Retired NASA astronaut to speak at ‘Stargazing Party’ at Mojave River Forks in Hesperia
Retired NASA Astronaut José Moreno Hernández, depicted in the movie, "A Million Miles Away" will speak at a ‘Stargazing Party’ at Mojave River Forks in Hesperia.
The San Bernardino County Regional Parks and Library system will host the astronomical event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Mojave River Forks Park and Campground at 17891 Highway 173.
The Library Adventure Mobile Bus will be onsite as well as arts and crafts tables, telescopes and open space for sky viewing.
There will be a campfire for making s'mores and a hot cocoa station, while supplies last. Organizers encourage visitors to bring their telescopes or binoculars.
It is also recommended that visitors dress appropriately for the event, which may see temperatures in the 60s.
Visitors should bring chairs, blankets and coolers. Leashed pets are welcome, organizers said.
Farmworker to astronaut
The 2023 Amazon Prime Video "A Million Miles Away" follows how Hernández, played by actor Michael Peña, made it to space.
In 2009, Hernandez made San Joaquin County history by becoming the first astronaut from the county to be part of a U.S. space mission, the Stockton Record reported.
Hernandez was born in French Camp to migrant farm workers Julia and Salvador Hernandez. He grew up in Stockton, helping his parents work in the fields while aspiring to become an astronaut in space.
As a student, he excelled in math and science. Hernandez is a graduate of Franklin High School and University of the Pacific's mechanical engineering program.
After 13 years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he helped develop the first digital mammography machine, Hernandez landed a position in the space program.
'License to dream'
In 2001, Hernandez was accepted by NASA after applying multiple times. He joined the astronaut program in 2004.
In August 2009, he embarked on a delivery mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Hernandez returned to Earth 14 days later and became a source of inspiration for many at home in San Joaquin County and his parents' native state of Michoacan, Mexico.
The 61-year-old Hernandez said his father, who had only a third-grade education, gave him the recipe to success, he told KCRA-TV
“I always say the biggest thing my father gave me was the license to dream,” Hernández said. “When I first told him I wanted to be an astronaut, he said, 'define your purpose in life, recognize how far you are, draw yourself a roadmap, prepare yourself accordingly and develop a work ethic second to none.' Of course, I add the secret sauce, which is perseverance.”
Park entrance fee
Mojave Forks parking is $10 per vehicle. Due to limited Wi-Fi at the park, organizers will accept cash or prepaid admission only. To prepay online, visit sbcountyparks.com.
For more information on regional parks or campgrounds, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. For more information on our county library branches, visit sbclib.org.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Retired NASA astronaut to speak at ‘Stargazing Party' in Hesperia
