I first found out about the Virgo cluster (nine-galaxies all in a 1º FoV) from Tom Lorenzin, author of “1000+ The Amateur Astronomer’s Field Guide to Deep-Sky Observing” on the evening of the Vernal Equinox 1994.
Tom asked me if I’d ever viewed all nine galaxies within a 1° field of view, when centered on M86. I had not, but was most anxious to give it a try. However, It would be years later, on the night of March 16th 1999, before I was able to observe the galaxy group.
With my 10-inch f/4.5 reflector using a 20mm UO Erfle eyepiece for a magnification of 57x and a 1.1º true field. However, I could not see three of the fainter galaxies at this magnification.
So, I was able to sketch six of the galaxies, then increased to 160x using the 20mm EP and a 2.8x Barlow and spotted the fainter ones. I then sketched the three faint galaxies in theirappropriate positions and tried my best to draw them to scale. Very faint galaxies “most often” require greater magnification, especially if they have a brighter surface brightness and well concentrated.
My notes are as follows from March 16th 1999
M84: Bright, with a brighter more concentrated middle, and a mostly round shape.
M86: Bright, brighter middle, round, very similar to M84 but not as well concentrated.
NGC 4387: A very faint mostly round blur. Difficult at best requiring averted vision.
NGC 4388: Low surface brightness, elongated slash with an E-W orientation.
NGC 4402: Very faint slash, low surface brightness.
NGC 4413: Very faint and dim, small, very diffuse with little concentration, mostly round.
NGC 4425: Very faint, elongated, axis NS, small and dim.
NGC 4435: Fairly bright, mostly round, stellar nucleus, smaller than NGC 4438.
NGC 4438: Bright, elongated, with a brighter middle.
For the past year or more, my Celestron CGE-Pro mount was seemingly having a difficult time centering selected deep-sky objects. The motors also did not sound good at times when moving to the selected objects. I also had to perform a factory reset on the settings every few months.
Rather than updating the firm ware for a 12 year “maybe older” hand controller, my son Brad, surprised me with a new Celestron NexStar+. However, I was concerned if it would be compatible with the older mount, but I’m happy to say…it worked perfectly!
I first updated all my site settings using the new hand controller, which is an easy task using my iPhone compass feature for the time, latitude, and longitude. There are other settings such as DST or Standard, and a few others.
Last night, and with a bright moon, I wanted to verify the mount and hand controller in all functions. I began the sequence of the mount start-up. Then the three-star alignment, which after the first star, were all centered in the telescope field-of-view.
The first thing I noticed was the two motors sounded much smoother. I was actually getting concerned the motors might be having problems. I’d read in an article a jerky motion or sound of the motors was a sign that a motor might be going bad. So, I was now feeling really good, but how would the GoTo function perform when locating deep-sky objects?
My first object was the Andromeda galaxy, and with the sound of both motors, and going in different directions, I anxiously waited for it to stop. I then looked into the eyepiece and the galaxy was perfectly centered! The next object would be planetary nebula M57, far to the west from Andromeda, which would make for a great test. The planetary…like Andromeda was “perfectly centered” in the eyepiece. I then selected about 15 other deep-sky objects, including a few double stars. Everything worked perfectly. I was excited to say the least!
I’m so appreciative to Brad for my new hand controller. Despite not ever using the mount, he always seemed to know much more than me, and all the way from the west coast. 🙂 Electronics and electrical stuff are his thing and occupation...not mine for sure.
The CGE-Pro mount has bronze gears and was the most heavy-duty mount ever sold by Celestron, with a 90 pound payload.
NGC 474 Galaxy Cluster galaxy cluster (or group) consists of three relatively bright galaxies. They are: NGC 467 (mag. 12.9), NGC 470 (mag. 12.5), and NGC 474 (mag. 12.4). This is a fascinating little trio of galaxies, especially because the catalogued largest one, NGC 474, does not visually appear as large as nearby NGC 470. The reason is that NGC 474 has an outer halo that is extremely faint. It has been seen in 18-inch instruments and larger as just a faint brightening of the black background.
In 1994, Roger Ivester wrote a paper concerning the “apparent missing matter” in NGC 474 with the story being revealed in the following:
My observations on Thursday, December 1, 1994, included three spiral galaxies in Pisces, NGC 467, NGC 470, and NGC 474, each separated by only a few minutes of arc. It became apparent immediately that NGC 470 was the largest and most easily seen of the group, but when I referred to the NGC 2000.0 Catalogue, it listed NGC 474 as being over twice as large as either NGC 470 or NGC 467.
