Behind the Sky

Field Notes from the Observatory

Field notes from the observatory — stories from nights under the stars, unexpected lessons, imaging sessions, and the moments that happen between planning and discovery.

Join the Observatory Community

Field Notes contains articles and stories from the observatory. Community discussion and image-sharing spaces are planned, while Learning Sessions provides structured tutorials available now.

View Community Plans Browse Learning Sessions

How to Capture the Eagle Nebula

A beginner-friendly guide covering target planning, telescope setup, capture strategy, and processing ideas for M16.

Read Field Note

When the Sky Changed the Plan

Clouds changed the night in Zion and created a different story than expected.

Read Field Note

Three Total Solar Eclipses Are Coming

A look ahead at the 2026, 2027, and 2028 total solar eclipses — and why I am preparing for Spain 2027.

Read Eclipse Note
Annular Solar Eclipse Sequence

Why Solar Eclipses Happen

A beginner-friendly explanation of how the Moon, Earth, and Sun align to create one of astronomy's most dramatic events.

Read Eclipse Note
Total vs Annular Solar Eclipses

Total vs. Annular Solar Eclipses

Learn why some eclipses create totality while others produce the famous Ring of Fire.

Read Eclipse Note
Perseid Meteor Shower 2026

The Perseid Meteor Shower Is Returning

Read Sky Event
Winter Hexagon

The Winter Hexagon

Discover the giant six-sided pattern hidden in the winter sky and learn how to find it using Orion and six of the brightest stars visible from Earth.

Read Sky Guide

Back to Home