Michael A. Stecker
 masmd@sbcglobal.net
 

Contact information
e-mail
tomdiana@acegroup.cc
.
website
http://www.astronomyphotos.com
.
Locator Map
http://www.frappr.com/apppublic
Level of accuracy: State of Minnesota, USA

Biography
    I was born in Chicago and always had an interest in the physical sciences.  I literally began from the bottom up.  My first love was oceanography.  I then had a deep interest in meteorology.  Then, by the 8th grade, it was astronomy.  I was active in our high school's astronomy club and we enjoyed some star parties at a state park located about 45 miles west of the city.  I also enjoyed regular visits to the Adler Planetarium.  I have fond memories of my first "real" telescope - a Criterion RV-6. 

    Once I went to college, my focus changed.  Perhaps you can say that my interests reached so far out that I turned inward.  I ended up with a degree in psychology and eventually went on to receive my Ph.D. in the field.  During my years of clinical work, I met my wife and moved to the small Minnesota town where her children were attending school.  Dark skies and a Tasco refractor that I received as a Christmas gift was all it took to renew my interest in astronomy.  Little did my wife know what she started.  Although I have bought and sold many scopes over the years, I still keep the little refractor as a memento.

Areas of astrophotography interest
 My main area of interest is astrophotography, deep sky objects in particular. 

Astrophotography publications
Astronomy;  Sky & Telescope

Observing site
Home site
Backyard observatory in southeastern Minnesota

Astronomical Equipment
 Telescopes
Celestron C11; Takahashi FS-102  (plus numerous camera lenses)

Mount
G11 Gemini; GM-8

Cameras
SBIG ST-9XEI; Canon 300D (Hutech modified)
 

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