At this point, I concluded that NGC 474 must have a halo that could not be seen visually, or at least not from my back yard. The next day I located a photo of this group, but it did not show a faint outer arm, nor was any halo apparent. The view appeared very similar to what I had seen through my telescope.
I decided that another observation was needed, and made a note in my log to “view at next session.” On Monday, December 16, I went to a dark site in the South Mountains about 30 minutes north of Boiling Springs, North Carolina. This would prove to be the perfect site for another observation, notes and a sketch of these three galaxies. I saw NGC 474 as round, diffuse and with a brighter nucleus. NGC 470, appeared elongated, diffuse, and twice as large as NGC 474.
Next, NGC 467 appeared round, faint halo, with a brighter nucleus, and situated a few minutes N of an 8th magnitude star. It was almost the same apparent size as NGC 474. All three galaxies were very easy to locate, relatively bright, and showed excellent contrast. Again I was bothered concerning the size listing of NGC 474. My sources indicated that it was the largest of these galaxies, but NGC 470 was clearly the largest in my telescope and in a photo that I had looked at earlier. Could there be an error in the 7.9” size I read from the NGC 2000 Catalogue, an error which was perpetuated by the other sources? A table of diameters (in arc minutes) from different sources is listed below:
Source:
NGC 2000.0: NGC 470: 3.0 NGC 474: 7.9
Burnham’s Celestial Handbook: NGC 470: 1.7 x 1.1 NGC 474: 0.4 x 0.4
Tom Lorenzin’s 1000+: NGC 470: 3.2 NGC 474: 8.0
The Observer’s Guide, Nov/Dec 1991: NGC 470: 3.0 x 2.0 NGC 474: 7.9 x 7.2
Deep Sky Field Guide to Uranometria 2000.0: NGC 470: 3.0 x 1.8 NGC 474: 10.0 x 9.2
Astronomy Magazine, January 1993: NGC 470: 3.0 x 2.0 NGC 474: 7.9 x 7.2
Luginbuhl & Skiff, Observing Handbook & Catalog: NGC 470: 3.0 x 2.0 NGC 474: 7.9 x 7.2
I expressed my concern to Tom English, Professor of Astronomy and Physics at GardnerWebb University, who promptly gathered all available reference material on NGC 474 from his extensive astronomy library at the University. Tom called me on Saturday afternoon, January 7, and invited me to research the data. While I was busy checking each source, Tom was checking the Sky & Telescope Cumulative Index to locate past issues with information on NGC 474. Tom left the lab and returned with a March 1988 issue of Sky & Telescope with a research note on the galaxy and an accompanying photo.
My quest was about to end:
On page 244, there was the photo that would resolve the problem. It showed both NGC 470 and NGC 474 overexposed, with a very faint halo surrounding the latter. A quick measurement of each galaxy in the photo showed that, with the halo considered, NGC 474 is indeed about 2 ½ times the size of NGC 470, consistent with the NGC 2000 listings. A closer look at the list of sources gives an indication that this pair has been a source of confusion to many observers.
It also reveals that cataloged information tends to propagate from one publication to the next. We all use various catalogs for background information (such as size and magnitude) as we set our observing agendas, and too often we do not follow up on this information by making actual measurements ourselves.
In the Nov/Dec issue of The Observer’s Guide, I saw my frustration mirrored in the statement that NGC 474 “is much smaller than its catalog size. Apparently, its outer halo is so faint that it is not visible.”
Image from: wikisky.org (Note the expanded very faint halo of NGC 474, which cannot be seen visually)
The following image with identifications by James Dire, from Earl, North Carolina, using an Orion 150mm Maksutov-Newtonian f/5.3 and a Parallax mount. December 2009
My pencil sketch as following using a 10-inch f/4.5 EQ Newtonian with charcoal on black card stock at the telescope eyepiece.
After removing the mirror, take a sheet of notebook paper, lay on the mirror and trace around the outer perimeter. The following is a 4.5-inch mirror which I center-marked earlier this year.
Fold the circle template in half, then quarter and then make a tiny hole in the center with any small sharp object. Now take a black Sharpie and “lightly dot” the center of the mirror, via the tiny hole. Now you are ready to replace the mirror and begin collimation. I’m not going to discuss collimation in this post, but have provided the following link from “High Point Scientific”…which is excellent.
A collimation tool will be needed: I use a homemade machined collimating tool (see below) which works great. However, consider a Cheshire collimating eyepiece which is not very expensive at all. I have a Cheshire eyepiece, but most often find myself using only my homemade tool. A laser collimator is not necessary.
