I love exploring the night sky – working on observing programs and challenges. While I started in astronomy back in 2003 as a visual only amateur, for almost the past decade, my primary method of observing has been Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA). EAA replaces the eyepiece with a camera or other electronic Read more
During the last week of the October in 2022, I attended the Staunton River Star Party held at Staunton River State Park in southern Virginia. This is a great star party all around, one that should not be missed. At the bottom of this post is a link to a Read more
This page is not recommend to be viewed on a smart-phone, the embedded calculator format does not work well on small screens. In 1961, astronomer Frank Drake formulated the now famous equation, that bears his name, as he was putting together the agenda for the first scientific meeting on the Read more
Below is a video I made that provides more information on how I setup my Electronically Assisted Astronomy gear for use at star parties. Please note that you want to make sure you are being a good astronomy neighbor and ensure you are not leaking any light out which will Read more
Spring time is always a great time of year to observe galaxies in Leo, Virgo, Coma Berenices, Canis Venatici and Ursa Major. This also the time of year that a great star party is held, the Staunton River Star Party (SRSP). However, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, star parties are Read more
I had the honor of presenting the topic ‘Why We Should Explore Space’ at this year’s Astronomy Days hosted by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences @naturalsciences. Below is a recording of the virtual event:. They have a great set of programs running thru the end of the weekend, Read more
I had a really great time with fellow NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador and Raleigh Astronomy member Doug Lively in supporting Moon Zoom, a virtual observing session of the Moon on Monday evening as part of Astronomy Days at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science @naturalsciences. Make sure to check Read more
There have been a lot of headlines lately about the Christmas Star or the Star of Bethlehem being visible on Dec 21st, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. However, this event is not stellar in nature but rather the conjunction in the sky of the planets Jupiter and Saturn. Read more
I managed to capture the pair this evening using 4” refractor, a manual alt-azm mount, a 21mm eyepiece and my iPhone attached the eyepiece. The field of view with that combination eyepiece and telescope is just a little over 2°. ThIs first picture is 37 minutes after sun set. After Read more
In mid/late September, I ventured off for some socially distant observing at the site of the East Coast Video Astronomy Rendezvous (ECVAR). ECVAR is held at a great campground, Cool Breeze Campground located just outside of Galax, VA just over the North Carolina state border. The skies at Cool Breeze Read more