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Greetings, all: I grew up in Northern Ontario where the night sky was usually ablaze with stars; I became familiar with the constellations, learned to tell time and find direction from the sky. As a teenager, I spent months grinding a 6" mirror, only to drop it on a concrete floor at the very last test!! It's a wonder I ever got back into it. Needing a science, I took an intro astronomy course at university and became fascinated with the whole subject--the jaw-dropping distances, the inductive reasoning always opening up new discoveries. But, as so many have experienced, life got in the way of astronomy--jobs, marriage, travel, etc. I got back into it about 10 years ago with a cheap 8" Newtonian. Then a lovely WO Megrez (which I wish I still had!) I started photography with a Nikon that I already owned. I remember being astonished at what I could capture with not much in the way of specialized equipment. My first shot of M13--which I wince at now--excited me no end. And so, the endless journey began. Each year I go back to the same targets, seeing more, understanding more. I'm currently one of the judges for SkyNews.ca, the magazine of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) and so spend lots of time seeing the incredible work of others--and learning a bunch. Also happy to be a part of this amazing community. It continually amazes me that us amateurs can reach the depth and artistry that would be unthinkable just a few decades ago. |
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Hello Doug! I lived in Victoria for 25 years before moving to the interior (Vernon)for hot and dry weather! You going to spend anytime at the DOA? I loved it up there growing up and into university. Clear Skies Dan. |
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Hi Dan: Interestingly, I lived in Kelowna off and on for a few years. I definitely love the DOA, especially when we get to use the 72" Old Lady!! Sadly, it's pretty much shut down to amateurs and RASC due to Covid 19, although there's plans for a cautious and limited opening at the local RASC observatory. |
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| Hi Doug, I was born and raised on V.I. (Tofino), but moved to Haida Gwaii a number of years ago, always been interested in astronomy and photography so now I think I'll try my hand at pairing them. |
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Welcome Doug! I'm a little further south in Portland but claim the same, lousy, Pacific Northwest skies! There is a Pacific Northwest Images group here you may want to checkout/join. Kevin |
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Kevin Morefield: Been to Portland a few times and liked it. Not sure how to find the Pacific Northwest Images group here. |
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Doug MacDonald:Kevin Morefield:Been to Portland a few times and liked it. Not sure how to find the Pacific Northwest Images group here. If you go to Explore and then Groups you should see a list of groups. This one is called Pacific Northwest Astrophotographers. You may see several that interest you! |
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Hello from Vancouver, Doug! I can identify with life sidelining astronomy, and am only just now returning to it. Thank you for your work with the RASC! My daughter and I are working towards our Exploring the Universe pins, and have greatly benefited from the resources for the program. My wife and I visited the DAO years ago, and were very sad to hear of the closing of the interpretive centre. Glad there are efforts to revitalize/restore it. Also, your photographs are fantastic! |