A couple photos of my Cheshire eyepiece as following which I also use on occasion:
While the mirror is out, it’s the perfect time to check if cleaning is needed.
The following procedure has allowed me to clean telescope mirrors with excellent results. It should, however, be noted that your results may vary. And mirrors coatings are very delicate, so be careful and use good common sense and care.
Information as following from the Astronomics site:
Sky Rover 2×54 mm Constellation Binoculars
A Wider, Brighter Vision of the Cosmos
The Sky Rover 2×54 mm Constellation Binoculars redefine what it means to see the night sky with both eyes. With an immense 2× magnification and oversized 54 mm objectives, they gather over four times more light than the human eye alone — revealing countless faint stars, glowing Milky Way structure, and the delicate contrast of dark nebulae against their luminous backdrops.
These binoculars aren’t about power — they’re about perspective. They preserve the natural beauty of the night sky while subtly magnifying it, letting you see it as it truly is — only brighter, sharper, and deeper.
Ultra-Wide, Immersive Field
With an astonishing 36° true field of view, the 2×54 captures entire constellations at once. Orion, Taurus, and the Pleiades sit comfortably within the same frame, while the Milky Way arcs across the field as a seamless, glowing river of starlight. It’s the closest thing to a panoramic stargazing experience you can hold in your hands.
The low magnification and large exit pupil make viewing effortless — no focus adjustments, no eye strain — just pure, expansive immersion.
Precision Optics and Bright, Natural Views
Each 54 mm objective uses fully multi-coated optical glass to maximize transmission and suppress reflections. The custom wide-angle prism system maintains perfect alignment and contrast across the entire field, ensuring pinpoint stars and color-neutral performance. Internal baffling and edge-blackened elements minimize stray light and keep backgrounds dark and velvety, even under less-than-perfect skies.
The housing is lightweight but strong, made from precision-machined aluminum alloy with a matte finish that resists dew and glare. Fixed-focus design means it’s always sharp at infinity — simply lift it to your eyes and the universe appears.
Optional 56 mm Sky Rover UHC Filters
The 2×54 mm Constellation Binoculars feature M56 threaded objectives and support optional Sky Rover 56 mm Ultra High Contrast (UHC) filters. These dedicated accessories are engineered to reduce the impact of urban and suburban light pollution, dramatically improving nebular visibility under bright skies.
Each UHC filter is crafted from optical glass with double-sided multilayer coatings and housed in a durable aluminum frame with precision laser engraving. The UHC (Ultra High Contrast) design selectively transmits key emission wavelengths while blocking broadband light sources such as street lamps, skylight, and artificial glow.
By attaching the filters directly to the binoculars’ threaded barrels, you can transform the 2×54 into a genuine wide-field deep-sky instrument. Nebulae like the Veil, North America, and California Nebulae spring to life with structure and contrast, even from light-polluted suburbs.
Under the Night Sky
From dark sites, the 2×54 delivers an astonishingly natural yet enhanced view of the Milky Way — rich star fields and faint clusters scattered across a glowing backdrop. Under filtered skies, emission nebulae gain definition and shape, while the faint tendrils of Barnard’s Loop and the nebulous regions in Cygnus become apparent to the eye.
During meteor showers, the 36° field allows you to watch entire streaks form and fade. For auroras, eclipses, and zodiacal light, the sense of scale and realism is breathtaking.
For Earth and Sky
Although designed for astronomy, the 2×54 also excels for scenic twilight landscapes, aurora watching, or city skyline viewing. Its wide, natural perspective enhances faint contrast without distorting scale, making it ideal for photographers, educators, and casual stargazers alike.
What Users Are Saying
Reviewers describe the Sky Rover 2×54 mm as “a revelation — like seeing the sky with superhuman eyes.” Many praise its effortless immersion, low-light performance, and the ability to bring the Milky Way to life even from suburban skies. With the optional UHC filters attached, experienced observers report views of nebular detail they once thought impossible without a telescope.
Observing Tip
Use the 2×54 mm Constellation Binoculars from a reclining chair under a dark sky, and let the Milky Way drift slowly through its enormous field. With UHC filters installed, point toward Cygnus or Orion — you’ll see subtle structure and contrast that most binoculars can’t touch. For meteor showers or aurorae, simply lie back and let the sky unfold.
