I started my astronomy hobby in 1998. In the first couple of years, I was simply an
observational astronomer. I was fortunate to have a circle of friends who always
enjoyed a night of observing.
As my interest grew, I set a goal of viewing all of the Messier objects. I received my Messier certificate in 2001 using a 10" Coulter Dobsonian - the old fashioned way.
I was a member of the Cincinnati Astronomical Society for several years, and in 2000
I was elected First Vice President. I served in that capacity for four years through the
construction of a new headquarters building. I took a break for a couple of years,
but decided to get back into it in September 2007 and was elected a trustee of CAS.
My primary interests are public stargazes and personal observing. I participate in several stargazes per year at Keehner Park in Mason, Ohio and at Caesar Creek State Park. My most frequent observing partner and I deliver a program each year during the Leonid meteor stargaze in August at the Caesar Creek beach.
My early attempts at imaging involved Olympus OM-1 cameras and 35mm film. This was before the relatively recent digital revolution. However, the rigors of manual guiding (I was too cheap to buy an autoguider) nearly burned me out.
In 2003, an article in Sky and Telescope piqued my interest in webcam imaging and I purchased one for that summer's Mars opposition. I learned nearly all I know that summer and fall imaging Mars. Most of my imaging since then has also been webcam based.
I have since invested in Meade's DSI imagers and had some success there as well, and I acquired an LPI just for fun in 2007 at a bargain price.
I am much more of a tinkerer at imaging as I don't seem to be able to find the time required to do extensive processing of the images. I get a lot of satisfaction squeezing as much performance as I can out of less expensive equipment.
I recently became a certified merit badge counselor in astronomy and will participate in the annual astronomy Merit Badge Challenge held every February and March in Cincinnati.
On a clear night, you are likely to find me observing at the Caesar Creek beach.
