The Author
The author of this website, Denis Fell, has been an active amateur astronomer since the mid 1970's. Using a variety of instruments I have been observing the skies, mainly Solar System objects and contributing to Marswatch programs over the years. Although my main vocation is nursing, I have backgrounds in computing and machining, both useful in this activity. As a member of Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (unaffiliated) member, I have contributed observations, written articles, and participated in observing programs over the years. As a member of the Assosciation of Lunar and Planetary observers, I continue to contribute observations, particularly of Mars and the Sun. I am primarily a visual observer that likes to draw what I see and use imaging as a backup to my visual observations, observations have been recorded and my observing logs go back to the early 1970's. I feel it is important for amateurs to 'learn to see' by sketching their observations and keeping a record as one's progress can then be measured over time and important changes in planetary and solar features can be noted as the years pass. Imaging can be a second form of observation that lends credence to the visual observations but sitting in a warm control room while my computer does the work is not my cup of tea, I tried it for a year back in the 90's and found that I lost touch with both the sounds and the sights of the night and felt cut off from the true observing experience. There can be great pleasure in following a passing comet or roving over the lunar surface accompanied by the background sounds of coyotes howling and the horn of a distant train, punctuated by a bright meteor or aurora.
As I live in a small city that does not have an RASC Center, I and a small group of interested persons have formed our own observing group that occasionally gets together to observe and promote astronomy on a local level.
One of the pleasureable facets of this hobby is the building of telescope parts and instrumentation that allows one to get the most out of your observing. Don't be afraid to think 'outside the box' and experiment with both observing and imaging methods and equipment including the unorthodox application of inexpensive used cameras and mounting solutions, this is how webcam imaging was born and is now a highly accepted method of planetary imaging.
Amateur Astronomy is truly a journey through space and time and as one journeys through life, gaining experience and expertise, it can become even more rewarding, especially when shared with others. This is especially true when sharing with children.
Some of the books that led to my becoming an amateur astronomer, from the fifties and sixties.
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