Observatory Dedication
Also take a look at past years for interesting images and projects.I like to call my Images "Now & Laters". Observe Now and Share Later.
Images are made from a live stack of many images usually around 3 seconds for each frame. The stack itself is around 3 Minutes in duration.A dark frame is removed for each frame during the live stack.Minimal processing is performed during the live stack. No post processing is performed on the final image.These images can also be browsed in the object image page.Clicking on an image will open the full size image in another page or a GalleryCheck back often as I work on projects in the observatory
Every observatory, big or small, deserves a dedication as they all have many people who make them possible.
I would like to dedicate my observatory, "Mind's Eye Observatory," my eyes to the universe and perspective on our place in it, too my family. To my wife Cheryl, daughter Ashley, son Jack and her family who are always wondering what in the world I am doing out in the backyard in the wee hours. To my sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Eddie, and especially my mother and father, Gwen & Ron, who always supported my many interests. Sometimes, I am sure, shaking their heads.
My observatory building was a retirement project for my dad who, for as long as I can remember, wanted a proper wood shop to continue his projects. My mother made it happen, and he did get to set up his shop and use it but that ended far too soon when he became ill with pancreatic cancer. He lost a two-year battle with cancer, but he lives on in us. He always said this shop will someday be yours. I never really knew how to reply except to say no time soon.
Many times I find myself sitting in the observatory / shop thinking about him and what he did when he was using it. The things he dreamed of. The hard work at home and at work that allowed those dreams.
I hope that he would approve of what I have done with it. I know he would approve of what it has done for me. After a day of dealing with life, it's sometimes nice to fire up the observatory and see what is really going on out there. Or, just do some tinkering! Dad was good at tinkering.
(also known as the fine art of doing nothing. It rubbed off on me.)
"Doing nothing always leads to the very best of something" -- Pooh Bear
I named my observatory "Mind's Eye" Observatory because, over the many years of doing Astronomy and sharing with others, I have learned that it's essential to use your mind's eye when observing to get a complete perspective. We should always know things about which we observe. When using any telescope you always want to see just a bit more to answer that next question. The mind's eye is an important tool for reaching deep into the Universe.
John T. Grage
Mind's Eye Observatory 2019
In Memoriam Ron at play!
