Join us in Artisan Gallery as we hear astrophotographer, George Normandin.

While you’re home for the holidays, let these stellar images on display in BCAC’s Artisan Gallery, courtesy of the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, transport you to other worlds!

All images included in the exhibition were taken at Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, Vestal, NY using the observatory’s equipment. Image processing was done by Kopernik Astronomical Society (KAS) Member, George Normandin. The images were acquired by various Kopernik Astronomical Society Members working either individually, or in small groups.

From the moment George Normandin’s aunt gave him, “The Golden Book of Astronomy,” for his 9th birthday, he was hooked on astronomy. George did his first astrophotography in 1961 and went through the “film era.” He began digital imaging in 1993 with one of the first commercial CCD cameras sold — an SBIG ST-6, attached to Kopernik Observatory’s 20-inch telescope.

George has taken some 5,000 images and is published in Sky & Telescope, Astronomy, Sue French’s book Deep Sky Wonders, as well as various European magazines. In addition to being a Member at Kopernik Observatory since 1979, he is also a Founding Member of the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory in Tupper Lake, NY. Although he still feels like he has a lot to learn, he is hopeful for some clear skies to image thru. He is also an avid visual observer, mostly with his 20- inch Dobsonian telescope.

George Normandin was born in Cohoes, NY, and currently resides with his wife Kim in Binghamton, NY. His career ranged from a cost analyst to later a contracting officer in the US Defense Logistics Agency as part of the Department of Defense. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with more than 28 years as an Officer in the Regular Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve.