The Board of Supervisors is bringing the universe to Lucerne Valley and two other county locations with the help of a renowned astronaut.

At their most recent meeting, the Board approved an agreement with Tierra Luna Engineering to design, replicate and install a customized observatory space at the Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch Library and two soon-to-be-named remote-access locations.

Tierra Luna was founded by Dr. Jose Hernandez, a NASA astronaut, former migrant farmworker, and the subject of the 2023 feature film “A Million Miles Away.” Hernandez specializes in aerospace engineering and the manufacturing of world-class science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) educational products.

The board also authorized the purchase and installation of a 3-meter motorized ScopeDome at the library.

“This project will allow the county to engage students in real-world, career-focused, hands-on STEAM educational programs with a focus on space science,” said Rowe, whose Third District includes Lucerne Valley. “In partnership with Tierra Luna, the library will increase accessibility to STEAM educational resources through community engagement to keep pace with our nation’s need to inspire youth to pursue occupations in the math and science fields.”

You can learn more about Tierra Luna Engineering by clicking here.