Houston Science Enthusiasts

IN-PERSON: In conjunction with the Symposium on Science Communication and Public Engagement at Rice University, there will be a Science Cafe featuring a talk by volcanologist Dr. Julia Morgan titled "Notes from the Field: The Science of Volcanoes!"

Description: "Drawing on thrilling tales from field expeditions—ranging from deep-sea diving and submersible research to boots-on-the-ground expeditions to active volcanoes around the world—Dr. Morgan reveals the underlying forces behind where, why, and how volcanoes form. Discover how decoding the secrets hidden within volcanic rocks helps scientists understand crucial planetary processes, including the vital recycling of materials that makes Earth habitable, the origins of rich mineral resources, and the mechanics behind hazardous volcanic eruptions and landslides. Join us to uncover what science really tells us about how volcanoes mold our planet."

Venue: Drop of the Creator Spirits Co.
10929 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77096

Parking: Free onsite parking

Venue open to all ages, food and beverages can be purchased onsite.

Rice event page: https://events.rice.edu/event/438625-scope-science-cafe-notes-from-the-field-the

HYBRID: The Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society will hold a meeting featuring a presentation by JSCAS member and educator Justin McCollum titled "From Desktop to Cosmos: Transforming Astronomy Education with Interactive Software."

That will be followed by a presentation by JSCAS member Paul Lotz titled "Navigating Nebulae: Origins, Fates, and Futures," the first of a four-part series.

The meeting at will be held at the University of Houston-Clear Lake STEM Building, Room 1203 starting at 7:30 p.m.. People should arrive between 7 and 7:15 p.m. Attendees should park in Parking Lots D3 or D4 no earlier than 7 p.m.

Please see the UHCL Map here -- Please park in lots D3 and D4. The STEM building is building #5 on the map. Come in from the east side and go left. When you come to the end of hallway, you should find the auditorium where the meeting will be.

The meeting can be accessed by going to the JSCAS YouTube Channel at the link: https://www.youtube.com/c/JSCAstronomicalSociety

Also, the JSCAS YouTube Channel link will be posted on the JSCAS web page: http://www.jscas.net

To submit questions for our presenters during the meeting, please either enter your questions as a YouTube comment (if you have an account that will allow doing so) or send your questions to: jscaslive@gmail.com

JSCAS is open to anyone who wants to learn about astronomy and membership is free. After joining, you’ll have access to our amazing Astronomy DVD Library with 100’s of choices to learn from (from Astronomy Magazine, NASA, The Great Courses, Discovery Channel, etc.).

Top photo: NASA

HYBRID: The Houston Astronomical Society presents a talk by Carl Dunn, Surface Mobility Risk Manager for NASA'S Moon Base Program.

Description: The Surface Mobility Office supports the Moon Base Program by providing crew transport via the Lunar Terrain Vehicle, surface logistics including utility rovers, and robotic construction. These projects will serve an integral role in providing crew transport on the lunar surface and help build a sustaining presence on the Moon. Based at the Johnson Space Center, the program is a cornerstone of the Artemis initiative, focusing on humanity's return to the Moon and preparation for future human missions to Mars.

Carl will provide us with an overview of the program, its objectives the technology and equipment it is currently developing, and its future use in the Artemis Program.

Speaker Bio: Carl is an amateur astronomer, space exploration historian, and military veteran.

In 2022, Carl started work at the Johnson Space Center through a NASA subcontractor, ARES Corporation, as a Support Specialist. He trained on EVA Operations and supported the Integrated Testing Facilities including the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), vacuum chambers, and field tests.

Carl begun working full time on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle Project as a Data Integrator in 2023. Shortly after the Moon Base Program was announced this spring, he became the Risk Manager for Surface Mobility. He is proud to support NASA's return to the surface of the Moon and beyond!

In Person and Online Meeting
Our next meeting will be on Friday, September 11th, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and you can participate in one of two ways, either face to face at HAS’s new meeting location:

HCC Alief Hayes Campus
2811 Hayes Rd
Houston, TX

or virtually via Zoom. To attend via Zoom, you must register for the meeting. You can use the link below. You will receive an email with the details of the meeting and a link that will allow you to join in.

Register here.
You only need to register once!
Join us on Friday, September 11th, 2026, at 7:00 pm CT. See you then!

Top image: NASA concept art of a proposed Moon Base.

IN-PERSON: The Rice Center for STEM Engagement is opening its doors to the Houston community for the inaugural Rice Science Open House, a free, family-friendly celebration of the science, research, and innovation happening across Rice. Held as part of the broader Houston Science Festival, the event will bring together Rice faculty, researchers, students, laboratories, departments, and organizations for an afternoon of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.

Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to explore exciting research, meet Rice researchers, students, and educators, and experience science and engineering in engaging, accessible, and fun ways. Activities will highlight cutting-edge research at Rice and demonstrate how STEM connects to real-world challenges.
The event also celebrates the launch of Rice’s new Center for Science Communication and Public Engagement (SCOPE). Admission is free, though attendees are responsible for parking costs on the Rice University campus. Food trucks will also be on site.

Registration is encouraged through Eventbrite so organizers can plan for the number of visitors attending. Whether you are a longtime science enthusiast, a parent looking for an engaging activity with your children, a student curious about STEM, or simply interested in discovering what happens at a research university, come experience the science happening at Rice!

Register through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-rice-science-open-house-tickets-1999273199960

Campus parking: https://parking.rice.edu/parking-facilities-and-rates