82-year-old Man in Park Slope Shares Passion for Stargazing with New Yorkers
In the hustle and bustle of New York City, it can be hard to find a moment of tranquility and wonder. However, one man in Park Slope, Brooklyn, is on a mission to change that. Joe Delfausse, an 82-year-old resident, has set up his telescope in the middle of Ninth Avenue, inviting passersby to take a look at Saturn.
Despite the busy traffic and impatient drivers, Delfausse has managed to capture the attention of many curious onlookers. While some motorists expressed their frustration and yelled at the stargazers, others patiently navigated around the group, intrigued by the rare sight in the city that never sleeps.
For Delfausse, sharing his passion for stargazing with others brings him a sense of fulfillment. He believes that he has made a difference in people’s lives when he sees their eyes widen in awe at the sight of Saturn. “It’s like sharing a piece of magic with them,” he says.
A longtime resident of the neighborhood since 1976, Delfausse does not regularly disrupt traffic for his stargazing sessions. However, on this particular evening, he couldn’t get a good view from the sidewalk and decided to move to the intersection of Eighth Avenue and Ninth Street. It turned out to be a fortuitous decision, as a line quickly formed after a nearby concert, with people eager to catch a glimpse of the captivating planet through his telescope.
Delfausse’s journey into the world of astronomy began in 1995 through a chance encounter with a stranger at a photo shop. Incredibly, this encounter led to an invitation to an Amateur Astronomers Association meeting, sparking his fascination for the universe we live in.
What sets Delfausse apart is his belief that anyone can enjoy stargazing and explore the wonders of the universe without needing a college degree. His aim is to make astronomy accessible to everyone and to instill a curiosity for the cosmos in people of all ages and backgrounds.
As the night sky continues to captivate countless New Yorkers, Joe Delfausse will remain a beacon of inspiration, reminding us to take a moment and appreciate the wonders that lie beyond our daily lives.
