by Ira Polans, Program Chair

The October meeting will be held on the 13th at 7:30 PM in Peyton Hall. The talk entitled “Observatory Design and Astrophotography: One Person’s Approach” will be by amateur astronomer Scott Nammacher, who will speak about the building of a private remotely controlled observatory in upstate NY. He will also discuss the equipment and the processes used to take astronomical images. The talk ends with the showing of some of his images. His web site is http://starmere.smugmug.com.

Prior to the meeting there will be a meet the speaker dinner held at Winberies, Palmer Square in Princeton at 6PM. If you wish to attend, please email program@princetonastronomy.org no later than noon on October 13.

Scott Nammacher grew up in Minneapolis, MN and as a small boy was first was introduced to astronomy by way of a “Star Party”. Also in college he took a course in astronomy. He then moved to New York to pursue a career in publishing and later in the financial field. Over the years, he commuted through Grand Central Station where Meade telescopes were prominently displayed in one of the stores. In 2003 he bought an 8-inch Go-To telescope to introduce his children to the wonders of the universe above. His interest grew as well, and he started doing astrophotography shortly afterwards. In 2008, he became interested in building a fixed-place observatory to expand his hobby. He found a place in upstate NY and built a full observatory by early 2009. He restarted his astrophotography work, but with a 12.5” and a 5” telescope and two specialized CCD cameras.

In 2012 he mounted his first one-man show, a three-month show at the Hudson Opera House in Hudson, NY. In 2015 he did his second full show with pictures from two remotely operated telescopes (one in Australia and the other in New Mexico) at the Pound Ridge Library.

Now through October 29 Scott’s photos are on display at the Somers Library, Route 139 & Reis Park, Somers, NY 10589. The exhibit is called “Treasures of the Northern and Southern Night Skies.”

Please join us for what will be an informative and interesting talk!