Who knows what might be out there? The darkening sky above Rock Creek Park in Northwest Washington was star-speckled and seemingly endless. On this October night, it held the potential of seeing a flurry of shooting stars stream across its canvas.

Who knew who might come out here? Joe Morris, president of the National Capital Astronomers, came prepared for anyone. He had pieced together a squat, black reflector telescope with an 11-inch lens. Other members of the amateur astronomy club put together two more telescopes on the ground, eager for anyone to stop by for a glance.

They hoped the look might be the hook. Like many astronomy groups across the country, this club has seen its membership remain steady but only steady. Amateur astronomy thrived in the Space Race era, but some worry that interest in the hobby is fading as its biggest enthusiasts begin to gray.

Id love to say we are growing in numbers, but we arent, Morris said of his 130-person club. Theres an urgent need in this country to improve the attractiveness of this profession.

Club members head to Rock Creek Park once a month to gaze at stars and hunt for stargazers. It has less to do about the preservation of the group and more to do with the preservation of one of sciences most important hobbies.

Morris, 69, carried a stack of handouts explaining various celestial bodies. A small flashlight with a bright red bulb hung from his neck so people could read them.

When a man checked out his Facebook page on his cellphone, Morris asked him nicely to put the device away. Already, the skys splendor was corrupted by the distant lights of the District. No additional detractions were needed.

A couple walked up to Morris. They came because their 7-year-old son had liked H.A. Reys childrens book about the stars. Young Sevan was first interested in the book because Rey and his wife had written the stories about Curious George. Now, his parents were the curious ones.

Do you see that really bright star through the trees? his mother asked. We were wondering if it was one or two stars.

Morris took out a laser pointer and flashed its green beam until it reached the twinkling speck in question.

Originally posted here:

Astronomy clubs eye night skies and an uncertain future