Astronomy for Everyone

My love of the night sky began nearly 40 years ago, when I was a little girl. My father would take me outside at night and point out the constellations, like Orion, Casseiopeia, and of course, the asterism known as the Big Dipper. He showed me the phases of the moon, and explained why the sun moved further north during the summer months. Among the many ideas he instilled in me was the fact that the sky is up there for everyone to enjoy; one doesn't need expensive equipment, or a lot of formal education in science and astronomy, to appreciate the splendors of the night sky. All that is required is interest. I have taken this to heart and some of the most rewarding times in my life have been those opportunities I've had to share my love of astronomy with others, particularly those who are new to it.

Here, then, is a collection of photographs, articles, anecdotes, and advice that I have accumulated during my years as an amateur astronomer. I hope you enjoy them; that you find them useful, informative, and perhaps amusing. There will be additions from time to time, so check back often. And if I am able, through these pages, to inspire just a small handful of you to become interested in astronomy, then I have accomplished my mission.