Frank’s Astronomy Page

That’s me in front of the Porter Turret Telescope

at Stellafane, home of the Springfield Telescope

Makers in Springfield, Vermont (2004)

 

 

 

Welcome to my astronomy website. 

 

I’ve had a strong interest in astronomy for most of my life.   When I was growing up in central New Jersey in the 1960s/70s, the stars still beamed brightly in a dark sky, unlike today’s view which is masked by the light gray veil of light pollution that surrounds us.  I remember being awestruck looking up at the stars from my backyard as a kid, especially in the winter when darkness came early and the air was crisp and dry.  The sight was truly magical.  With the star charts in an old science encyclopedia from the family bookshelf, I attempted to learn the constellations.  Although these charts weren’t actually all that helpful, they did fuel my interest in astronomy, along with other astronomical material I mined out of several volumes which included grainy black and white photos taken from the Mount Palomar Observatory, and color plates of Chesley Bonestell’s space art.  

 

Armed with a 2.4 inch department store refractor, I explored the night sky, discovering things like double stars and details on the moon.  I was having fun, but knew I had a lot to learn.  In my second year of high school I got my chance when a quirk of fate led to my transformation from a kid with a fascination in astronomy to a serious amateur astronomer.  The transformation began when I met Kay Sears, an accomplished amateur astronomer and telescope maker who lived just a few blocks from my house.  A conversation, sparked by some questions after a friend and I saw him in his yard with his telescope, led to his mentoring us, and ultimately to a lifelong friendship. 

 

Today, over thirty years later, my interest in astronomy continues.  Along the way, I’ve built a few telescopes, done a lot of observing, fooled around a little with astrophotography, introduced others to the night sky, met and become good friends with some wonderful people, and learned a whole lot about the universe of which we’re all a small part.  I’m still learning – and still having fun.

 

 

 

…and spreading the word.  The drawing below is a Christmas present I received this year from my neighbor Kasey, a budding second grade astronomer.  Take note of the intersecting obits of Neptune and Pluto, and the up-to-date designation of Pluto as a “dwarf planet.”  It’s encouraging to know that kids today still enjoy looking up!

 

 

Solar System Portrait by Kasey   © 2006

 

 

Comments or Questions?  Send me and email.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This website last updated December 2006

© 2006