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Ode to the Othoscopic Eyepiece
For all you Ortho fans out there.
Wild Card 004.1 “A Chaotic Discussion of Critical Thinking, Chaos, and Large Systems.”
In this edition of his weekly column, you can find out what happens when Rick Shaffer forgets to "take his medicine"....
A Perspective on Equipment
When is Bigger Big enough? Or...Why my bigger scope shows me wonderful views of my closet.
Wild Card 004 "Improbable-Probable Futures, Limits, Blah, Blah, Blah!"
In this edition of his coulumn, Rick Shaffer muses about what SciFi writers have projected for "Our Future", as well as puts a "wet blanket" on some cherished visions....
Observing with our Hearts
Real observing is more than just using your eyes-it involves your and heart as well!!!
Through the Eyes of Youth
Ever have that one experience that can change your life forever? With everything available to Amateur Astronomers these days, it's easy to forget what's important in our lives. And this experience relates just such an occasion.
Wild Card 003: Making Some Sense of the Strehl Ratio
In this installment of "Wild Card", telescope designer Rick Shaffer gets out his slide-rule and takes you through the arcane world of "P2V", "RMS", and how they relate to the "Strehl Ratio", the new "Gold Standard" for describing an optic's performance in imaging a star.
Wild Card 002.1 "Defending Our Planet from Invasions from Space" PLUS a LOT More!
Instead of a story about a practical joke, Rick Shaffer makes some serious suggestions about how we ought to be thinking about SETI, CETI, and rocks falling from the sky. Just for a little variety, there's more about the exit pupil, plus some "shameless commerce"!
WILD CARD 002 "SETI, a 'Big Ear', and Practical Jokes"
In this edition of his column, Rick Shaffer takes you to a corn field in Ohio. And, the reference to a "Big Ear" doesn't refer to prize winning ear of corn!
Review and Article Submissions
Participate in our weekly review contest and win a $50 or $100 store credit with Anacortes Telescope and Wild Bird...
Friends Helping Friends
I am amazed how people will help out each other in this great hobby...
We Know It’s Dangerous; Why Do We Go?
Rick Shaffer's heartfelt piece written only a few hours after the Columbia Accident on the morning of February 1, 2003.
We Stargazers
"The telescope as a silent sentinel to the gates of the night."
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