Stellarvue (SV) and Douglas J Struble (DJS)
SV - What sparked your interest in astronomy?
DJS
When I was young, my Uncle Bob had an 80's style Celestron 8" SCT. He inspired me into astronomy.
SV - Do you remember your first “ah-ha” moment; what were you looking at when that occurred?
DJS
In 2010 I bought my first telescope. When I first viewed Jupiter and four of its moons, I was blown away.
SV - What lead you to the imaging side of astronomy? Do you have a background in photography?
DJS
I have a background in multi-media advertising production and fine art photography. I have wanted to get into astrophotography for a long time and spent years researching on what it would take to do it right. Finally, when I had some money to get started, I did.
SV - What are tips you would give those pursuing imaging?
DJS
Imaging can be done in a heavily light polluted area like my red zone. It requires some extra patience, time and processing, though.
SV - How would you describe your passion about astronomy and the night sky?
DJS
With Astronomy I see patterns. Being agnostic, I often wonder if these patterns we see are of a specific design by a higher power or more of a chaotic nature.
SV - What do you like most about astonomy?
(DJS)
I find it funny how the human condition is to find resolution in the universe. While we try to apply ideas and theories, they are just that; theories. Astronomy is something much bigger than us.
SV - What has surprised you the most about astronomy/imaging?
DJS
What surprised me the most about astrophography is that it can be done in a heavily light polluted area.
SV - What makes Stellarvue telescopes special to you; what advantages do you find when using them?
DJS
Stellarvue telescopes are like a fine wine. Carefully crafted. From the glass to the focuser, you can feel the pride in their creation.
SV - Filling in the blank, how would you complete the following: Having the choice, I choose Stellarvue apo refractors because _____.
DJS
Because of the care level of quality not found anywhere else in the world.
SV - Do your friends consider you a geek for being so passionate about astronomy? What do you say to them, to express why you do what you do?
DJS
Being older, my friends don't see me as being such a geek, rather an artisan.
SV - What are your next planned targets to image?
DJS
I am working on more obscure and rare interacting galaxies.
We want to thank Douglas (DJS) for taking the time to answer our questions, and allow us to share with the Stellarvue family. We hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about the man behind those incredible images. The beautiful image on this newsletter's masthead is another example of his outstanding work using a Stellarvue Apo Refractor. You can see more of Douglas' work on his website at
www.futureworldmedia.net
