Category Archives: Articles

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.

August Nights Under the Perseid Meteor Shower

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.

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.