Comets are rare cosmic interlopers from the outskirts of our Solar System that wander inward toward the sun like a dormant spirit seeking warmth, shedding its icy layers to reveal its luminous nature. We have been fortunate over the last decade to witness several visitors visible to the naked eye, including this emerald beauty: Comet […]
Deer hunters abound in the Methow Valley, home of the Dharma Project. One technique to attract game is to leave a salt lick and wait. That is exactly what is so compelling about astrophotography; I set my sights on a spot in the sky and wait patiently for the light to appear. The bonus this […]
A lunar eclipse is an event not to miss if you have clear skies. These occur when the Moon enters Earth’s shadow, transforming the familiar ivory disk into a deep, copper-red phantasm. Even though this post is published after the March 3, 2026 Lunar eclipse, this shot was taken last year when the moon went […]
What can beat a smooth lager beer pulled fresh from the bright tank? Only one you make yourself. Here in the Methow Valley, winter isn’t just for skiing; it’s peak lager season. From December to March, my brewing room stays between 50–60°F, which is the “Goldilocks zone” for lager yeast. The Science: Why Cold Matters […]
The Witch’s Broom Nebula (NGC 6960), located in the constellation Cygnus, is part of the vast Veil Nebula or Cygnus Loop complex. This is a supernova remnant—the aftermath of a massive star that spewed its enriched material into the cosmic soup. You are looking at the western portion of this complex. The statistics are mind-boggling: […]
