Former astronaut to host inaugural event at new observatory in Lucerne Valley

A retired NASA astronaut will be hosting the inaugural event at the newly completed Lucerne Valley Branch Library Observatory on Saturday evening.

The celebration will be led by retired NASA astronaut and Tierra Luna Engineering founder Jose M. Hernandez, whose company constructed the observatory, according to San Bernardino County Library representatives .

It will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the library, 33103 Old Woman Springs Road.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted last year to authorized the purchase and installation of a 3-meter motorized "ScopeDome" at the library, according to the office of Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe.

The work was completed by Tierra Luna Engineering, which specializes in aerospace and engineering outreach products.

Its founder, Hernandez, is a once-time migrant farmworker-turned NASA astronaut who was featured in the 2023 film " A Million Miles Away ."

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"This project will allow the county to engage students in real-world, career-focused, hands-on STEAM educational programs with a focus on space science,” Rowe said upon approval of the project.

"In partnership with Tierra Luna, the library will increase accessibility to STEAM educational resources through community engagement to keep pace with our nation’s need to inspire youth to pursue occupations in the math and science fields," she added.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Former astronaut to host inaugural event at new observatory in Lucerne Valley