Spotlight on BVAC Member - Joel Carmona

1. Tell us about yourself.

My name is Daniel Joel Carmona, and go by Joel. I graduated BS Physics class of 2012. Shortly after, I was hired as an Accelerator Technician for Cyclotron Institute and have been there 6+ years. During my free time, I’m into 3D printing, gaming, or viewing the night sky. I recently started in Fall 2018 pursuing profession graduate degree at TAMU in METM program class of 2020.

2. How did you become interested in astronomy?

My Uncle got me interested when I was a young kid about the age of 10. He bought a refractor telescope and showed me. I don't remember seeing anything too spectacular at that age. At an older age of about 26 my interest in astronomy was renewed when I was able to afford a 12" reflector telescope.

3. How long have you been involved with the hobby?

Been involved with the hobby for about two years now.

4. What type of equipment do you currently use for observations?

I use a Sky-Watcher 12" dobsonian reflector telescope.

5. Describe a normal night of observing?

On a normal night I'll drag my telescope outside using a wagon it sits on. I wait about 20 minutes for the telescope temperature to equalize with the outside temperature. Then, I calibrate telescope mirror using laser collimator eyepiece. Finally, get to start looking for constellations that I can notice to reference in my pocket sky atlas. Using the sky atlas I try to find distant sky objects like globular clusters, open star clusters, galaxies, and nebulas. Viewing planets is also fun. During a normal night of observing I write notes in a stargazing log book. When I'm done I pack up my eyepieces and roll my telescope back inside.

6. Do you have a favorite part of the sky and favorite time of the year to observe? Why?

Favorite part of the sky probably is above Sagittarius constellation, aka the Teapot, because I'm able to find globular clusters and open star clusters I enjoy to look at. I also like to view Orion Nebula during winter months.

7. What is the most awe-inspiring object or event you have seen through your telescope?

First sight I was able to focus on with my reflector telescope was the planet Jupiter and it was amazing. Another moment that got me excited was when I saw what looked like a large rock zoom past the field of view in my eye piece while I was looking at M22 above the Sagittarius constellation.

8. What gives you the most satisfaction with your hobby?

I find satisfaction in process of finding distant sky objects.

9. Have you participated in any astronomical research? If so, please describe.

Not directly. I do work for a research facility that employs faculty to study Nuclear Astrophysics. I help keep the machines used for research operational.

10. What do you like most about attending star parties?

I like the help received from club members in finding objects and learning about the stars in the sky.

11. Do you have any parting comments?

I have to say for the time I've been involved with the hobby, I've had my share of feeling disappointed because of a planned viewing session being interrupted. Work schedule, rain, dew, and city lights are some factors that can ruin a night of observation. I find amateur astronomy fun to practice when the time permits.