6-inch f/6 Newtonian which is “now” my largest telescope. I can use either a Vixen GP equatorial or Celestron CGE-Pro GoTo mount:

The following 80mm f/5 refractor was a birthday gift to me by my son, Brad. I enjoy using this telescope, especially when time is limited.

For over 15 years and 185 consecutive months (ending June 2024) myself, along with Fred Rayworth and the later years with Sue French compiled and issued the Observer’s Challenge report. This report has received well over 100,000 world-wide downloads (to-date) and the following link is still available for all to use as reference for about 250 deep-sky objects.

https://rogerivester.com/category/observers-challenge-reports-complete/

My other hobby is riding a bicycle and as of current with about 135,000 miles to-date. I began riding in June 1979, but never thought…one day I’d be able to log 100,000 miles. However, it would take me 29 years to achieve this feat, which occurred in October 2009.

Another interest or hobby of mine for “almost” 50 years (as of 2026) is lifting weights, and for the past 10 years with my wife. We can only “try our best” to take care of our health by eating a healthy diet combined with regular physical exercise.

A few examples of my pencil sketches as following which were made at the telescope eyepiece without any embellishments or computer enhancements.