How did you star in the hobby of Astronomy?

I was given a 60mm Alt/Az refractor as a child, as I assume many have. That sparked a life-long curiosity, but it was a very enthusiastic college astronomy professor that got me hooked. The first time I saw M42 through an 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain, I know I wanted to learn more.

Star trails by Chris Morrison.

From your own personal view, what is Astronomy?

Simply put, exploration.

Could you share any unforgettable experience while you were doing astronomy?

I was at Mt. Wilson Observatory giving a tour to some customers of mine. This just happened to be three days after a huge coronal mass ejection (CME) directed at Earth. The night we were there, I experienced my very first aurora, from Los Angeles! We watched the vibrant colors for more than 2 hours. That was amazing. What an event….and what a place to have seen it.

Mars by Chris Morrison..

Could you share any bad or funny experience while you were doing astronomy?

When I was very young and still just learning astronomy, I had a 114EQ on a German Mount. Having grown up in the city, I was not accustomed to seeing Ursa Minor. Therefore, when I went to find it so I could polar align on Polaris, I polar aligned on the M45, The Pleiades. Needless to say the telescope didn’t track very well!

When you observe through the telescope, what are the objects you most like to observe and why?

I’m a galaxy guy. The whole idea of seeing outside of our own galaxy just amazes me. It puts our hectic lives in the right perspective.

What is the future of amateur astronomy due to the technological and scientific advances of our modern world?

More people are getting to experience astronomy because the telescopes are easier to use. That creates more interest, and hopefully more scientists to discover.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started in amateur Astronomy?

Find a good club and other people to share your passion. You’ll learn more and see more when observing with friends.

An 16" LX200 and Chris Morrison´s son.

If God would let you know just one answer to one of the unsolved questions of Astronomy, which question would you choose and why?

I guess everyone wants to know. Are we alone?

What is your final reflection about your experience in Astronomy?

Astronomy is fascinating. Enjoy it. Don’t worry about whether or not you know a lot about it. Enjoy the discovery!