For 19-year-old Gael Gomez, the Mount Pleasant Sidewalk Astronomers have become a vital part of his life. Co-founded with his friend Adam Green, this group brings the wonders of the universe down to the sidewalk for the community to enjoy.
Gomez often rolls through the neighborhood with his homemade telescope, sharing glimpses of the night sky with curious onlookers. “It makes me feel joyful,” he says about the community’s response during their gatherings on Mount Pleasant and Irving streets.
But now, Gomez faces a tough challenge. He might have to leave Washington, D.C., and return to Venezuela if he cannot secure a permanent visa. “Returning is just not an option,” he shares, expressing fear about what awaits him back home.
Gomez and his mother moved to the U.S. in 2019 using a temporary visa. His mom, a scientist with a master’s degree in microbiology, found an exchange program that let them relocate. In 2021, he discovered his love for astronomy, leading them to apply for temporary protected status. Unfortunately, this was revoked in 2021, leaving them in a lurch with no clear path ahead.
As political tensions rise between the U.S. and Venezuela, Gomez realizes how precarious his situation is. “It’s a frightening thought,” he admits.
In the meantime, Gomez continues to chase his passion for astronomy. He recently showcased an art exhibit in partnership with the D.C. gallery Lost Origins, displaying stunning astrophotography. This gallery features breathtaking images of eclipses and distant galaxies taken by him and fellow astronomers.
The exhibit has sparked interest and support from the community. Proceeds from prints are helping to cover the high costs of visa applications—around $30,000 for him and his mother. So far, they’ve raised a few thousand dollars, and the community’s support has been “overwhelmingly positive,” he notes.
Gomez dreams of teaching astronomy one day. “In my ideal world, I’m educating people on the wonders of the night sky,” he says with enthusiasm. He wants to keep sharing the beauty of the universe with others.
Mount Pleasant is rich in cultural diversity, with many Latin American immigrants. The Sidewalk Astronomers have become a beloved part of the neighborhood, offering hope and joy through astronomy. As Gomez fights to stay in the U.S., the love he has invested in the community shines brightly through the excited faces he encounters on the streets.
To learn more about the Sidewalk Astronomers or support Gomez, visit the Lost Origins gallery.
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