Final Thoughts
The Sky Rover 2×54 mm Constellation Binoculars are more than an observing tool — they’re a new way of seeing the night. Whether paired with Sky Rover’s dedicated 56 mm UHC filters or used alone under pristine skies, they deliver an experience that is both scientifically precise and emotionally profound. This is wide-field astronomy at its purest.
I’m sharing the following information by “expert” visual deep-sky observer, Mircea Pteancu from Romania. Thank you Mircea for sharing!Roger Ivester
Roger, Everything by Astronomics you shared…is confirmed by my own observations, using a pair of 2×54 binoculars with the Omegon trademark name. Mircea Pteancu
I used the 2x54mm binoculars under a Bortle 4 sky, and the views were wonderful. There, I observed with the Omegon 2x54mm: M8, M24, M25, M16, M11 (at limit of visibility) M13, M92 like a hazy star, M39 and Mel 20 with some resolved stars, Stock 23 (at limit of visibility) and the Double Cluster in Perseus.
I also saw some Deep Sky objects from the city with the 2x54mm’s: Examples would be M13, Mel 20 with five stars, Perseus Segment and again the Double Cluster.
In M45 I first counted eight stars, with a maximum of eleven stars.
From the city and with naked eyes I can reach magnitude 4.5 at best.
With the 2×54 binoculars, I can reach a magnitude 5.6.
From the city I resolved some wide double stars using the binoculars: STFA 37, Omicron Cyg as a double, Alpha Cap, Beta Cap, Delta Lyra as a double but the companion is quite dim.
When I was a kid, I could split Epsilon 1-2 Lyrae with the naked eyes. However, I lost this ability around the age of 40. Now, the 2x binocular have given me back this wonderful ability. Epsilon Lyrae is split large and bright, with “dark sky” between the stars.
The Moon with the 2×54 binocular are still without craters and appearing only as a shinny globe. However, the mare and oceans are obvious.
One field of astronomy not covered in the reviews are variable stars: Yes, I also use the 2x54mm binocular for variable star observations. Like those I reported to the AAVSO for September 26, September 29, November 1 and November 14, 2025. The variable stars were Beta Lyr, R Lyr, Alpha Her, Eta Aql, Rho Cas, Gamma Cas, Del Cep, miu Cep, Eps Aur, Eta Gem, Zeta Gem, Betelgeuse. And also Queen ALGOL! Mircea
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It has become almost impossible for me to now use a standard straight-through finder scope, due to the pain in my neck. Getting under a standard finder and in all types of contorted positions is just too uncomfortable. So, a 90º RACI (right angle correct image) finder is now essential.
I have one 90º Antares 7.5 x 50 correct image finder (as pictured below) used with my 10-inch Newtonian, but on other telescopes I still use a standard finder.
The Antares finders have a removable eyepiece. I often replace the standard finder eyepiece with a vintage 20mm University Optics Erfle for use as a 50mm wide-field telescope.
I use a “Rigel QuikFinder” in conjunction with my magnified finders:
The Rigel makes for an excellent pointer for the telescope, as it’s much better and easier than attempting to sight along the optical tube. I have two Quikfinders and a standard base on my all my telescopes.
The Rigel finders are fairly small and lightweight…better suited for smaller telescopes than the much larger and heavier Telrad. I also like the “higher profile” of the Rigel for greater ease to sight.
Rigel QuikFinder from Agena Astro as following:
A new GSO (8 x 50 RACI finder) arrives on December 9th 2025:
I purchased and received a 90º right angle correct image finder to replace an 8 x 50 straight-through finder.
I would have purchased another Antares finder with a removable eyepiece, but unfortunately several astronomy vendors were out of stock. And this is the time and season to observe with cold, clear and transparent nights…so no time to waste!
The quality of the Antares is superior to the GSO, but this finder is fine and will also work with my 102mm refractor or my 4.5-inch reflector. The focus must to be adjusted via the objective lens. The Antares is also adjusted with the objective lens, but the eyepiece can also be used to focus by pulling up or down for greater precision.
So, if you can wait…get the Antares finder, but a dovetail holder or (Schmidt-Cassegrain holder) must be purchased separately. (December 16, 2025)
For extremely faint deep-sky objects, of whichever telescope I’m using; a magnified finder is essential.
I first draw a circle on my atlas before going out with the same degree field as my finder. I then attempt to point the magnified finder to match that of my star atlas, with the deep-sky object in the center of the circle.
If the desired object is a very faint low-surface-brightness, such as galaxy NGC 6118…it can be very difficult using a star atlas and comfort is important.
