Inspiring The Next Generation of Stargazers

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Lucerne Valley Branch Library celebrated an inaugural event for its new innovative observatory and welcomed hundreds of local families and residents to experience the cutting-edge technology that will bring the wonders of the cosmos to their fingertips. The $200,000 project, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Board of Supervisors and Tierra Luna Engineering, marked a significant investment in the future for the San Bernardino County Library System. “Opening the Janice Horst Library’s observatory is a testament to our commitment to nurturing curiosity and fostering educational opportunities,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “It’s our hope that this facility will inspire not only future scientists and engineers, but also lifelong learners who will contribute to our community and beyond.” The event also featured retired astronaut Dr. José M. Hernández, whose partnership with the county helped make the observatory a reality. Dr. Hernández’s own journey from migrant farmworker to space explorer serves as a powerful inspiration for the 2023 biographical film “A Million Miles Away.” County Librarian Melanie Orosco highlighted how the library system is evolving to meet the needs of 21st century learning. “The Lucerne Branch Library is better than ever and will be a valuable educational resource for people of all ages,” said Orosco. “Dr. Hernández’s experience as an astronaut contributed to the library’s design of the observatory station to introduce and teach the community about astrophotography and the emphasis of how important a STEAM education is for our children.” Dr. Hernández recalled the moment he knew what his future would hold. “When I was 10 years old, I watched the last Apollo mission on a black and white TV, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be an astronaut,” Dr. Hernández said to the crowd. His story underscores the importance of early exposure to STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics). Dr. Hernández emphasized the vital role that resources like the observatory play in “planting seeds” of curiosity in young minds. The observatory features a 3-meter motorized ScopeDome, a first of its kind in the United States. Equipped with robotic telescopes capable of automatic focusing and rotation, along with advanced imaging and guide cameras, the observatory offers a state-of-the-art astronomical experience. Due to a unique network connection, all 32 branches of the San Bernardino County Library System will be able to remotely access and operate the observatory, allowing students and residents across the county to view stars, galaxies and other celestial objects. “It’s like having built 32 observatories,” said Dr. Hernández. Tom Bramwell, a representative from Prima Luce Labs, the company responsible for building the telescope, also spoke about the importance of integrating both science and the arts in STEAM education. “Astrophotography is equal parts art and science,” Bramwell said, emphasizing the value of blending creativity with technology to make the learning experience more enriching. The Lucerne Valley Branch Library will host astronomy programs, school field trips and community events that engage learners of all ages in space science to cultivate an interest in STEAM careers and address the growing national need for professionals in these fields. On Aug. 3, the observatory was officially unveiled at a soft-opening event, marking the culmination of months of planning and construction by San Bernardino County Public Works, Public Facilities Management and Innovation and Technology Department. As the universe come into clearer focus through the lens of this remarkable facility, the Janice Horst Library’s observatory will inspire countless young minds to reach for the stars. The San Bernardino County Library System is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serves a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library system strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home. The County Library plays a key role in the achievement of the Countywide Vision by contributing to educational, cultural and historical development of our county community. For more information on the San Bernardino County Library System, please visit https://www.sbclib.org/ or call (909) 387-2220.