Join us at Battle Point Observatory Saturday, October 10 at 6:00 pm for our monthly Second Saturday Science Talk!
Smart Telescopes: From "Hobby Killers" to Cosmic Democratization
Guest speaker: Norris Washington
The doors are open and the community is invited to an engaging science talk at Rudolph Planetarium in Battle Point Observatory. After the talk, stay for a planetarium show, and if skies are clear we'll have a Star Party!
Tickets free for BPAA Members, $5 for non-members.
For generations, astronomy was gatekept by complex setups and frustrating "hobby killer" telescopes that promised the moon but delivered blurry disappointment. Today, a quiet revolution is underway: all-in-one smart telescopes have transformed backyard stargazing into an accessible, communal experience. In this 35-minute presentation, we explore how automated plate-solving and live stacking have eliminated the steep learning curve, examine the spectrum of devices—from grab-and-go units like the Seestar to high-end robotic observatories—and dive into the fierce, rapid innovation race between industry frontrunners like DwarfLab and ZWO. Finally, we'll look at the cultural ripples across the hobby: how these pocket observatories are turning casual observers into advanced astrophotographers, fueling global citizen science networks, and redefining what it means to connect with the night sky.
About the speaker: Norris Washington spent 32 years as an antitrust attorney with the Federal Trade Commission, until he retired and moved to Bainbridge Island with his wife Pam, and their retired service dog Bessy. While working he specialized in investigations involving petrochemicals, oil and gas, hospitals and computers. He's a newbie astrophotographer and is "enjoying" the growing pains associated with learning a new hobby!
Tickets free for BPAA Members, $5 for non-members.
[ Zoom option if you can't attend talk in person: Zoom Sign-Up ]
bpastro.org
