Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Announces Astrophotography Program led by Charity Grace Mofsen

Erin Holdgate • March 30, 2023

NANTUCKET, MA—For the second summer in a row, the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces its astrophotography program, led by island photographer and MMA Artist in Residence, Charity Grace Mofsen, and MMA Telescope Engineer and Astronomer, Gary Walker. The astrophotography program will be offered twice this summer—one course for paid participants in July, with a portion of the registration fees funding a second, complimentary course in August/September for Nantucket High School students interested in photography and learning about their dark skies. Each course consists of four workshops over the course of four weeks, and costs $700.

 

Astrophotography is the use of photography in astronomy—the photographing of celestial objects and phenomena. In addition to capturing details of extended objects like the Moon, it also has the power to image objects not visible to the human eye, such as dim stars, nebulae, and galaxies. The MMA’s beginner's astrophotography workshop intends to give participants the foundations needed to take dramatic pictures of the dark skies above.

 

Dates for the two astrophotography courses are as follows. Further details may become available online as these dates approach.  

 

Paid Course Dates: July 6, 13, 20, and 26

NHS Student Course Dates: August 31, September 7, 14, and 21

 

Both courses are designed for beginners, and will follow the same format over the four sessions. Classes will start with cell phones and DSLR's and progress to the RC24 inch Telescope at Loines Observatory. Each class will build on the last and homework will be assigned.

 

Charity Grace Mofsen captures the island of Nantucket in all its glory–“In Light and At Night.” With a particular affinity for astrophotography, she believes there is always Light, if you have eyes to see it. From fine art landscapes to fun portrait sessions and creative product photography, she finds joy sharing her love of Nantucket with the hope that others will also cherish the island’s natural beauty. Recently featured in Framebridge’s “Black Artist Spotlight,” N Magazine’s 2022 “Night Life,” and Nantucket Current’s “This Week in Photos,” her work speaks to [wo]man’s connection to the cosmos. Describing her style as meditative, Charity Grace highlights the beauty of the island’s contrasts–the solitude of the off-season and the joy of summer, the colors of the Light and the wisdom of the Night.

 

Gary Walker has over fifty years of experience as a consultant, professional engineer, amateur and professional astronomer. Gary is past CCD Chairperson, Secretary and President of the American Association of variable Star Observers (AAVSO). Gary is retired as Director of Engineering of Navigation Products for Northrop-Grumman Corporation where he enjoyed a thirty year career. Gary was also deeply involved in the selection of the MMA’s RC-24 inch and CDK17 Telescopes in 2007/2008. Gary was the first amateur to submit a CCD and sCMOS Observations to AAVSO and has over 111,000 variable star observations. He is also actively involved with teaching the MMA’s National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates Summer students with aspects of Telescope Operation and Data Reduction.

 

The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.


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For Immediate Release

March 30, 2023

Contact: Erin Holdgate, Marketing Director

eholdgate@mariamitchell.org

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By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • June 30, 2025
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