Astronomy, where to begin? I have always been interested in astronomy, much like most children I was fascinated by looking in the night sky. The fact that I have always lived in cities and had to put up with their light pollution, probably kept me out of the hobby in a big way until I was older.
I undertook study at Swinburne University and at the same time joined a local astronomy society, Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group (WSAAG) in the early nineties, it was at this stage that I truly developed a sincere taste for astronomy and in my case, particularly cosmology and physics in general. Today I am currently a member of WSAAG which is a remarkable group of fun loving amateur astronomers that have many credits under their belt. I encourage a visit to their website at:
http://wsaag.org/index.php I also hold the honorary position of Club Historian.
After my studies I maintained my interest in astronomy but rarely went to organized viewing nights due to my occupation which unfortunately focuses on Friday and Saturday nights, so most of my observing was done from my own home, which is not the best location, but it saves me travelling especially when tired.
I purchased my astronomy gear as I went along, and then a few years ago I was given some old parts from
Xelasnave and through a good friend Barry Armstead, rebuilt the telescope (it is 130 years) and created a website documenting it which in turn led to me creating a registry of John Browning telescopes. This is a serious registry and I have been supported by dozens of the world’s leading museum’s including the mighty Smithsonian.
The work that I did on John Browning telescopes see dedicated website:
http://www.antiquescopes.com/ led me to meet many fantastic people and organizations around the world, one in particular was Jerry Grover, a great great grandson of Charles Grover
1842 – 1921, whom I researched for more than two years and had the pleasure of publishing two previously unknown works, in association with Jerry to share with the world. (see: http://www.antiquescopes.com/Vol2.aspx)
These activities gained me fellowship into the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) which I can say with great pride is the highlight of my astronomical career. It’s true that most of my focus in astronomy has been on both theory and history, but I can tell you sincerely that I still love to look at the sky at every opportunity I get. There is nothing more profound that looking at a distant galaxy and feeling your true presence in the overall scheme of things.
I will continue to go along to my monthly WSAAG meetings and joke around with the boys and listen to seminars on the latest topics in astronomy, it’s a great pastime, a terrific hobby and one that has given me and continues to give me the greatest pleasure.