2023: I was born in and lived all my life of over 80 years in Australia, and am proud of it. I am married to the same wonderful woman these 44 years, and we both are still good company for each other. She even tolerates my interest in astronomy!
I trained as a real chemist (not a pharmacist) and worked in a research organization. Towards the end of my career I switched to IT, initially leading a support group in my place of employment, then after redundancy did 4 years of contract work in IT.
I have always been interested in technology and science. My interest in astronomy was initially roused after reading an interesting article by an eminent Australian physicist (Sir Marc Oliphant, I think) who finished his article with the words (not a direct quote) "... and so we really are made of star dust!" It opened my mind as to what astronomy was doing - trying to understand how the universe works and our humble place within it. A university qualification and developing a career, let alone a marriage and all that goes with it, put things on hold, until I happened to find myself in Central Australia (Alice Springs, to be exact) and a local astronomy club member put on a telescope viewing session for visitors. Dark skies, what can I say - I was hooked, and have been ever since.
My astrophotography has gone along in fits and starts for 15+ years. I found it hard work, and my results were pretty ordinary. Then I discovered the ZWO ASiair - that has catapulted me and now I can achieve decent results without large physical effort (for an 80 year-old). I hope to continue this very interesting hobby for many years, yet!
I have been an active member of our local astronomy club, the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association, for 18 years. We are located at ~32º S on the east coast of Australia. Our club's main activity is to operate the observatory for the local council, so for some time 90% of our efforts have been directed towards outreach. This is changing as more members like myself are becoming practitioners, rather than educators. Still, outreach will be a large effort for quite some time to come. Consequently, my notes on my images are addressed to both the interested public and amateurs like myself (besides, who can remember all this very interesting astronomical information on these objects?).
Job
retired
Hobbies
Astronomy, astrophotography, walking, bird watching, flora and fauna
