While it doesn't quite recreate the dinner atmosphere of the article, the Mt. Wilson Observatory hosts a range of events[1] every year, mostly to support the maintenance of site. If you're in southern California, pay it a visit!
back
1 comments
They have nights where you can look through the big telescope. As far as I know it's the biggest telescope that still has a viewfinder. It was fun looking at Saturn and Mars with such a big device.