Consider the following atlas page and circle, despite being so close to bright stars: Yed Prior and Yed Posterior the galaxy was invisible. I used the faint single star just to the north of the galaxy and it could not be seen. I spent hours on this galaxy over many observing sessions and seasons, attempting to see the galaxy. However, during moments of perfect seeing “I saw the galaxy” with averted vision, but not constant and only intermittently.
NGC 6118 is considered by most all amateur astronomers to be the most difficult object in the Herschel-400 list.
My suburban backyard is now averaging a naked-eye limiting magnitude of ~4.8 on my best nights, which is pretty bright; making very faint deep-sky objects difficult to find.
Patience and comfort is important when star-hoping to those very faint deep-sky objects…and as for me, a 90º RACI finder is now essential.
“On Public Nights at Allegheny Observatory, when the dome of the 13-inch refractor is crowded with visitors, all anxious to look at everything in the sky, a handy finding list of impressive objects is invaluable.”
” These words prefaced our short list of celestial showpieces published in the December, 1962, issue of “Sky and Telescope.” We now present an expanded version….” James Mullaney and Wallace McCall
I’ve been wanting to compile an observing list of “only double and red stars” using a 4-inch or smaller telescope. I wanted a fairly short list that would allow for a more casual approach and to bring back memories from my earlier days as an amateur. I’m also anxious to begin observing double and red stars again, which are perfect targets for suburban observers, as light pollution and a bright moon has little effect on these objects.
From February 2009 until June 2024, the Observer’s Challenge report consumed most of my time as related to observing. The report began in Las Vegas with Fred Rayworth, but the last five years were with Sue French.
The original objective was to promote visual observing, notes and pencil sketching, but with so few visual observers it became more imaging. It’s my opinion, based on my experiences, and with many astronomy clubs over the past 30 years, pencil sketching is “pretty much” nil or naught in amateur astronomy these days or currently.
The “Finest Deep-Sky Objects” was one of my very first deep-sky reference books, which makes this effort special. The FDSO’s contains 57 double and multiple stars, 4 red stars, 10 open and 11 globular clusters, 12 planetary nebulae, 3 diffuse nebulae, and 8 galaxies.
For this project, I will use only the 57 double/multiples and the 4 red stars listed in the book. The most difficult of the double stars is Sirius, but now (2026) with the wide separation is a great time to attempt this one really challenging double. I’ve seen Sirius B with a 102mm f/9.8 Vixen refractor, 102mm f/8 FS Takahashi, and a 10-inch f/4.5 Newtonian with a 5.25-inch effective aperture.
So, I am wanting to go back and “maybe feel” some of the excitement I had while using my first telescope: A 4.25-inch Edmund EQ reflector…when all deep-sky objects were new to me.
My 4.25-inch Edmund reflector is pictured below which I purchased in March 1977. I have so many fond memories using this telescope.
Since I no longer have the Edmund reflector, I’m planning to use a 4.5-inch f/8 reflector, which was given to me by a friend, earlier this year (2025). I thought oh no…I don’t need another telescope, but took it anyhow. I’m glad I did, and after center-marking the primary mirror and collimating, I was surprised how good it performed. And it’s also in pristine condition, with a really nice black/charcoal metallic paint job, with a clear coat! So, little did I know that six-months later I would attempt the “61 Finest Double and Red Stars” with this telescope.
I’m thinking that this telescope will or should perform similar to the Edmund reflector. Excellent collimation is essential for double stars. I’m anxious to get started and will begin the next clear night, but I’ll not be in any hurry, as the “fun is the journey, and not the destination.”
Note: There are a few of the double stars that have a separation too close to split with the 4.5-inch and will require that I use my 6-inch f/6 Newtonian or 102mm f/9.8 Vixen refractor. I will definitely leave out Sirius for obvious reasons.
The equatorial mount that came with this telescope was too lightweight and flimsy for serious deep-sky work. Fortunately I had a quality Vixen GP mount that works perfectly with this telescope. A simple sight-tube would have worked better than the original finder scope. Fortunately, I had an extra 8 x 50 quality finder. The quality of the optical tube assembly is actually pretty good, and I look forward to using this telescope.
I plan to use “only my vintage” University Optics Konig’s (pictured below) for my double star project. Since I’m trying to mimic my observations from more than 40 years ago, using a 4.25-inch Edmund reflector, these “less modern” but excellent quality eyepieces would seem more appropriate.
