Ron DiIulio, planetarium and astronomy lab director in the Department of Physics, spends a lot of time in the company of stars — both celestial and musical. DiIulio is director of the UNT Astronomy Lab Program, which includes the Sky Theater planetarium and the UNT Observatories, and is currently overseeing the development of the university’s new Rafes Urban Astronomy Center. He also is keyboardist, vocalist and composer for Crawfish, a band he founded more than a decade ago. Crawfish has shared the stage with such stars as Three Dog Night, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, Willie Nelson and many others – even performing at the 1988 inaugural festivities for President George Bush.

1. What is your title and department?
   Planetarium and Astronomy Lab Director
   
   
2. How long have you worked at UNT?
   I came to UNT in 1998 and coordinated the opening of the UNT Digistar II planetarium, a.k.a. the Sky Theater.
   
   
3. How do you define success?
   To me, success is both a feeling of personal achievement and is supported by positive financial or attendance numbers. In the case of the Astronomy Lab Program, success is the way that we’re fast approaching self-sufficiency, and we’ve grown from fewer than 300 students when I arrived in 1998 to more than 1,500 this semester!
   
   
4. How did you first become involved in astronomy?
   My first introduction to astronomy came in about the third grade, when my parents gave me The Little Golden Book of Astronomy. I still own it.
   
   
5. Tell us about the Rafes Urban Astronomy Center. How will the new facility impact UNT’s astronomy programs?
   The RUAC (as it is lovingly called by our team) grew out of our concerns over light pollution and encroaching neighborhood growth toward our original observatory site north of Denton. 
   
   Since we knew that we’d have to move the site at some time, I prepared a long-range plan that would involve a new “Urban Astronomy Center” that would be located close to downtown Denton but would include special computerized telescopes that could “see” through much urban light pollution. It would be designed to allow for significant lab growth, as well as increased public outreach, which I consider an important recruiting tool for UNT.
   
   I presented my plan to the university’s vice president for facilities at the time, Richard Rafes, to assist us with locating a site for this new observatory facility. After much research, we could not find a suitable location for the new center. Soon thereafter, however, Dr. Rafes offered some of his personal property west of the Denton airport. We went to see the property and it was perfect. He donated the land to UNT. In recognition of his gift, the university named it the Rafes Urban Astronomy Center.
   
   
6. How do you spend your free time? Hobbies, volunteer work, etc.
   While my free time is limited, I have several hobbies that I enjoy pursuing. One is collecting and displaying meteorites. Some of my collection is on display in the foyer of the UNT Sky Theater. Also, I enjoy performing with my musical group, Crawfish.
   
   
7. Describe Crawfish’s most exciting or unusual gig:
   While it is hard to single out the most exciting Crawfish concert, I’d say that the most unusual would be performing at a Presidential Inaugural Ball. You cannot imagine the security that surrounds these events. The authorities had to literally disassemble our instruments to check for bombs and we had to allow unbelievable personal examinations — much more involved than removing your shoes at the airport!
   
   
8. You’ve met many musical stars over the year. Do you have an especially interesting story about someone you’ve met and/or performed with? 
   I’d have to say that working with Charlton Heston on a series of TV and radio commercials for the U.S. Army was one “star” highlight. The man was quite a gentleman — and quite a patriot! On a more “local” basis, I’d have to say that I first performed with B. J. Thomas here at UNT in the ’60s, when I led a band called The Chessman. Since then, we’ve had “reunions” about every other year at some concert event.
   
   
9. You also fly radio-controlled helicopters that provide video feedback. Tell us about this hobby, its uses, why you enjoy it:
   What started out as a hobby has developed into an interesting sideline for me. I use these “unmanned” helicopters to shoot film and video. This type of footage is used for sporting events, sales presentations, as well as TV commercials.
   
   
10. Your Pet Peeve:
    Bureaucratic organizations that seem to hinder rather than facilitate my work!