By sharing their personal stories of how their interest in astronomy began and how, 4,000 miles apart, those stories led them to MAS and a lasting friendship, Avtar and Jeff hope to engage the audience in a conversation about their own beginnings and journeys into amateur astronomy.

Special treat – Avtar and Jeff will bring their first telescopes (which both still have) to share with the audience.

Jeff Shokler, a self-proclaimed “nerd” with a passion for science, particularly astronomy, began his journey in the late 70s and early 80s. He joined the Texas Astronomical Society in Dallas, TX, and received his first telescope, a Coulter CT100 4 ¼” Newtonian reflector, from his parents. The 1980 television series “Cosmos,” presented by astrophysicist Carl Sagan, further fueled his interest. At 16, Jeff chose to attend the Texas Star Party in Fort Davis, TX, near McDonald Observatory, a world-class gathering of amateur astronomers. These experiences, combined with his curiosity and drive to learn, led to a lifelong engagement with amateur astronomy and astrophotography.

 Jeff joined the Madison Astronomical Society (MAS) during his graduate studies in Madison and served as President, Vice President, and Board Member-at-Large. He enjoys science and astronomy outreach at events like “Moon Over Monona Terrace,” star parties, and public presentations on astronomy and astrophotography.

Jeff is a long-time administrator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, working at the intersection of academia and IT. His educational background includes anthropology, archaeology, and geoscience from Southern Methodist University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Avtar, born and raised in the UK to Punjabi parents, developed a passion for science and astronomy in his working-class town around age ten. In high school, he met another budding astronomer, Abdul, through a perceptive school librarian. They exchanged notes and set observing goals during school breaks. At fifteen, his parents, despite limited English and science knowledge, invested in a Celestron SP6 Newtonian telescope. It has since accompanied him to Madison, where he’s a professor in the Department of Neuroscience. Joining MAS, he met Jeff Shockler, his “new Abdul,” inspiring a shift from visual observing to astrophotography. His favorite telescope is a Questar, purchased during COVID. His routine includes imaging sessions while sketching and observing through the Questar, accompanied by a single-malt Scotch.

This meeting will take place in-person at our usual Space Place classroom location. It will also be streamed live to our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@madisonastronomicalsociety. Space Place is located at 2300 S. Park St., Madison, WI.