth Astronomy Club (program) [Ft Worth Museum]
  • Jul. 25-28: Unitarian Summer Institute (workshop series) [Lake Texoma, OK]
  • Jul 30: CTAS Turner Research Station (sky tour)
  • Aug. 6: Reynolds Creek Amphitheater, 8:30 pm (slide program, sky tour)[Speegleville I Park]
  • Aug 9: Stilwell Retirement Center (program) [Waco]
  • Aug. 18 & 19: Davis Mountains State Park Amphitheater, 8:30 pm (slide program, night sky viewing [Ft. Davis]
  • Aug. 22,23,24,25: Learning the Night Sky of Summer (4-session course) [Waco]
  • Aug. 27: Lake Whitney Summer Star Party (sky tour at dark) [Lake Whitney State Park]
  • Sep. 30: Waco Montessori School (two class sessions)
  • Oct. 20: Midway High School (9th grade English class, Mars program, viewing)[Waco]
  • Nov. 12: Hasting Book Store (program, book signing, viewing) [Brownwood]
  • Nov. 14,16,17,18: LaVega Intermediate School (classes and viewing session) [Bellmead]
  • Nov. 14,15,21,22: Learning the Night Sky of Fall (4-session course) [Waco]
  • Nov. 19: private star party [Camp Val Verde]
  • Nov. 29, Dec. 1: McGregor Elem School (6th grade class sessions) [McGregor]


2004 Events:

  • Jan. 7,8,13,19,21: Learning the Night Sky of Winter (5-session course)
  • Mar. 5: Camp Fire group, Camp Val Verde (slide program)
  • Mar. 12: Home Schoolers, Whitney, TX (slide program)
  • Mar. 27: Salado Institute, Belton Overlook Park (star party)
  • Mar. 30, Apr. 7, 13: Lake Waco Elem. School (class sessions)
  • Apr. 5,6,13,14,15: Learning the Night Sky of Spring (5-session course)
  • Apr. 8: Sulphur Springs Middle School, Sulphur Springs, TX (7 class sessions)
  • Apr. 23: Central Texas College Mayborn Planetarium, Killeen (star party)
  • May 16-22: Texas Star Party, Ft. Davis (nightly sky tours)
  • June 10: Camp John Marc, Meridian (sky lab planetarium programs)
  • June 12: CTAS Star Party, Turner Research Center (sky tour)
  • June 22: Camp John Marc, Meridian (sky lab planetarium programs)
  • July 8: Camp John Marc, Meridian (sky lab planetarium programs)
  • July 13: Camp John Marc, Meridian (evening sky tour)
  • July 21: Camp John Marc, Meridian (sky lab planetarium programs)
  • Jul. 26-29: Unitarian Summer Institute, Lake Texoma, OK (workshop series)
  • Aug. 2,3,4,5: Learning the Night Sky of Summer (4-session course)
  • Aug. 3: Camp John Marc, Meridian (sky lab planetarium programs)
  • Aug. 7: Reynolds Creek Amphitheater @ Speegleville I Park (slide program, sky tour)
  • Aug. 14: Lake Whitney Star Party (slide program, sky tour)
  • Aug. 25: Lake Waco Montessori School (class presentation)
  • Sep. 1: Waco Montessori School (2 class presentations)
  • Oct. 4,5,11,12: Learning the Night Sky of Fall (4-session course)
  • Nov. 8: Waco High School physics class (sky tour)
  • Nov. 10,11: McLennan Co. Home Schoolers (class presentation, sky tour)
  • Nov. 12: Lake Waco Montessori School (class presentation)
  • Nov. 15,17,19: LaVega Intermediate School (class presentations)
  • Nov. 30: Cedar Ridge Elementary Astronomy Club (slide program)
  • Dec. 15: Meridian Public Library, Meridian, TX (slide program)


2003 Events:

  • Jan. 16, 20, 21, 22, 23: Stars & Constellations of Winter
  • Jan. 21: Retired Federal Employees, Clifton (slide program)
  • Jan.31-Feb.2: U-Bar-U Astronomy Workshop, Kerrville (slide program, sky tours)
  • Feb. 17, 18, 19: Lake Waco Montessori Elementary (educational presentations)
  • Feb. 18: Central Texas Audubon Society (slide program, telescope viewing)
  • Feb. 20: Brazos Higher Education (slide program)
  • Mar. 20, 24, 25, 26, 27: Stars & Constellations of Spring
  • Mar. 28: Girl Scouts at Camp Val Verde (sky tour)
  • Mar. 29: Lake Whitney Spring Star Party (sky tour)
  • May 1: Texas Star Party (afternoon program, evening sky tour)
  • Jul. 14, 15, 16, 17, 28: Stars & Constellations of Summer
  • Jul. 16: Bosque Memorial Museum (children's program), Clifton
  • Jul. 28-31: Unitarian Summer Institute, Lake Texoma, OK (class)
  • Aug. 1: Earl Harrison House Master Gardners (youth program), Camp Val Verde
  • Aug. 23: Lake Whitney Summer Star Party (sky tour)
  • Sep. 15,22,29 & Oct. 6: Bosque Conservatory, Clifton, TX (Intro course in amateur astronomy taught by members of Central Texas Astronomical Society, including me)
  • Sep. 18: Gem of the Hills Community Center, Blanco, TX (slide program, sky tour)
  • Sep. 22: Waco Rotary Club (slide program)
  • Sep. 23: Home School Group (slide program/activities)
  • Sep. 26: Home School Group (sky tour)
  • Oct. 2: Brazos Higher Education (slide program)
  • Oct. 27,28,29: LaVega Intermediate School (classes, sky tour)
  • Oct. 30: Waco Montessori School (class presentations)
  • Nov. 19: Waco High School physics class (star party)


Contact Paul at:
(254) 753-6920 (voice and fax)
paulderrickwaco@aol.com

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