My Starry Night - Images from the Dark Side

Hello, my name is Alan Patterson, of Howell Michigan. Welcome to the Site.

This is a collection of images that I have captured over the years, with the first image being that of M27 in the Nebula Section of this site, and dated 04Dec2007. Technically, this start date is not totally correct, as I did run a Camera on several nights in October of that same year. But I feel that the M27 session was my first session that I had some basic knowledge of what I was supposed to be doing, along with the correct Equipment to help allow a image to happen.

I am sure that you will have no problem picking out this image. Ouch!!! But it was a start... how ever humble as it is.

I am a Mechanical Engineer by trade, that had too many Hobbies, including fishing, for Astrophotography to fit in. Combining fishing with Astronomy means that there would be no time left in the day for sleep,

So when I lost interest in fishing, late in the Fall of 2007, I allowed myself to finally unwrap the Gift of Astronomy. I purchased a Celestron C8 SCT with a CG5 GoTo mount and some Nagler Eyepieces. After about two months, I accepted that I was not into averted vision, with only puffs of smoke to view in the night skies.

So I purchased a Meade DSI IIC CCD Camera and fumbled my way into AstroPhotography. While I struggle with the Artistry aspects and with the learning curves of all the piles of Software required, I really enjoy the Equipment challenges presented by this Hobby.

And it helps me to see how small and insignificant the World and all of it's struggles really are. If something can keep all of this huge array of stuff working, our problems are a smiple little task...

I don't know how one can witness and reflect on the vastness of Space, without developing some sense of faith and the power of the One Who Stirs The Stars. AlanP

Last Update - on 25July2016, added some Image reprocessed for an Art Show and some Cottage [Dark site] images from July2016.
-------------
Art Ventures in Brighton MI offers a selection of my Astro matted Prints, ready for framing. They do a excellent job of creating wonderful Framed images.

As these prints are run in volume to hold down costs, I am now offering prints for sale through the Site also.

So for those of you with either questions or interest in a quote for prints, please send an Email to:

alanpatterson[at]asichuck[dot]com

Of course, please replace with @ and . as needed to send the Email. [Hopefully this minor security step will keep Spam down.] Thanks, AlanP