Looking upward
Observatory in state park reopens after two-year renovation
The George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park celebrated the end of its 30th anniversary in a curious fashion: It closed for renovation. But as “the George” moved from its late 20s into its 30s, it endured some physical setbacks, including flooding in 2018 and 2019 that left the space needing some assistance.
“A decision was made to completely update and renovate, to bring the observatory to a place where it was ready for the next 30 years,” said Kavita Self, senior director of the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land and George Observatory.
The lengthy renovation complete, the George has reopened, allowing city dwellers to see the stars in ways they might not otherwise from their homes amid significant light pollution.
The George Observatory’s reopening was an unequivocal success. Currently operating on a ticketed and timed entry system, the observatory sold out its first weekend.
As for the update, Self said the changes are both structural and educational. The roof was repainted, the deck resurfaced and railings replaced. The George also has new exhibits, including one on light pollution, another focused on the moon and a new history of the telescope. The George’s expedition area also has been updated.
The George Observatory has long been a beloved draw for stargazers. A satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the George boasts three domed telescopes. Among them is a 36-inch Gueymard research telescope, a 10-ton beast that is the largest research-grade telescope in the country open to the public on a regular basis.
After a long period without, skygazers are flocking to the space.
“The response already has been tremendous,” Self said. “We had people come out who told us they’d been coming since they were children. And they brought their own children. People were so excited to get back to interacting with the outdoors, with the world around them.”
Social-distancing practices remain in place. So the telescopes are enjoyed through remote view
ing, but the George has an astronomer on hand to, Self said, “explain what’s happening on the monitors.”
The George also has updated its programming for visitors. Self said the lost time during renovation and quarantine allowed the observatory to consider ways to reconnect with those inclined to look upward at night.
“I think the pandemic allowed us to come up with new ways to engage with people that maybe drifted away from us a little bit,” she said. “We evaluated different ways you can learn. Not being able to interact hands-on directly, you learn the value of that when it’s taken away from you.”
Even with social-distancing guidelines, Self said, the George’s attributes will pull people with an affinity for astronomy.
“There’s something about having that personal experience where you’re actually engaged with it, looking into the sky,” she said. “It’s a moment of … just awe, there’s really no other word for it.”