Nicholas Szymanek, better known as Nik Szymanek, is a British amateur astronomer and prolific astrophotographer, based in Essex, England.[1]
Nik Szymanek | |
|---|---|
 Nik Szymanek presenting at the National Astronomy Meeting 2012 | |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | astrophotography, CCD imaging |
Originally a train driver in the London Underground, he began his interest in astronomical CCD imaging shortly before 1991. His interest in this kind of observational astronomy rose in 1991, after he met Ian King, another amateur astronomer and a fellow from the local Havering Astronomical Society.[2]
Szymanek is most known for his deep sky CCD images, and his contributions to education and public outreach surrounding amateur astronomy. He collaborates with professional astronomers and works with research-grade telescopes located at La Palma in the Canary Islands, and at Mauna Kea Observatories at the Hawaiian Islands.[1] He publishes his pictures in astronomical magazines[1] and has written a book on astrophotography called Infinity Rising.[3][4]
Due to his imaging and image-processing accomplishments, Szymanek was awarded the Amateur Achievement Award of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific in 2004.[5][6]
Szymanek is also the drummer for UK Neo-Progressive band Trilogy.[7]
Gallery
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References
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- ^ a b c "Awards for astronomers". The World at Night. Astronomers Without Borders. Retrieved 2 December 2009.
- ^ Ratledge, David, ed. (1997). The Art and Science of CCD Astronomy. London: Springer Verlag. pp. 123, 162. ISBN 978-3-540-76103-7.
- ^ "Books of Note Archives". Astronomical Society of the Pacific. 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
- ^ Szymanek, Nik (6 June 2009). Infinity Rising. Pole Star Publications Limited. ISBN 978-0-9550278-0-2.
- ^ "Past Amateur Achievement winners". Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Retrieved 2 December 2009.
- ^ Patient, Douglas (17 February 2015). "Award-winning astronomer Nik Szymanek visited Wanstead last night". East London & West Essex Guardian. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
- ^ "Trilogy UK Bandcamp Site". Retrieved 25 October 2024.
External links
edit- CCDLand – Nik Szymanek's web page
- Szymanek, Nik. "Nik Szmanek's Pear Tree Observatory". Deep Sky Videos. Brady Haran.
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