Category Archives: Amateur Astronomy

My New Book

For anyone who is interested, I have written a short book which is now available on Amazon. It has been a long time coming (several years) but I have finally declared it to be finished.  It is basically a memoir … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy, Other Nature Studies

More Abells, Hicksons, and Trios of Galaxies

As with most Abells it seems, Abell 2589 (GG&C #46) offered only a fraction of the total number in the cluster that were bright enough for me to see at all. I saw two out of the fifteen plotted galaxies, … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy

Himalia

The skies last Saturday night turned out to be much better than I thought they would. Daytime clouds dissipated and the evening stars appeared. After checking on the new supernova (SN2014J) in M82, which was quite easy to see, I … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy

Venus in Daylight

Back on 26 February 2012, I used the Moon to find the planet Venus in daylight and posted a pic and description. During the last couple of weeks Venus has been about as bright as it ever gets and with … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy

Cold Clear Nights of Galaxy Groups & Clusters

Here are four Galaxy Groups & Clusters for your amazement and amusement. The first is Additional Group #45 (NGC 7103 Group). I could see three out of the seven plotted galaxies, two NGC’s and one IC, ranging in magnitude from … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy

Comet ISON Adventure

Melissa and I got up at 5:30 this morning, donned our warmest clothing, and drove a couple of miles to a spot we had picked out along Highway 22 just south of Huntingdon that offered an unimpeded view to the … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy

Catching Up

Here are a few images from the last few months that I haven’t had time to post until now. Not exactly astronomy or nature, but back in September a B17 named Sentimental Journey was on display at the Lexington, TN … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy, Other Nature Studies, Uncategorized

Galaxies, Galaxies, Everywhere

From September 28th until October 1st, Melissa and I spent three days and nights at the Twin lakes Star Party at Pennyrile State Park in Kentucky. The event, which is hosted by the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers, is the entire … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy

Shine on, Shine on Harvest Moon up in the Sky

The rising Harvest Moon on the evening of 19 September 2013, from our front yard. And a few minutes later, showing more sunset glow. The setting Harvest Moon on the morning of 20 September 2013 from Kelley Sports Complex Park … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy

Galaxy Groups & Clusters and Nova Delphini

I have not been completely idle over the last two months. Here are a few observations to catch me up to the present. 7 July 2013 was clear but a little warm and humid.  Even though transparency was decent, I … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy

Sky-Wide Crepuscular Rays

Melissa and I were returning from running errands last night at sunset when we spotted these crepuscular rays and cloud shadows. (The word crepuscular is from the Latin word crepusculum which means “twilight.”) The sun was just below the horizon … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy, Other Nature Studies

Messier Night at Golden Pond

           WKAA Secretary Patrick Archer and his dad Mike joined me last night for an observing session at the Golden Pond Observatory. We were a little worried about clouds and possible rain initially but it turned out to be a … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Astronomy