Articles – The Garden Astronomer

2025 Geminid Meteor Shower: Tracing the Origins of the ‘Rock Comet’

Shows Geminids meteor trails over a winter pastoral scene in China, 2021.

The Geminids peak Dec 13–14, 2025! Learn the history behind the shower, viewing tips, and it unique colors.

Between Stars and Jingle Bells: Savannah’s Troup Square

Explore Savannah’s Troup Square, where a bronze armillary sphere meets history, James Lord Pierpont, and the story behind “Jingle Bells.”

Navi: The Star Behind the Ghost of Cassiopeia

Image of Cassiopeia constellation in a starry sky.

Explore Gamma Cassiopeiae (Navi) and the Ghost Nebula IC 63, its history, stellar energy, and connection to astronaut Gus Grissom.

Stars Fell Like Snow: Witnesses to the 1833 Leonid Meteor Storm

A painting depicting the 1833 Leonid Meteor Shower over the Niagara Falls on November 13, 1833.

The 1833 Leonid meteor storm stunned America. Read the harrowing eyewitness accounts of the night the stars fell like snow and the sky caught fire.

The Curious Symbols of the Planets

Uncover the secrets of planetary symbols from the Sun and Moon to Pluto. These ancient glyphs blend astronomy, mythology, and alchemy, offering a cosmic language that connects science and imagination. Perfect for stargazers and anyone curious about the hidden stories behind our solar system’s worlds.

How a Denver Blizzard Inspired My Stargazing Journey

On Christmas Eve 1982, Denver’s great blizzard buried the city in snow—and sparked my fascination with the stars. Finding an old astronomy book changed everything, inspiring decades of stargazing adventures. From Saturn to the Milky Way, this story reflects how quiet winter nights can open a lifelong journey across the universe.

Antares: Across the Skylines

From rooftops in Seattle to Florida’s Gulf Coast, follow the journey of observing Antares and Messier 4. This reflective astronomy story weaves stargazing, memory, and the timeless beauty of the night sky.

From Park Bench to Stardust: Spotting Comet Hale‑Bopp in 1997

Experience the magic of Comet Hale-Bopp through my personal story of a clear March night in Colorado Springs. From capturing the comet on 35 mm film to witnessing its dazzling tail without a telescope, this reflection celebrates the fleeting beauty of great comets and the lifelong wonder they inspire.