5:30 Astro Imaging Meeting

Speaker: Bernard Miller

Bio: An astrophotographer based in Phoenix, Arizona, he got started after helping my son with his junior high astronomy project. He quickly progressed from visual observing to photography and started doing remote astrophotography in 2010 when he opened the AZSTARMAN observatory in New Mexico, where he as been ever since.   He has been a member of the East Valley Astronomy Club in Gilbert, AZ, for over ten years, having lectured at various astronomy clubs in the Phoenix area on remote imaging and image processing. He is also a member of the Astronomical League and recipient of 9 APOD awards and have had dozens of images published in Astronomy Magazine and Sky and Telescope.  Visit Telescope Live for more information.

7:00 – 8:00 General Meeting

Speaker: Todd Gonzales, Director of Public Programs at Lowell Observatory
Topic: With Todd’s help we will virtually tour some of the aspects of the new Visitor Center at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ.

Bio:  Flagstaff, AZ — Lowell Observatory has appointed Todd Gonzales as its new Director of Public Programs, an executive role formerly titled Director of Education. In this position, Gonzales will oversee the observatory’s extensive on-site and off-site public programming, including telescope viewing, presentations, and tours, as well as exhibits and other educational activities at the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC). He will also continue to oversee k-12 field trips to the observatory and the Native American Astronomy Outreach Program (NAAOP).

“Todd has been a driving force in Lowell’s education and outreach programs for years, and his appointment is a wonderful opportunity for the observatory,” says Dr. Amanda Bosh, Executive Director of Lowell Observatory. “His passion for connecting people with the wonder of the universe, combined with his ability to build meaningful partnerships, will shape the next era of public programming at Lowell. With the new Astronomy Discovery Center opening its doors late last year, this is an exciting moment to welcome his leadership.”

A seasoned educator and outreach leader with more than two decades of experience, Gonzales has been part of Lowell Observatory’s education team since 2010, most recently serving as Education Manager. In this capacity, he designed and implemented astronomy curricula for school groups, summer camps, and public audiences, while leading major initiatives such as the Lowell Observatory Camps for Kids (LOCKs, now called the Orbits Curiosity Camps) and the development of the Orbits Curiosity Zone. He also co-authored culturally responsive curricula for the Native American Astronomy Outreach Program, broadening the observatory’s impact across Indigenous communities.

“For me, astronomy has always been about finding a connection to the universe around us, and seeing that connection happen with visitors,” says Gonzales. “I’m honored to step into this role at such an exciting moment for Lowell. The ADC, our public telescopes, and our outreach programs create opportunities for every visitor, from school kids to lifelong learners, to see themselves as part of the cosmos. I look forward to building on that work with our incredible team.”

Gonzales’ appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Observatory, with the recent opening of the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC). The ADC dramatically expands Lowell’s capacity for science engagement through immersive theater, interactive exhibits, and live programs. As Director of Public Programs, Gonzales will guide the integration of ADC experiences with the observatory’s broader suite of programs, ensuring cohesive and inspiring science education for audiences of all ages.

Gonzales steps into the role following Dr. Stephen Levine, who has served as Director of Education since 2022. Levine will return his full-time focus to his positions as Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) Scientist and Astronomer, focusing on partner engagement and advancing research opportunities with the LDT as upgrades and new instruments come online.

“As the Director of Education, it has been a rare privilege to lead the talented Education and Public Programs team over the past two and a half years through the transition into the era of the ADC,” says Levine. “I’m grateful for the chance to support Lowell’s education mission during such an important time, and I am excited to see how Todd and the department expand our reach and impact..”

Gonzales holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Biology from Northern Arizona University, graduating magna cum laude and earning recognition as a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholar. Prior to joining Lowell, he taught science in Arizona public schools, founded robotics and coding clubs, and worked extensively in outdoor science education.

5:30 Astro Imaging Meeting

Speaker: Richard Meyers

Abstract: AI-Driven Mastery: Unlocking PixInsight’s Potential for Astrophotography Enthusiasts.   It’s not about creating crazy images, but using AI to help with speeding the learning process of Pixinsight.

Bio:  Richard Meyers is a beginner astronomy enthusiast and amateur astrophotographer with a growing interest in observational astronomy.  He enjoys exploring deep-sky objects and developing practical, beginner-friendly imaging and processing workflows. Richard owns a Celestron C11 and a SeeStar S50 telescope. He helped start the Astronomy Special Interest Group (ASIG) for the Phoenix Astronomical Society (PAS) and currently serves as editor for the PAS newsletter, with the goal of creating a welcoming, hands-on community where newcomers can learn, share experiences, and grow together in the hobby.

7:00 General Meeting

Speaker: Mark Johnston

Abstract: My visit to world-class observatories in Chile
I recently had the opportunity to spend 10 days visiting the largest radio and optical observatories in Chile, and get behind-the-scenes access to the telescopes, control rooms, astronomers and more. What’s the difference between Vera Rubin, Gemini South, and ALMA, and why is each important? Join me to learn more about what’s happening in our world class observatories.

Bio: Mark has been fascinated with the night sky since he ‘discovered’ Saturn with his first telescope at age 11. Mark is Vice President of the Phoenix Astronomical Society, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, a NASA Eclipse Ambassador, a member of the Percival Lowell Society and a Telescope.live Tutor and Ambassador. In September 2024, the National Science Foundation appointed him an ACEAP Ambassador to Chile. He has earned a Master of Outreach from the Astronomical League. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Mark does over 100 astronomy outreach programs a year at schools, STEM camps, libraries and corporate facilities. He has done astronomy programs for the City of Scottsdale for 20 years, and earned a special Environmental Awareness Award in 2007, Volunteer of the Year in 2008, a 2024 Presidential Special Service award from the White House and a Special Service Award from the City of Scottsdale in 2024 for his volunteer astronomy programs.

Mark is an avid astrophotographer and has imaged from ideal observing locations like the Grand Canyon, Kitt Peak, Haleakala, Chile and Namibia. His work won a NASA APOD and is often published in Sky & Telescope magazine, Astronomy Magazine, BBC’s Sky at Night magazine, and on Space.com. Mark (@azastroguy) is very active on social media, where he posts daily astronomy-related content. Millions of people have seen his entertaining and educational posts on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Threads

5:30 Astro Imaging Meeting
7:00 – 8:00 General Meeting

Speaker: Luke Edens – West Valley Astronomy Club

Topic: Luke will be presenting an Overview of Cultural Astronomy in the Southwest. He will discuss what is cultural astronomy and how astronomy was integrated into the lives of ancient southwestern civilizations as evidenced by their rock writings and architecture.

Bio: Luke is an International Astronomical Union (IAU) Dark Sky Ambassador. He is Vice President of the International Dark Sky Association Phoenix Chapter. He is a longtime member of Society for Cultural Astronomy in the American Southwest (SCAAS) and West Valley Astronomy Club (WVAC).

Luke is Assistant Regional Coordinator for Arizona State Parks Site Steward Program which focuses on archeological preservation and former board member for the Friends of Agua Fria National Monument.

He has presented the topic of Cultural Astronomy for a Hohokam Archeology class and on the Night Sky Tourist Podcast.