Amateur Astronomy

has been an important part of my life for 50 years. I like deep-sky
observing and planetary about equally well. For several years I've been
getting more serious about imaging.

I've owned a lot of telescopes, and am presently satisfied with the 11 I have:

  • Astro-Physics 155mm f/9 EDT refractor
  • 10" f/6 Starsplitter Compact Dobsonian with Nova optics
  • 3.5" Questar Maksutov
  • 92mm Astro-Physics Stowaway refractor
  • 3" f/6.5 Jaegers refractor
  • 40mm Coronado PST
  • 60mm f/12 Sears/Towa refractor
  • 77mm f/13 Eikow refractor
  • 150mm f/5 Celestron Omni XLT reflector
  • 8" Celestron Edge HD SCT
  • 60mm Astro-Tech ED refractor

Eleven!? I'm now verging on having too many telescopes.

Verging, mind you.




Items of Interest:
Astro-Physics Page

Read how I,  a humble man of less than ordinary means, came to possess these legendary telescopes.

Stowaway Review

Experience even more levels of detail as I wax enthusiastic over this fabled instrument.

Reviews of Other Telescopes

Discussions of various telescopes I have owned, plus some accessories.
Beginning Nerd Astronomy

Discover the pulse-pounding origins of my involvement in amateur astronomy.

Leonid Meteor Storm 2001

A few photographs from this amazing event.
Essays concerning observing and space:

An essay about the seasons and observing

Another essay about observing

A story about a shuttle launch
The BS Catalog of Favorite Little-Known Deep Sky Objects

No Messier objects here...but nothing especially difficult, either.

Artwork from the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 on Jupiter

My views of the most impressive celestial event anyone has ever seen.
Comet Hale-Bopp drawing and photographs

We could use a few more comets like this one.
Artwork from Saturn's 1989 occultation of 28 Sagittarii

Watching Saturn pass in front of a bright star is pretty trippy.
Various Astrophotos

Mostly auroras, with a few other things.
Double Stars

Notes on a few pairs which are particularly challenging or significant in some way. Or at least pretty.

English Lessons for Amateur Astronomers

Read no farther! I warn you, don't look at this!


Celestron Omni XLT 150 Review

Are your telescopic ambitions somewhat modest? Maybe this inexpensive little scope will interest you.


Comet 17P/Holmes Drawings

A humble periodic comet makes an unexpectedly big impression.


Observing the Horsehead Nebula

A few notes on observing this famously elusive object over the years.


Brandon Eyepiece Review

A few thoughts and reminiscences about these venerable oculars, a product of the little farm village of Candor, New York, near my home.


Three-Inch Refractor Shootout

In which some not very surprising conclusions are drawn about the relative performance of a few small telescopes.


Venus Transit 2012

Photos from this rare event. If you missed it, don't count on being around for the next one.


Astrophotography

Featuring the more successful of my humble efforts at the art and science of celestial photography.


Celestron Advanced VX Mount Review

Results with this entry-level goto telescope mount.


Celestron 8-Inch EdgeHD Telescope Review

A stubby tube full of miracles? Not quite, but very respectable nonetheless.


Total Solar Eclipse 2017

An account of my adventure seeing and recording this stunning celestial sight.


The Refoamation

Replacing the foam in an old Astro-Physics telescope case.


Astro Tech 60ED Telescope Review

A miniature telescope with a specific task in its future, if I'm lucky.


ZWO AM5 Mount Review

A bright red little box of capability.



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