Introduction
Like most people my interest in astronomy began at an early age, around the age of 12. One of my earliest memories is of observing a lunar eclipse and seeing the moon turn a blood red colour. In fact, taking aside all my childhood presents, my best ever present was a Tasco 78mm refractor with slow motion controls.
Once, on holiday, I think it was Falmouth, I saw a bigger 100mm refractor, it was huge, over 1.5 meters long, WOW I want one of those! Unfortunately, it was out side of my families budget.
I had a telescope and lots of enthusiasm but no astronomy books or Planisphere. A trip to the school library solved my book problem and this is where I first discovered Patrick Moore. Since then, he has been a constant companion with the Sky at Night television program. In fact, I remember that if you registered with the Sky at Night you would receive a monthly new letter in the post. How times have changed with the advent of the internet and not always for the better in my opinion.

Over time and perhaps simply becoming an adult with responsibilities, then children, I lost contact with astronomy, well the “Sky at Night” was still there but mainly in my background thoughts. Then the image of the telescope that I had seen so long ago in Falmouth popped back into my mind. It still there today, I realised that I now had the means to own such a telescope and so my interest in astronomy was reborn.
The picture above is the Moon in colour! We don't normally perceive the colour but trust me its really there, this isn't a trick.
In the rest of the pages here you can discover what I’m up to, the equipment that I use and the techniques used to obtain some of the images, plus a lot of astronomy related information and links.

ToUcam Imaging
Left is an early picture of me imaging the Moon with a webcam. Converting the Philip ToUcam was the thing to do at that time.
There is nothing better than being outside under the stars. Staying warm is important, especially when trying to image the night sky. Sooner or later, normally sooner! Technical issues will happen that you are completely unprepared to solve in the middle of the night. It is far better to be warm and comfortable when trying to solve them, trust me. Being cold and frustrated is not a recipe for success.

Sir Patrick Moore
The most influential astronomy of out time. Well certainly in the UK
Unfortunately, never had the privalage of meeting the man. However, I did write to him at the Sky at Night program and recieved a reply. The program and this books have had a huge impact on me and my passion for amateur astronomy. I always wanted to build my own telescope, however, for one reason or anonther is never happened. I'm hopeful next year, 2025 to finally build my own telescope, lets see.
- Specialist subject, Lunar cartography - Earth natual satellite
- Consulted for NASA and the Apollo Moon missions
- Host of the longest running BBC program, The Sky at Night - 1957 to 2012

Carl Sagan
The narrator of the COSMOS
Carl Sagan will to me at least always be the voice of the Cosmos. This program released in 1980 was amazing and ground breaking. So much was happening back then and everything seemed to be posible, nothing was out of our reach. We had launched the Pioneer probes in 1972 and reached mars with the Viking landers in 1976. Sent the Vogager probes on their mission to the planets in 1977. We were venturing out into our own cosmic backyard and the posibilities were endless.
- Famous American Astronomer / Cosmologist and the author of the book "Contact"
- Pioneered the research into life outside of our planet / solar system
- Helped to compose the first interplanetary message sent by mankind to the stars
- Science communicator and presenter of the "Cosmos"
Finally, I hope you enjoy your visit here and find the information presented useful.
Now Calibrate Your Screen
You should be able to see all the shades of grey below!

Also the first number that you should be able to see here is 3
