What: Astronomy programs

When: Friday at 9 p.m.

Where: Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitors Center and Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park

Person interviewed: Ranger Michael Punches

How will you do the progam? I have a brief PowerPoint program to be shown in the lobby at the inn prior to the skywatching activities at the visitor center. The skywatching will be outdoors, weather permitting. The program is introductory in nature, and will be extended to include information from the Tacoma Astronomical Society if the weather is bad.

What will you be talking about? The focus is that wilderness does not end at the horizon. I intend to develop the concept that the skies, and in this case dark skies, are valuable to us as humans and worthy of protection. I will talk about space as being both our past and our future, and the importance of developing personal connections with the heavens. Wilderness is protected space left in its natural state, and dark skies are a natural part of the environment of Paradise.

How will you be doing the night sky observations? The Tacoma Astronomical Society has agreed to support both events. Currently, we have been able to secure seven telescopes.

Will there be future astronomy programs? There will be another one on Aug. 14. That will be very near the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. Predictions are that it will be possible to see up to 50 shooting stars per hour. And the moon is in the last quarter phase, so it will be reasonably dark that night.

Where did your interest in astronomy come from? In my childhood on camping trips in the mountains of Colorado. Astronomy has long been a hobby of mine. I am excited about the opportunity to lead an astronomy program featuring the heavens of Paradise.

Jeffrey P. Mayor, The News Tribune