My first encounter with falling in love with astronomy was at the age of six. Do you remember those book clubs in school? Scholastic used to send home that paper flyer with age-appropriate books, and you would fill out the paper order form, cut across the dotted line, then put the order, along with a check, into an envelope and give it to your teacher. Two weeks later, your books magically show up! I ordered a "Learning Astronomy" book in first grade. I read the entire book and wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up. I put a chocolate-bunny scratch-and-sniff sticker on the top-right corner. I still have that book! When I clean out my garage this summer, I'll post a picture. I had no idea that when I moved to Oregon, there would be so many astronomy opportunities! We have designated and certified dark skies, the Oregon Star Party, and other events. Most are in the western part of the state, where there's desert and dark skies - because you are definitely not going to see stars in detail under the light pollution of Portland! Here is the Oregon star guide. Check it out! I am very excited to go on a road trip to Eastern Oregon this August to see the Perseids! https://issuu.com/visitcentraloregon/docs/2025_2026_dark_sky_guide_

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