On Thursday, June 4, we are having the monthly meeting of the San Juan Stargazers, and we are having a very special speaker: Tom Hanchett, who lives in Pagosa Springs and was part of Apollo Mission Control Houston covering all the launches of Apollo seven through 17.
I don’t think we can even imagine how exciting that must have been to be there for the launches, the various unique missions, the problems and complications, and the experiences of all the Apollo astronauts, whom he personally knew and spoke with during the mission.
Hanchett lived the history of our NASA Space Program, knowing every astronaut and being present for each exciting moment.
Hanchett is one of the most remarkable men I have ever met. He is interesting and filled with wisdom and compassion.
On June 4 we will have an amazing opportunity. I want to invite everyone in Pagosa Springs and especially every student who has thought about outer space to come to hear the stories he will tell.
He has recently been to a reunion of the Apollo missions and all the employees were encouraged to go home and speak to students to get them excited about the future.
Hanchett not only has amazing stories to tell, but he has a unique attitude toward work. I would love for all our Pagosa students to have exposure to the way he looks at life and how that was expressed in his own work and career.
You can come around 6 p.m. if you want to visit or have any astronomy questions. Hanchett will begin around 7 p.m., talk for about an hour and then answer questions.
It is an amazing opportunity that I hope you will take advantage of. We will also be celebrating his 89th birthday.
The meeting will be held in the fellowship hall of the Community United Methodist Church, located at 434 Lewis St. Use the parking lot entrance.
Mark your calendar
Our July meeting, on July 2, will be a members-only business pizza party where we will be evaluating events, having an election and making plans for the future. The pizza will be served close to 6 p.m. You will need to RSVP with your pizza order.
July 15 and Aug. 12 will be night sky events near Hatcher Lake for both telescopes and binoculars. More information for both activities will be announced later.
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