Astronomy Man, Public & School Astronomy Programs

The Summer Triangle is a bright asterism formed by three stars:

Vega, Deneb, and Altair.

It is not a constellation — its stars belong to Lyra, Cygnus, and Aquila.

The Summer Triangle is best seen on summer evenings in the Northern Hemisphere

Around June 12, 2026, look west after sunset to see a 3 planets: Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter. These planets will be gathered in the evening sky. This is a mini planetary conjunction (planets visible in the same area of the sky) only three planets are involved. This will also be one of the easiest planetary alignments of 2026 to view because all three planets can be seen with the unaided eye.

Keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the stars.

Astronomy Man

Need more than just a "Guest Speaker" at your service club or another type of meeting?
Have Astronomy Man bring the science of Astronomy down to Earth.

Astronomy Man's programs are more like a show than an informative talk. Each A/V show runs 30 to 60 minutes and covers a variety of topics in Astronomy. From Black Holes to the planet Pluto. From a vacation to the planets to the mystery of the Christmas Star. Astronomy Man explains things so they can be understood and not way over your head.
Using the skills learned while working at Griffith Observatory and perfected while Director of the Milliken Planetarium, Astronomy Man is a showman.

Contact: David for more information

[email protected]

Hey friends in the San Diego area.

Saturday September 5th 2026
Astronomy Man is coming to Agua Caliente County Park for a Star Talk.

Hosted by the Ranger Staff at the park, this will be an evening under the stars with astronomer David White, affectionately known as Astronomy Man.

In the 1990's David was Director of the Daniel B. Milliken Planetarium.
In the 1980's David was on staff at the world famous Griffith Observatory.

David has been doing private outreach to schools, universities, libraries, museums, parks, foundations and organizations as well as other venues under his private label, coined for him by a 6th grade student who just couldn't recall David's name. So, to get his attention the 6th grader shouted out " Hey, Astronomy Man !" and the title stuck.

The evening under the stars will be an informal "Constellation/Star Talk" where Astronomy Man will point out the interesting Constellations (patterns formed out of the stars) visible planets and other objects in the sky.

Contact: Agua Caliente County Park
for information, admissions and reservations for camping if you plan to stay overnight.

39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849
Julian, CA 92036

Park Phone: (760) 765-1188
Reservations Center: (858) 565-3600, (877) 565-3600

See you all on September 5th

Astronomy Man

I have a star Talk coming up. Usually I use one of my powerful "Green" Astronomy laser pointers to point out objects in the sky. An acquaintance of mine convinced me to try out an ultra powerful rechargeable "Blue" wavelength hand held laser pointer. He said that the Blue beam will appear as if you are actually touching the Moon or Stars.

Well, it arrived today and I can't wait to give it a test drive.

(This is the point where I remind everyone: I am a professional astronomer. I utilize lasers as part of my work, educational purposes and equipment operations. I operate these high emission laser light sources in compliance with all rules and regulations paying strict attention to the safety of any aircraft operating in the area and to ensure the laser is not directed at any person's eyes, as injuries can occur)

No, I do not expect to see reflection off the Apollo Retroreflectors that were left upon the Moon. I would need power in the range of Gigawatts to accomplish that. Similar to the Apache Point Observatory, New Mexico Laser.

But watch out, that Blue beam streaking to the heavens that you see at night, might be me giving a star talk.

Head out and take a look at the Moon tonight. The Moon will be paired close the the star Regulus. Regulus marks the heart of Leo the lion.

Enjoy the sky

Several months ago I was working upon on of my astronomy presentations and I became concerned about a matter regarding Native American Sky Lore and National Monuments. It struck me so deeply that I immediately set pen to paper and addressed a letter directly to the President of the United States regarding the matter of United States relations with Native Americans and matters regarding National Monuments and the U.S. Department of the Interior. I quickly spelled out my concern and my solution to the problem in my letter and sent it on its way to the White House.

Knowing full well that my letter would most likely be of very little or no concern I considered the matter lost to history, to end in a pile of discarded mail received, never to be heard of again.

Today, I received an informal letter addressed from The White House in reply to my letter...
The reply letter is signed: Donald J Trump

Below you will find copies of both my original letter to the President addressing my concern and the reply from the White House.
(Both letters have redactions from their text that are of personal and professional nature or carry interests not required in this post)

My letter was read, if it goes anywhere will be the next chapter.

Victim of today's program adventure.

My program today was at the Claremont Library hosted by The Friends of Claremont Library.

The program was a great success and was well received with numerous leads to future presentations.

Upon taking down and packing up to depart the venue, this "Lobby Poster Board" fell out of the vehicle and was damaged.

Equipment repair and service is one of my largest expenses.

Therefore I'll be seeking to fund the repair of this interpretive sign. Possibly I can find a sponsor for this Equipment repair.

Are you new to telescopes or do you already own one ?

Yes I own numerous telescopes and have worked and viewed with many of the world's famous ones.
From Big Blue my most popular 13.1 inch reflector that's nearly 6 foot tall to the Zeiss telescope at Griffith Observatory. Viewing and observing with Mt. Wilson's 60 & 100 inch telescopes to a once in a lifetime "ride" upon the "Hale 200 inch" at Palomar Observatory.

Want to hear and learn about the history of telescopes ?

Friends of the Claremont Library are hosting Astronomy Man on Saturday 16th of May at 2pm where he will present his program:

"A Brief History of the Telescope"

A 40 minute live multimedia presentation featuring a look at some of the world's most famous telescopes and also to introduce Claremont Library's newest loaner collection of telescopes. Yes, that's right, the library has telescopes available for patrons to check out just like books.

Astronomy Man will also have available several of his "daytime" Solar Telescopes available for guests to get a look at our star the Sun. Viewing will be from 12:30 until 1:40 and the show will follow at about 2:00pm

The library, Viewing with telescopes and the "Live" show are open to the public. The event is not being publicly announced to retain the intimacy of the presentation for guests.
This will not be a big crowd event. Only those who know or heard about it will be there. This is a chance to meet and speak with Astronomy Man. Teachers & Principals can get a peek at the type of programs offered for schools.

See you on Saturday the 16th

Saturday the 16th of May Astronomy Man will be presenting: "A Brief History of the Telescope" for the Friends of the Claremont Library at the Claremont Library 2:00 pm.
This is their Membership Drive Meeting etc... The presentation is open for guests of the library to also attend but it is not promoted as such an open event. If you are interested please come by, we will have Solar Telescopes available prior to the program beginning about 12:30 - 1:45.
See the show, about telescopes and learn about the libraries telescope loaner collection, telescopes that can be checked out of the library.