We often tell stories to connect with others. Laurie Thiede has stories to tell and is hoping you’re willing to listen — and look up at the night sky.
Thiede hosts Stories by Starlight at the Chico Community Observatory. It’s an evening of storytelling, poetry and ambient sound.
The once high school teacher has had a colorful life. Thiede has lived in many parts of the world. From a 15-year career as a flight attendant to a New Zealand NASA Air liaison.
“I flew on a mission with [NASA] to the stratosphere … So though I am not an astronaut, I am a strastronaut.”— Laurie Thiede, Stories By Starlight creator
“I have loved space and astronomy all my life,” Thiede said.
Her father contributed to the Apollo missions, specifically in the development of the Saturn V rocket.
“He helped to create that rocket and make it fireproof,” Thiede said. “So, I grew up around astronauts and space and astronomy and all that good stuff.”
Her travels allowed her to observe the night sky from various locations in both the northern and southern hemispheres, fostering an interest in stars and planets.
While residing in New Zealand, she had the privilege of volunteering as a journalist for NASA, which operates aircraft equipped with telescopes, functioning as flying observatories.
“I flew on a mission with them to the stratosphere,” Thiede said. “Commercial aircraft fly at about 36,000 feet, and we went to 46,000 feet. So though I am not an astronaut, I am a strastronaut.”
Over the last decade, Thiede frequently visited Chico, utilizing layovers from San Francisco flights, to spend time with family before returning to New Zealand.
“I have kids and grandkids in Chico,” Thiede said.
This routine continued for several years until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. When New Zealand's borders closed for two and a half years, only flight attendants and pilots were permitted to exit the country.
After a prolonged period of separation and various personal factors, she decided to stay in Chico. And been expanding her wings in the city.
After COVID restrictions were lifted, Thiede continued her long-standing passion for astronomy and visited Chico’s observatory. She was encouraged to join while engaging with volunteers.
“I said, ‘I don't know. I'm so used to southern hemisphere stars, I've got to relearn what's up here in the northern hemisphere,’” Thiede said.
She acquired a telescope as a Christmas gift from her children. After dedicating significant time to mastering it and familiarizing herself with her new sky, she began volunteering at the observatory.
This past year, she started Stories By Starlight, her way of sharing her knowledge of astronomy and the galaxy beyond the general understanding.
“I want people to know that's Jupiter, but one of those moons has a spacecraft on the way that'll be there in five years to see if there's potential for life. It's my time to tell these stories.”— Laurie Thiede, Stories By Starlight creator
“Every culture had stories about what they see in the night sky before there were telescopes, and I found those stories so interesting,” Thiede said.
When participants arrive at the observatory, they’ll hear ethereal and celestial music and get about thirty minutes to adjust to the darkness and become comfortable.
Thiede said she wants it to be a cozy experience and recommended guests bring a blanket, pillow and beverage to settle in and enjoy the experience.
Once everyone is settled, the stories begin. She writes the stories based on factual evidence and her knowledge of the night skies. She said the setting allows her to go into greater detail.
“I want people to know that's Jupiter, but one of those moons has a spacecraft on the way that'll be there in five years to see if there's potential for life,” Thiede said. “It's my time to tell these stories.”
Her stories include the history of the observatory and an overview of its activities, followed by a guided tour of the night sky.
“Now you're encouraged, hopefully, to go out on your own and look at the night sky, because again, it's all naked eye astronomy on that evening,” Thiede said.
