Big congrats on the fellowship Abby — excited to see what stories come from it!

I spent the last few days speaking to Gael about how sidewalk astronomy has changed him, and listening to his sidewalk astronomy partner Adam Green & other residents talk about how special they think he is.

You can read more about Gael here on @51st.news' website: 51st.news/mount-pleasa...

But because of a Supreme Court decision that allowed TPS to be revoked for Venezuelans, Gael and his family will likely have to leave D.C.

He's one of the many immigrants in Mount Pleasant whose lives have been uprooted.

Gael first fell in love with telescopes at 9. At 17, he built his first telescope — designed and created all by himself. And for the last year and a half, he's brought his telescopes out onto the sidewalk and shared his passion for the night sky with anyone who passed by.

You can also watch a shorter, vertical video version OR read about it on Civil Eats' website!

📱➡️ www.instagram.com/reel/DQZbf0k...

💻➡️ civileats.com/2025/10/29/t...

Thanks for sharing, James!