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