Each August night, the Perseid Meteor Shower turned our Denver street into a cathedral of stars. We’d sprawl on blankets, count meteors, and gaze at galaxies through a small telescope—moments that sparked a lifelong love of stargazing and amateur astronomy. August Nights is a journey through memory, friendship, and the timeless wonder of the summer sky.
Category Archives: Articles
Lenses of Legacy: Great Telescopes that Opened Our Eyes to the Heavens
From Galileo’s first refractor to the mighty Hale Telescope, these ten historic telescopes reshaped how humans see the universe. Discover how Galileo’s spyglass revealed the moons of Jupiter, Herschel’s backyard telescope found Uranus, and the Hooker Telescope proved the universe is expanding. Explore the legacy of instruments that paved the way for modern astronomy and continue to inspire stargazers worldwide.
A Hole in the Desert: My Trip to the Barringer Crater
Discover the Barringer Crater near Winslow, Arizona, where a 50,000-year-old meteorite impact created a nearly mile-wide natural wonder. From hiking the Crater Rim Trail to visiting the visitor center, this Arizona destination combines science, history, and breathtaking desert views for an unforgettable adventure.
Stephan’s Quintet: Visiting George Bailey’s Angels in It’s a Wonderul Life
Explore how the stunning Stephan’s Quintet in Pegasus inspired the angels’ realm in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. Discover tips for observing these faint galaxies, their connection to astronomy, and reflections on the hidden impact of our lives, all from an amateur astronomer’s perspective.
Sisters Capture the Essence of the Stars
Learn how Sofia and Fabiola Bardelli combined a love of the night sky with perfumery to create a stellar fragrance line inspired by stars like Betelgeuse and Antares. Explore their story of creativity, hope, and the cosmic connection behind In Astra perfumes.
Wherever You May Roam: Milky Way in the Florida Keys
Experience the breathtaking night skies of Islamorada, Florida, where Scorpio, Sagittarius, and the Milky Way rise high above the waters. Discover how even a simple iPhone can capture deep-sky objects and bring the cosmos closer to home.
Tour a Colorful Palette of Summertime Stars
Join me on a summer backyard adventure to discover stars of all colors.
Astronomy Books and Resources
As an amateur astronomer who also loves books, I share some of my favorite reads related to the field of astronomy. A good guide with resources for those new to the hobby as well as those observers more experienced.
The Garden Astronomer 