What we’re about
Welcome to Houston Science Enthusiasts! Founded in 2010 (under the original name Houston Super Secret Science Club), our goal is to provide a place for people interested in science to find and gather at the most interesting science-related activities in the Greater Houston region. These include gatherings at the many science-related lectures held at area universities and other educational institutions, visits to museums, outdoors field trips and social mixers at local pubs and restaurants. The idea to make these meet-ups entertaining and interesting to the lay community as well as those from the ranks of professional scientists. Anyone can join -- you don't need a Ph.D., just some curiosity.
You also are invited to join our Facebook group, where we continue the discussion online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HoustonSuperSecretScienceClub/
Find our listing of Houston Science Resources here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/houston-science-enthusiasts/houston-science-resources/637381806593089/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Exploring Europa with Europa ClipperLunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX
HYBRID: A vast ocean lies beneath Europa's icy shell and there is scientific evidence that the ingredients for life may exist on Europa right now.
At this event, the Lunar and Planetary Institute will present a presentation (offered in-person and virtually) by Dr. Walter Kiefer, Director of the LPI. Dr. Kiefer will discuss NASA’s Europa Clipper mission and its 1.8-billion-mile journey to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Launched in October 2024, Europa Clipper is the first mission designed to conduct a detailed study of Europa.
This event will take place on Thursday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m. CT (8:30 p.m. ET/ 6:30 p.m. MT/ 5:30 p.m. PT). In-person attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. A short reception with the speaker will follow the presentation.
Event page: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/features/2025/050225/exploring-europa/
In-person at the Lunar and Planetary Institute
3600 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058For those who are unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live through the LPI YouTube channel beginning at 7:30 p.m. CT.
- "Sally’s Night" at Space Center HoustonSpace Center Houston, Houston, TX
PAID EVENT: "This June, we honor the 42nd anniversary of Dr. Sally Ride’s historic journey in STS-7 as America’s first woman in space. We invite guests to reflect on the message that space is for everyone, honoring her legacy as a woman and gender-expansive individual. NASA’s seventh Space Shuttle Mission (STS-7), and the second flight of the Space Shuttle Challenger, earned Ride the title of the first American woman in space, which continues to be celebrated in human spaceflight history.
"Space Center Houston is also partnering with the BeSomeone artist, the creator behind the city’s iconic mantra painted over I-45’s Union Pacific bridge. The artist will create a live mural reflecting Houston’s contributions in human spaceflight, inspired by Sally Ride’s powerful message: 'Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity.'
"Today, that message echoes the extraordinary life she lived filled with energy, passion, curiosity and joy. Watch her story in the National Geographic documentary film SALLY, directed by Emmy Award-winner Cristina Costantini."
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C67rl6MNGe0&t=12s
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Main Plaza:
- EarthKAM Pop-up Lab
- Sally Ride’s Timeline Tech Wall Pop-up Lab
- BeSomeone Live Mural Painting
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Main Plaza:
- Sally Ride Special Artifacts
- Kinetic Lights
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. - Mission Briefing Center
- Astronaut Presentations
11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. - Mission Briefing Center
- Sally Ride National Geographic Documentary Screening
Event website with full information: https://spacecenter.org/featured_events/sallys-night/
Attendance of "Sally's Night" is included with general admission to Space Center Houston: https://spacecenter.org/visitor-information
NOTE: This is a NON-HOSTED meetup.
- Aliens: The Search for Extraterrestrial LifeCafe Express, Houston, TX
IN PERSON: Let's meet and talk about the search for extraterrestrial life based on this collection (kindle & audible) of essays edited by theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili.
"Since 2000, science has seen a surge in data and interest on several fronts related to E.T. (extraterrestrials); A.I. (artificial intelligence); and SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence). The debate has intensified over whether life exists outside our solar system, what that life would look like, and whether we’ll ever make contact.
"Included here are essays from a broad spectrum of the scientific community: cosmologists, astrophysicists, NASA planetary scientists, and geneticists, to name just a few, discussing the latest research and theories relating to alien life. Some of the topics include: If life exists somewhere in space, what are the odds that it evolves into something we would recognize as intelligent? What will space travel look like in the future, and will it all be done by cyborg technology? How long until we are ruled by robot overlords? (This is actually a serious consideration.) Are we simply a simulation in the mind of some supreme being, acting out a virtual reality game?"
Everyone is welcome whether you have explored the topic before or not.
You can:
At this meeting each person can nominate a book to be voted on whether it is from the pool of candidates or not.
We'll be meeting at Cafe Express. There is ample parking in the nearby lot.
Come prepared to discuss the ideas in the book and have a good time.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
- Marine Heat Waves and OystersLink visible for attendees
ONLINE: The location, season, size, duration and intensity of a marine heat wave (MHW) influences its impacts. For animals, summer and fall events are especially concerning because animals are already at temperatures closer to their upper heat tolerances. Sessile species like corals face greater risks than mobile species. For coastal weather, MHWs can lead to dangerously hot and humid conditions. They also contribute to rapid hurricane intensification.
Join GCOOS in June and July as we present our Summer Webinar Series focused on the science and impacts of MHW.
https://gcoos.org/heat-waves-webinars/
### June 26: Marine Heat Waves and Oysters
#### Speakers: Andrea Tarnecki, Auburn Shellfish Lab | Jeff Plumlee, Louisiana State University/Louisiana Sea Grant | Blair Morrison, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program
MHW can have especially high impacts on less-mobile marine species like oysters, which provide critical habitat for other species, aid water filtration in estuaries, reduce coastal erosion and provide food for humans. Oyster aquaculture is also a growing industry, with 2023 landings valued at $77 million by NOAA Fisheries. In this lunch & learn webinar, hear from experts who study oyster production, MHW impacts on oyster recruitment and general stressors for oyster reefs.
