Astrophotography – The Garden Astronomer

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.

Viewing Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon in Autumn Skies

Artist image of a comet in the sky near sunrise

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.

The Horsehead Nebula (IC 434): A Shadow in the Stars

The Horsehead Nebula, located in Orion, is recognized for its iconic silhouette but is faint and challenging to observe. First discovered in 1888 by Williamina Fleming, it is a stellar nursery contributing to star formation. Ideal viewing occurs between December and March, away from city lights using larger telescopes.

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.

Blood Moon: March 2025 Lunar Eclipse

This post covers my observation of Lunar Eclipse in March 2025. In the deep stillness of this early morning, the last sliver of white on the moon turns a copper red, marking the first time in many years that I’ve watched a total lunar eclipse. Photos included.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Graces Autumn Skies

This comet, first discovered by astronomers from the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and the ATLAS survey in Hawaii, promised to be one of the brightest comets since Neowise. And sure enough, it actually got a little brighter than Neowise.