Gary A. Becker, (left) StarWatch blog writer, loves the dark night sky as much as the bright city lights. Articles are written for mainly suburban audiences who also enjoy viewing the heavens.    (right) "Not another picture, Gary," says Brandon Velivis, a former astronomy student volunteering at Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.    Photography by Lois Wolter, 2003...

Gary A. Becker, hiking on Mt. Bierstadt (14,065 feet) along the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies during the summer of 2012...   (Insert) Bringing up the rear during one of the scarier parts of the hike, but NOT the scariest... Adam R. Jones photography...

Gary A. Becker has had a lifelong passion for astronomy, photography, and sky watching. As director of the award-winning Allentown (PA) School District Planetarium for 38 years and currently Adjunct Professor of Astronomy at Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA, Gary has taught astronomy from the preschool to the graduate levels under both the electronic and the natural sky.

Gary is an ardent traveler who has hosted tours to observe and photograph comets and eclipses. He has taken urban students to the Southwest to view the heavens from some of the darkest locales in the United States. He and his pupils volunteered as Night Sky Interpreters at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM, and Bryce Canyon National Park, UT, between 1999 and 2006.

In 2012, he joined the Astronomy Team of the Mars Society, where he helps to maintain and enhance the Elon Musk (Solar) Observatory and the MDRS Robotic Observatory at the Mars Desert Research Station near Hanksville, Utah, the latter of which supports the astronomy program at Moravian University.

Gary A. Becker's half-century plus of amateur and professional interests in astronomy has provided him with a unique perspective for writing and teaching. He has authored the book that his Moravian astronomy students use, edited the Astronomical League's national newsletter, The Reflector, and two League national convention proceedings. He founded (1996) and continues to maintain www.astronomy.org as an educational outreach, and has for nearly 30 years, written a homespun, informative weekly blog called StarWatch, distributed to the Moravian University community. StarWatch has appeared in newspapers nationwide. Gary is currently nearing the completion of a backyard research-grade observatory.

Gary joined the faculty of Moravian University in 2010. At Moravian, he has taught his astronomy course to over 800 Liberal Arts students in small-group settings, emphasizing the practical aspects and the natural beauty of the universe. With public donations, he refurbished the Sky Deck at the University, where students now learn to operate computer-driven telescopes and observe the heavens from center city Bethlehem, PA. In addition, Gary's public funding enabled Moravian University to secure a 25 percent timeshare of the Mars Desert Research Station's Robotic Observatory, located near Hanksville, Utah. Most recently, he spearheaded the Chambliss Medal, awarded each year to the top research-oriented science student graduating from the University.

Gary resides in Pennsylvania's beautiful Lehigh Valley with his wife, Susan, a retired English teacher who enjoys writing, and their two active Dutch rabbits.

1. Public Outreach: My efforts in writing StarWatch focus on making astronomy accessible and engaging to the general public.

2. Educational Programs: StarWatch often features short articles aimed at introducing schools, community groups, and individuals to upcoming astronomical events.

3. Community Engagement: Gary A. Becker's efforts through StarWatch help build a sense of community around a shared interest in astronomy.

4. Personal Passion: My involvement in writing StarWatch reflects a personal passion for astronomy and a commitment to sharing that enthusiasm with others.

Interest in Photography

It is safe to say that my original motivation to take pictures stemmed from my father who was an ardent Leica enthusiast. During my youth, photography provided me with a natural avenue to record the places and objects that I saw, as well as the night sky under which I observed. When I began to teach astronomy, I soon realized that my students were more motivated when I presented information and images gleaned from my own personal experiences. This motivational factor, which has only been enhanced by the digital revolution, has been a wonderful catalyst for me to continue my photography and to hone my images to the concepts about which I am teaching. Astronomy is truly a beautiful science, and what better way to express that, then through the photographic medium.

Gary A. Becker, happy at the Mars Desert Research Station near Hanksville, Utah...   2013 image by Peter K. Detterline...