Why astronomy?
For many, the beauty and majesty of the heavens evokes worship and wonderment. Like standing before a beautiful sunset or listening to a symphony orchestra or admiring a work of art, the sight of a star cluster or galaxy moves us beyond ourselves to a connection with the splendors of creation. Just as an orchestra is made up of many parts, so also the universe is made of many individual components - each of which can can be a subject of lifelong study.

For others astronomy brings healing and order into their broken and hurting lives. The order and majesty of the heavens mysteriously offers order and stability to our lives. As light from distant stars flows into our lives through the eyepiece of a telescope, some have sensed healing also flow into their brokenness. Through the prophet Isaiah, God says,

“Lift your eyes and look to the heavens; Who created all this? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and strength, not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26)

So, how did you get into astronomy?
In January 1990 we began a three year term of service with the Mennonite Central Committee in central Nigeria. In the middle of the night in a village with no electric lights within 100 km., I went outside to find a latrine. I discovered the heavens ablaze with stars like I had never seen before. This was the beginning of a wonderful journey of discovery of the splendors of our night sky.

In 2006 Bev and I began an astronomy business and telescope store with the mission of “Helping people discover the wonders of the night sky.” We thoroughly enjoy helping people marvel at the beauty of Saturn and its rings...and enjoy the exuberant expressions of those who see it for the first time. As a means to helping people continue making those discoveries we sell telescopes and offer help in choosing a scope as well as offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The business also helps support us in this mission.

Astronomy captivates all ages from five to eighty-five. We hope you also enjoy this lifelong journey of discovery.

Photo of students and families in Gindiri with 12" Dobsonian telescope built by Ken in Phil Johnston's ATM group of the Calgary Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.