Thank you for visiting my site. I’m hopeful that you’ll find it both interesting and possibly beneficial in your future observations.
I became interested in amateur astronomy during the mid-60’s at about the age of twelve, due to one of my older brothers purchasing a 60mm refractor. As most all amateurs, I started with the moon which kept me busy for a while. However, it was my hopes of eventually seeing galaxies, nebulae and star clusters that was my real interest, but my time for this would come later.
My house was located in the foothills of North Carolina, on a dirt road with only two others. It was a great place for a budding new amateur astronomer, devoid of light pollution. The sky was velvety black with the Milky Way extending almost to the southern horizon. I remember so well, getting out of Daddy’s 1950 Studebaker at night, looking up and seeing the Milky Way, appearing as a glowing cloud.
It was the spring of 1977 when I purchased my first, very own telescope; a 4 1/4-inch Edmund EQ reflector. This was not my first choice, as I really wanted the 6-inch Super Space Conqueror, but the smaller telescope was the best my budget would allow at that time.
Unfortunately, the dark skies of my early years were a thing of the past as I’d moved to an area with rows of houses and light pollution. There was an unshielded streetlight on the edge of my backyard, however, I continued to observe, night after night, despite the light pollution. The house was so close to a busy road, my telescope would shake when a big truck came by, even though I was in the backyard!
Within a couple months after the purchase of the Edmund telescope, it happened: While attempting to find galaxies, M81 and M82 in Ursa Major…everything began to come together. It was about 11:00 PM and I needed to get up early for work the next day. I’d been trying to locate and see this galaxy pair during previous observing sessions, but was unsuccessful due to the “Pesky” streetlight.
However, on this special night while observing so very close to the streetlight, I was ready to give up, but it happened! I was able to see a faint glow and then another. I was for the first time, seeing the galaxy pair I’d been wanting to see for so long!
I wanted to share with someone…anyone, but I was all by myself. However, at that moment in my mind, I was now a real amateur astronomer, and went to bed smiling.
This incredible but humble experience gave me all the enthusiasm that I needed, to pursue other deep-sky objects from that highly light polluted backyard.
Fortunately, in a couple of years, I would move from this very old and really cold rented house, during the winters, to a better house in the country. This would be my first house…that is, me and the bank. Within a year of my move, I purchased a 6-inch Criterion RV-6 Newtonian, and amateur astronomy was really looking up.
In 1985 a local astronomy club was formed, and I became a member with my youngest son. This got me back into astronomy after a five year hiatus. It was Brad that wanted to join the astronomy club, and I’m sure glad he did.
After observing with small telescopes, I became a much more serious observer with the purchase of a 10-inch f/4.5 equatorial Newtonian. I began making observing notes and pencil sketches, which really helped me to become a far better visual observer. There is no better way to learn a deep-sky object, than by making a pencil sketch.
I am the co-founder of the Observer’s Challenge report, along with Fred Rayworth of Las Vegas. The Observer’s Challenge is an international deep-sky monthly observing report, allowing the serious amateur an opportunity to share notes, sketches and images.
The challenge report will celebrate its 16th consecutive year in 2024. All of the reports to-date are included in the following link, which can be a great reference source for the deep-sky observer.
https://rogerivester.com/category/observers-challenge-reports-complete/
In October 2018, Sue French, “Contributing Editor” for “Sky & Telescope Magazine” became the Observer’s Challenge special advisor, after many years as a participant. Sue wrote the very popular monthly “Deep-Sky Wonders” column for twenty years. As of November 2019, Sue agreed to help compile and edit the challenge report.
I was fortunate to be able to play a role in the Mount Potosi Observing Complex in Southern Nevada, facilitating a $50,000 telescope donation by Dr. James Hermann, M.D. from North Carolina. The facility was featured in the February 2016 Astronomy Magazine, the Las Vegas Review Journal and other publications and media.
https://rogerivester.com/category/mount-potosi-observing-complex-in-southern-nevada/
Below: Saturday, April 13th 2024 @ 9:30 AM ride with Mike Ribadeneyra: A beautiful day and a good ride ending with a cup of coffee. Debbie came by while, and we all enjoyed good conversation with lots of fun and laughs.
Unfortunately, a couple of our cycling friends were unable to ride. However, It was a fun day and as the saying goes: “A good time was had by all.”
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