By: Loki Ingalls

My favorite astronomer is Charles Messier. I love the story of the Messier objects; it’s really funny to me how seemingly random objects that he numbered are now incredibly popular objects for many astronomers to view and astrophotographers to capture. It’s really crazy how one person can make such a big impact! The Messier Marathon, named after his achievements, is something I love and wish to complete one day. I learned about him when I started becoming more active in SMCAS over a year ago, and whenever I go stargazing, I tend to gravitate towards looking at Messier objects as they include some of my favorites and I want to eventually capture all of them. Messier’s a familiar name at star parties and I like to tell his story to visitors.

However, I would be lying if I said Messier was my only favorite astronomer. My other favorite astronomer is none other than Ed Pieret, my grandfather, longtime board member and member. I grew up looking through his telescope on his deck (I don’t remember life before he inspired my love for space!) and helping him at CSM events. I always smile when I see pictures of me as a child with him during his Comet Chef show. My friends and classmates always recognize him as Astronomer Ed because he would visit our classes to talk about astronomy; I was always so proud to be his grandchild.

Astronomy is incredibly special to me because it connects me to him and working with him on his passion brings me joy above anything else. It’s because of him that I’m acquainted with the night sky, and I’ll always think about him whenever I’m out stargazing.