Articles by Scott W. Roberts

Scott Roberts is a lifelong amateur astronomer, he is widely respected for his hands-on involvement in the astronomy community, regular presence at major star parties, and commitment to public outreach and STEM education. Through product innovation, educational programming, and advocacy for dark skies, Roberts has played a significant role in making astronomy more accessible to observers around the world.

Windows to Wonder: Guidance

June 16–18 — Crescent Moon Joins Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter A young Moon surrounded by planets gives us a beautiful view of our solar system family. Standing beneath that sky, we can remember that Earth is also one of those worlds — traveling together w

Astronomical Events Calendar — June 2026

As we enter into June 2026, you'll be able to catch a meteor shower, and as the days stretch longer - warm summer nights ideal for viewing the planets.

A Practical Guide to Cleaning and Caring for Telescope Optics and Eyepieces

Clean telescope optics only when necessary to avoid damage, since light dust typically has little impact on image quality, while fingerprints and oils can reduce contrast and sharpness. For best results in telescope maintenance, use proper optical cleaning tools and techniques, always remove loose debris first and apply cleaning solutions to a microfiber cloth rather than directly to the optics.

Cloud-9 and the Hidden Architecture of the Universe

Encouraging Girls in STEM

By increasing girls’ participation in STEM focus we can provide greater access to scientific experiences, mentorship, and hands-on learning. Astronomy in particular is an effective way to spark curiosity and introduce students to STEM fields.

The Ojibwe constellation of the Wintermaker includes the familiar stars of our Orion, but his outstretched arms reach to include Procyon in Canis Minor and Aldebaran in Taurus. The painting depicts the Ojibwe way of seeing star figures — both their inner

Imprints of Orion In Other Cultures - Part One

An exploration of Orion with Professor Karim Jaffer and Scott W. Roberts through Indigenous star knowledge, where stories encode careful observation, seasonal wisdom, and survival. Science and story meet, reminding us why we look up together.

Imprints of Orion In Other Cultures - Part Two

This section highlights a shift from simply recognizing stars and constellations to understanding the deeper cultural knowledge they carry. Indigenous star stories broaden our perspective, showing that the sky is not just a map of stars but also a source of wisdom, connection, and teachings that have guided people for generations.

Imprints of Orion In Other Cultures: Part Three

This passage emphasizes that Indigenous Orion stories are based on generations of careful observation of the night sky and its seasonal patterns. Rather than separating science from storytelling, these traditions combine both, showing that knowledge of the stars has long relied on observation, experience, and respect for the natural world.

Imprints of Orion In Other Cultures Finale

This conclusion emphasizes that Orion and other stars are part of a shared human heritage, deeply connected to culture, land, and traditional knowledge. It highlights the importance of preserving dark skies, protecting Indigenous star knowledge, and including diverse cultural perspectives in astronomy so that these stories and teachings can continue to inspire future generations.

A Continuum of Discovery: How We Have Always Looked at the Sky. This image was created with AI to help visualize an idea explored in the text.

From Galileo’s Telescope to Today’s Digital Sky

Across the history of astronomy, new tools have repeatedly sparked concern that convenience would replace attentiveness or distance observers from the sky. Yet from early telescopes to clock drives, each innovation initially faced resistance before proving indispensable and expanding what astronomers could observe. The pattern shows that while tools change, the sk, and our pursuit of understanding it, remains constant.

Articles by Scott W. Roberts