Beginning in August 1995, I began a comprehensive review of all 105 objects in the FDSO’s, but adding the Crab Nebula. Jim always said that M1 should have been included. So, I added and named my publication “The 105 (+1) Finest Deep-Sky Objects (Revisited)” and spent over 250 hours at the eyepiece. I finished or concluded my quest in May 1996, but then spending at least 50 or more hours to compile my notes for the self-published book. My goal was to complete the list within one year…which I achieved. I really underestimated just much time and effort this project would require.
My astronomy friend Tom English helped me compile and print the book. At one time, for about eight years we enjoyed many nights of observing together from my backyard. Tom, at that time was an astronomy professor at a local university and also enjoyed observing both double and red stars.
All of the 3 x 5 note cards, more than 400 of them contain notes and pencil sketches with all work being performed at the telescope eyepiece.
The FDSO’s list of double and red stars are as following:
I was surprised to get a phone call at about at 9:45 last night (November 13th) from a long-time friend and amateur, Don Books. He told me that he was seeing some color from his home in South Carolina. I jumped out of bed, got dressed and ran outside, but visually couldn’t see anything from my suburban backyard. However, with a 3-second exposure, again from my iPhone 14, and some color began to appear. It was nothing like the previous but an aurora display none the less. I’m glad Don called, and I share three of those photos as following:
Time 9:56 PM:
Time: 9:57 PM
Time: 10:00 PM and the aurora was already beginning to fade:
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What does “artificial intelligence” have to say about Al Nagler?
Albert “Al” Nagler was a highly influential optical engineer, entrepreneur, and amateur astronomer who founded Tele Vue Optics. The company, which he started in 1977, became a globally recognized producer of high-quality eyepieces and telescopes. Nagler passed away on October 27, 2025, at the age of 90.
Key details about Al Nagler and his career:
Nagler designed the wide-field “Nagler eyepiece” in the early 1980s. These eyepieces provided a larger, more immersive, and sharper field of view. His work is considered to have elevated the entire eyepiece industry.
Nagler designed optical systems for astronaut visual simulators for the Gemini and Apollo Lunar Module programs.
Nagler was an active member of the amateur astronomy community. An asteroid was named 10715 Nagler in his honor in 1999.
Tele Vue Optics was co-founded with his wife, Judi, and later became a family-run business involving their son, David.
Nagler held patents for several inventions, including optical products and safety brakes for electric motors.
Nagler received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Astronomical League in July 2025.
I had the honor to meet both Al Nagler and his wife at the 2017 Southern Star Astronomy conference in April of 2017:
Al Nagler: 2017 Southern Star Astronomy Convention: Little Switzerland, North Carolina
I was so sorry to hear about Al Nagler’s passing:
It was the April 2017 Southern Star Astronomy Convention sponsored by the Charlotte Amateur Astronomers Club, when a scheduled speaker for the convention cancelled at the last minute.
I’m not a member of the Charlotte Club, but had helped them over a few years to fill speaker positions at Southern Star.
A new speaker was needed…and really quick!
The Charlotte club officer in charge of Southern Star contacted me about finding a new speaker and asked if I could help in finding “the perfect” person to fill this now vacant position.
A solution, as I already had someone in mind:
I knew that Sue and Alan French were attending NEAF at that time. So, I called Sue via cell phone, and asked if she would talk to Al Nagler and see if he was interested in being a speaker at Southern Star.
Al was indeed interested and both he and his wife, accepted the invitation.
Al gave a fabulous presentation concerning “everything anyone would want to know” about eyepieces. I don’t think anyone would know more about the science of eyepieces than Al Nagler. The presentation, to say the least was excellent…so much so, I even took notes.
Al Nagler and his wife Judi…two great people!
I was able to talk with Al and his wife for extended periods during the event, and also enjoyed having lunch with them in the Wild Acres cafeteria.
Photo as following: Al signing my “1000+ The Amateur Astronomer’s Field Guide to Deep Sky Observing” by Tom Lorenzin at the April 2017 Southern Star Astronomy Convention in Little Switzerland, North Carolina.
My signed 1000+ by Al Nagler and the late Tom Lorenzin pictured below:
(310120) Mullaney = 2011 DR25 Discovery: 2005-12-01 / L. H. Wasserman, R. L. Millis / Kitt Peak / 695 James Mullaney (b. 1940) is an American astronomy popularizer who has written about observing the night sky with naked eye, binoculars, and telescope. A former Curator of the Buhl Planetarium, staff astronomer at Allegheny Observatory, and an editor for Sky & Telescope and Astronomy, he contributed to Carl Sagan’s Cosmos TV series.
rogerivester.com 
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