West Leechburg man 'space-ing out' with online astronomy show

West Leechburg’s James Sanders has turned a childhood interest in science into a celestial pursuit and profession.

Sanders, who has an astrophysics degree from Clarion University, is hosting a free Facebook livestream on astronomy Saturday.

“I found planetariums in college and realized they would be an excellent marriage of content creation and science communication, making this line of work a perfect fit for me,” said Sanders, 26.

Sanders created his Fly Science Guy Facebook page with a mission to promote learning and understanding by encouraging questions during his astronomy shows.

Saturday’s event, dubbed “Space-ing out: September Happenings,” will stream from Sanders’ home astronomy office and cover topics such as the history of the Autumnal Equinox, what people should be able to see from their back yards this month and planets such as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Mercury and Saturn.

“I will use a simulation of the sky, that way weather won’t affect the event,” Sanders said.

The hourlong show is appropriate for people of all ages and participants will be able to pose questions on the comment thread, Sanders said.

“Society has this idea that science is rigid and hard, exclusive to ‘smart’ people,” Sanders said. “That doesn’t have to be the case because everyone understands things differently, so I try to take hard concepts and make someone with no background in this field appreciate it.”

Sanders previously worked at Buhl Planetarium in Pittsburgh and volunteers at Clarion University’s Pierce Planetarium.

His favorite constellation?

“Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer,” Sanders said. “It’s one of the few constellations that consists of other constellations and he breaks so many norms.”

Sanders noted the approaching fall season offers optimal stargazing opportunities for two reasons: longer nights and a drop in humidity.

“Humidity obscures starlight because the light bounces off the water molecules in the air. Colder air means less humidity and more direct light from stars,” he said.

Sanders said he intends to have fun during the livestream.

“People definitely learn things better when they’re engaged and keeping someone laughing keeps them engaged, so I try to incorporate humor into the show,” he said.