Welcome

Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer, in their excellent book The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide, call amateurs “naturalists of the night.” I really love this description because my approach to amateur astronomy has always been that of a naturalist. I observe and identify, make field notes and sketches, and generally enjoy the beauty of nature through the eyepiece. (And, sometimes, not even through the eyepiece. Though I own two telescopes, much of my observing is done using only my eyes or maybe binoculars.) But, while there is pure pleasure in the aesthetics of the moment, astronomy is also a science, and amateur astronomy is a learning hobby. I read about what I am looking at. Later, I write about it in my journal. The connection I feel to nature and the rest of the universe comes as much through the understanding as it does through the beauty.

I hope to convey, through this blog, some of the wonderful experiences I have had in the hobby and maybe inspire other folks to give amateur astronomy a try. It isn’t hard to do. You can make it as simple or as technical as you like. You don’t have to have expensive equipment or special knowledge to get started —  just curiosity and wonder.

“May there always be starlight on the path.” — Robert Burnham, Jr.