06/08/2026
The Summer issue of Amateur Astronomy Magazine has been uploaded to the printer and we are working on finalizing the Digital version now. On the cover are Robert Reeves and Ann Adkins on the observing field “down under” at the recent OzSky Safari.
If you like star parties and astronomical travel and adventures, I think you will love this issue. I decided to keep extended formats for several of these articles to give the best potential “virtual experience” for our readers. One of the joys of small press is the ability to do this. In the commercial publishing world, there are simply far too many constraints to run individual articles at these lengths.
I get consistent feedback that our readers enjoy (as do I) the companionship and community that these events create and the affiliated articles represent, so I am running with it and hope you enjoy the deep dive into the three venues here; OzSky Safari, Winter Star Party and the (new and improved) Texas Star Party. I always enjoy the varied perspectives presented by people attending. Mike Lockwood delivered on his promise to thoroughly cover WSP and I am delighted to announce that Robert Reeves is back with a bang, extensively covering both the OzSky Adventure and the Texas Star Party, which as Robert states is “embracing the future” with some innovative updates and re-organization.
Stephen Spears covers one of my favorite historical persons in “Edward Emerson Barnard – The Man Who Taught Us To See in the Dark”. If you are unfamiliar with his background, I think you will be amazed at this self-educated man’s remarkable story and body of work.
Jon Talbot has another interesting contribution with his “Out of the Way Imaging” series. I am getting some terrific feedback on these challenging discoveries, both from imagers looking for something different, but also from those who love the challenge of exploring the depths of space as completely as possible as an amateur.
I have one more article from the “late, great” observer (and dear friend) Dave Toseteson, who was another afficionado of amateur visual deep space discovery. I am working with Dave’s close friend and observing buddy to try to find some more hidden gems that Dave had penned to share with you and keep his legacy alive. I still miss him dearly as I know many of you did recently at TSP, where his presence was always a joy.
Scott Harrington wraps up this issue with a very nice piece titled “The Shadow of the Veil: SNR G05.3.5.7”. I appreciate Scott’s disciplined research and approach to his observing targets and his generosity in sharing them with us.
Well, that’s a wrap for our summer issue. I hope this issue inspires you to plan and schedule some time at one of the numerous star parties listed on our astronomical events calendar for this Summer and Fall.
If you are not a subscriber, please consider joining us in our astronomical adventures.
