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.
Tag Archives: Astronomy
Messier 1 (NGC 1952): A Champagne Supernova in the Sky
Explore Messier 1 (Crab Nebula), a supernova remnant in Taurus, with detailed sketches, photos, and tips for observing this winter deep-sky gem.
NGC 6946: The Fireworks Galaxy in Cepheus
Discover NGC 6946, the Fireworks Galaxy—an active spiral rich in star formation. Includes Seestar S50 photo, sketch, and backyard observation notes.
Messier 30 (NGC 7099): The Jellyfish Globular Cluster
Explore Messier 30, a stunning globular cluster in Capricornus, with insights into its history, structure, and observing tips. Includes a personal sketch and photo from my own telescope observations.
VV Cephei: The Colossal Supergiant of Cepheus
Explore VV Cephei, a massive red / orange supergiant in Cepheus. Find viewing tips, photos, and sketches for this rare and fascinating star.
Viewing Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon in Autumn Skies
Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) brightens in the sky as 2025’s top comet. A rare long-period visitor visible in fall nights for eager stargazers.
Viewing Comet C/2025 R2 SWAN in October Skies
Discover Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2), its rare discovery by SOHO’s SWAN instrument, and its close approach to Earth in October 2025.
Chi Cygni: The Pulsating Beauty of Cygnus
Explore Chi Cygni, a variable red giant in Cygnus whose rhythmic brightening and fading reveal the life cycles of stars. Includes new astrophotography.
The Garden Astronomer 