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- 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.
- Planetary Defenders: Protecting Earth from Potential ImpactsLunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX
HYBRID: "How would humanity respond if we discovered an asteroid headed for Earth? NASA’s planetary defense researchers track and monitor near-Earth asteroids, aiming to protect our planet from potential impacts.
"Join the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) for a special presentation, Planetary Defenders: Protecting Earth from Potential Impacts, by Dr. Paul Abell, the Chief Scientist for Small Body Exploration within the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division at NASA Johnson Space Center. Dr. Abell studies potentially hazardous asteroids and near-Earth objects to better understand how to mitigate future impacts and identify potential resources for the future."
Watch NASA’s Planetary Defenders documentary online now!
The presentation will be available in-person and virtually on International Asteroid Day, Monday, June 30, 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.
In-person at the Lunar and Planetary Institute
3600 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live through the LPI YouTube channel beginning at 7:30 p.m. CT.
LPI event page: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/features/2025/061825/planetary-defenders/
NOTE: This is a NON-HOSTED meetup.
- NASA Stories at the Ion: NASA Astronaut Tracy C. DysonIon - Forum Stairs, Houston, TX
IN-PERSON: Ion in the Ion District begins its “NASA Stories at the Ion” with NASA astronaut Dr. Tracy C. Dyson.
Description: "The Ion is proud to present “NASA Stories at the Ion”—a one-of-a-kind morning series spotlighting the human side of space exploration. Each session will feature personal and powerful stories from astronauts and key NASA personnel. From breathtaking missions aboard the International Space Station to unexpected lessons in leadership and teamwork, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at spaceflight, told by the people who’ve lived it.
"This speaker series is designed to inspire anyone curious about what it takes to push the boundaries of human potential. Complimentary breakfast and networking kicks off each event.
"Join us for the inaugural edition of “NASA Stories at the Ion” featuring veteran NASA astronaut Dr. Tracy C. Dyson. In this conversation, Dr. Dyson will share stories from her remarkable 373 days in space, her experiences aboard the International Space Station, and the leadership lessons she’s learned while orbiting 250 miles above Earth."
See full event details and register at https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-stories-at-the-ion-a-conversation-with-nasa-astronaut-tracy-c-dyson/
PARKING:
Ion District Parking Garage
Enter 4111 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to this parking garage, located a block from the Ion. Parking in the Ion District Garage is free for the first two hours.Red Parking Lot
Enter 4203 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to the red parking lot, located across the street from the Ion. This lot is for overflow guest parking and tenant parking and is free for the first three hours.NOTE: This is a NON-HOSTED meetup.
- Marine Heat Waves and Coastal WeatherLink 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/
### July 10: Marine Heat Waves and Coastal Weather
#### Speakers: Brian Dzwonkowski, University of South Alabama/Dauphin Island Sea Lab | Shawn Milrad, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Coral Lozada, Houston Methodist Academic Institute
What happens in the ocean doesn’t just impact marine species, it also impacts coastal weather. In the Gulf region, hurricanes are a frequent and damaging reality. The Gulf also continues to experience very high summer temperatures that can be dangerous for local communities. In this lunch & learn webinar, hear from experts about how marine heatwaves impact hurricanes and coastal temperatures and what that means for all of us along the Gulf coast.
