| Section Leader: |
My articles on a variety of objects in my regular Sky Sketchers Post Mortem series has hopefully given some members the urge to go out and do some observing.
Whilst my knowledge is not one that delves into the scientific side too much, I have none the less a vast amount of information available for those who wish to start observing the many faint and wondrous objects that are on the threshold of visibility.
My interest in the Deep Sky is one of a purely aesthetic nature; the feeling of being in harmony with the Universe can be quite humbling.
My specialty is observing Abell galaxy clusters and I am slowly working on a catalogue which will contain about a hundred or more galaxy clusters for amateur telescopes.
Some of these clusters are among the faintest objects that amateurs can observe.
My other interest is also in the artistic side. I have done close to 300 sketches over the years and I am gradually placing them onto CD and will at some stage make them available for members.
As with most hobbies, one likes to keep them that way. I therefore intend not to get too technical or make the section a Biblical epic and then find I have neither the time nor the means to keep up with matters at hand.
My observing is done at the Society’s superb Wiruna Deep Sky observing site at Ilford NSW where I use a homemade 16” (41cm) Dobsonian telescope, affectionately named the “Coffin”. This telescope has given me many years of enjoyment on my trek to the far reaches of the Universe. I also have a 22” (56cm) Dob under construction which will allow me to delve even deeper into the Cosmos when I finally get it up and running.
Members should feel free to contact me at any time via Email or phone should they require advice on Deep Sky objects.