Monthly Meetings

Date: June 19, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: TAMU Physics Teaching Observatory Classroom, Fishtank Road, College Station, TX

Program: Stellar Occulation Science

Speaker: James Dire, PhD
Raised near Los Angeles, Dr. Dire, a planetary scientist, discovered a passion for the night sky after moving to Missouri at age nine. At twelve, a department store telescope hooked him on astronomy, leading him to frequent the local planetarium and university observatory. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, where he served as president of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City. He went on to earn an M.S. in physics from the University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. in planetary science from Johns Hopkins University, focusing his dissertation on Saturn's moon, Titan. An avid amateur astronomer, he has participated in numerous regional clubs and played major roles in constructing several observatories. His contributions include initiating the Powell Observatory project and directing the Coast Guard Academy Astronomical Observatory. After starting his career as a professor of physics and astronomy, he transitioned into college administration in 2000. He remains deeply connected to the community, writing the Deep-Sky column for "Reflector" magazine since 2010 and regularly contributing to "Astronomy Technology Today."

Directions: - Traveling from George Bush Dr.
1. From George Bush Drive, cross over FM 2818. (You will have to turn right at the light at the intersection of FM 2818 and George Bush Drive, get in the left lane and turn left at the first traffic signal to make the U turn to travel in the south bound lane of traffic on FM 2818.
2. Turn right on George Bush Dr West.
3. Turn left on Nuclear Science Rd.
4. Follow Nuclear Science Rd around the airport.
5. Turn Left at the Nuclear Science Center
6. Follow the road past the main gate.
7. This road will end in the parking lot of the TAMU Physics Teaching Observatory Classroom.