SEEING THE RINGS OF SATURN, THE CRATERS ON THE MOON, OR EVEN THE MOONS OF JUPITER THROUGH A TELESCOPE IS SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD EXPERIENCE. STANDLEY LAKE STARGAZING Is dedicated to sharing THE WONDERS OF THE NIGHT SKY WITH THE COMMUNITY.
What is Standley Lake Stargazing?
Standley Lake Stargazing (501(c)(3)) is a volunteer group based in Arvada that is committed to bringing the wonders of science and astronomy to the community through telescope nights (star parties) and educational outreach programs that focus on spaceflight, engineering and other STEM topics. Our programs have been hosted by the Jefferson County Public Library System, Standley Lake Regional Park, Majestic View Nature Center as well as local parks and other public venues and reach 500+ visitors per year. During the pandemic, while in-person events were suspended, our outreach moved online to weekly virtual programs covering observing highlights, spaceflight, and the popular Science & Cinema series. In-person events are on the horizon, and this is where you, our generous supporters, come in!
Personnel
Our team of dedicated volunteers provides community programming year round.
Ron Havermann
Ron Havermann is a lifelong student of physics. He earned his keep for 28 years in the aerospace industry, proposing, designing and developing electro-optic space sensors for a variety of needs and customers, including NASA. He enjoys sharing his sense of scientific awe and delight with other curious and questioning fellow travelers on spaceship earth. He would also like to extend an invitation for friendly dialog with questing intelligences beyond this planet, if it is not too inconvenient for them.
Email: contact@standleylakestargazing.com
Jeff Fujiki
Jeff is Standley Lake Stargazing’s Secretary of the Board and our Equipment Manager. He tirelessly maintains an arsenal of telescopes, transporting them to star parties and educational programs all over the Denver area and surrounding communities, and guides visitors at the eyepiece to give them the best possible viewing experience even if they’ve never looked through a scope before. Jeff is constantly connecting old telescopes with stargazing newcomers, if you’re looking for an entry level scope and want some assistance, ask Jeff!
Email: jeff@standleylakestargazing.com
Aric Vyhmeister
Aric Vyhmeister is the director of Standley Lake Stargazing, a science outreach group committed to spreading wonder based in Arvada that offers year round science programming and star parties for the public. Mr. Vyhmeister holds undergraduate degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering in addition to a Master's in Piano Performance, and has worked for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company on various programs including NASA's Orion and NOAA's GOES satellites. An avid amateur astronomer with 20 years of experience, he has been leading community stargazing events and science education programs in the Denver area and online since 2017 through Standley Lake Stargazing and also regularly partnering with Eldorado Canyon State Park, the Jefferson County Public Library system, Boulder County Parks & Open Space, Metzger Farms Open Space, High Plains Library District, Standley Lake Regional Park, Majestic View Nature Center, Boulder Atheists, Town of Superior, the Jefferson County Windy Peak Outdoor Lab, and the Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities.
Email: aric@standleylakestargazing.com
Tonia Robinson
Tonia is our Community Engagement Manager who works behind the scenes to coordinate events with community organizations and support logistics at our programs.
Want to arrange a private star party or educational program for your organization or community event? Reach out to Tonia!
Email: tonia@standleylakestargazing.com
Tax Deductible Contributions can be sent via our Donate page. If you’d like to be a local business sponsor of Standley Lake Stargazing please contact us below.