Living in a dark sky-designated area of the Hill Country for nearly 10 years, I still feel any clear night is an event in itself. Some of the best ways to explore the state don’t start until the sun goes down. To kick off our Night Issue, I asked staff members to share some of their favorite after-dark activities.
Brandon Jakobeit, photo editor: I’ve done a lot of camping over the years, but my favorite place to see the stars is Big Bend National Park, which has the least light pollution of any national park in the contiguous states. On a clear night, you can see everything.
Chris Linnen, associate art director: When UT is in session, the astronomy department hosts viewings on the roof of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Building on Wednesday nights. I’ve been a few times over the past few years. Take the elevator to the 17th floor and follow the signs up the stairs to the telescope.
Chris O’Connell, digital editor: On Saturday nights in October, we gather in our friends’ Austin backyard to watch scary movies under the stars. They make popcorn and project horror movies for what they call Silver Screams, and I look forward to the eerie cinematic series every year. The dark Texas sky, cold wind blowing through a chain-link fence, and the critters scurrying around us (canine and otherwise) make watching even the cheesiest horror flick a thrill.
Hannah Smothers, audience engagement editor: I can admit this now, but in high school I used to sneak out of my bedroom window to drive 45 minutes from my wooded suburb into Houston to eat blueberry pie à la mode with my friend at the House of Pies on Westheimer Road. The pie tasted best when eaten in secret and in the dead of night, when my mom and most of Houston were asleep. While the Westheimer location now closes at midnight, other locations still maintain their 24-hour schedule.
What’s your favorite nighttime tradition? Share with us at [email protected].
