Name: Eric Vandernoot

Age: 43

Residence: Boynton Beach

Family: Wife, Denise; two children

Career: Astronomy and physics lab coordinator at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton

Cause: Astronomy education. Vandernoot educates the general public on astronomy and physics and on the changing world above us through lectures and viewings at FAU's observatory. His topics cover the constellations and their celestial objects by season, particular events like the Vesta Fiesta or planetary oppositions. Other topics cover light pollution, solar observations, climate change and living in space.

Q: Why do you volunteer?

A: I love astronomy and physics and want to help other people enjoy them and see their beauty. When someone looks through a telescope for the first time and gasps with amazement, that's why I volunteer. Initially, I gave presentations to students, with great success. But given that Florida citizens pay for our facility, I thought that it should be open to them, too. I thought they'd love to see our remarkable universe. Children are welcome, although the very young have trouble using the telescope.

Q: What is involved?

A: Lots of preparation involves researching information, writing presentations, working on improving the equipment and getting the facility in shape.

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Reaching for the stars at FAU