Friday, May 8, 2026, 7 PM, UW Space Place

Rick Wayne
MAS Outreach Coordinator
Quite recently, only the brainiest and most dedicated uber-nerds dared to tread into astroimaging. The laws of physics haven’t changed, but in every direction, the barriers to entry have nevertheless fallen. First-class optics, precision mounts, amazing sensors, and simply incredible advances in software are in reach for just about anyone. If you thought astrophotography was too hard or too expensive, see what you think after we explore the current state of play.
Rick is a husband, a dad, and a retired software engineer. He is a volunteer member of the Cascade Mountain Ski Patrol, teaches Outdoor Emergency Care and Instructor Development classes, and is the proud holder of National Appointment #11910. His lifelong interest in photography led to his education (though not to his employment) as a photojournalist. He sort of tripped into astrophotography on the way to something else, back when it was uphill both ways with a low signal-to-noise ratio.
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.
