Les Higgins

I really got into astronomy when I was 8 years old – thanks to one of the earliest Patrick Moore “Sky at Night” programs. It helped me identify Mars! My first ‘scope was a tiny 40mm refractor (all I could afford) and then progressed to 60mm. I did a lot of sketching of lunar craters. Eventually I got a 6-inch reflector and then a 10-inch (which Rick Fretwell now has – beautifully refurbished). Covid put the mockers on my adventures by messing with my sleep patterns for years. Then I got my Seestar S50 and that re-ignited the flame. Now I have a 4.5-inch refractor and an 8-inch Newtonian (in domes!) Astrophotography is now my preferred method of observation, as my aged eyesight is not up to much visual stuff. My observatories are called “Mad Wolf”, because I’m either howling at the clouds or at the Moon! My Seestar is known as “Daft Dog”.
Clouds etc. aside, astronomy is such a rewarding interest/hobby and I’d recommend it to anyone. No need to start big – just a decent pair of binoculars will open up the marvels of the sky.