Hi, my name is Rich Ruggles.

      I have been doing outreach programs as Astronomy 1on1 since 2000. My prime purpose is to get people started in astronomy and going in the right direction.  I work one on one with individuals to build their confidence and teach them how to use a telescope and have also given many programs for groups throughout the community.

      I started out with the Astronomy Club of Akron  (ACA) in 1990. In 1991 I got actively involved as a member of the new Observatory staff and served on the Executive board in one capacity or another for over 10 years. Those involvements lead to several others.

    In 2001, Sunny Lake Metro Park in Aurora, Ohio approached the ACA  to do some astronomy programs and star parties from their location.  I volunteered to give a program and that led to 5 more programs.  Given the interest of the hobby by the many who attended the programs regularly, I encouraged them to form their own local group and so we organized the Aurora Astronomical Society which I served as their president for the first 2 years.

     As well as working one on one with beginners,  I have given many  programs for groups throughout the community such as the Western Reserve Girl Scout Counsel, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Akron Audubon Society, the Great Trail District Boy Scouts, and several local schools, even our neighborhood Garden Club.
       
      This can be an expensive hobby, if you let it.  So to cut the cost, I am always looking for deals to pass on to you. In the past,  I have worked with manufacturers to get big discounts on large orders for telescopes, eyepieces, Telrad finders, filters, star charts, books, and much more. If someone is looking to buy a telescope, I may know of another that is looking to sell one.  I usually have some star charts and  books available at discount. 

      For the past few years I have been doing astronomy programs for Quail Hollow State Park in Hartville, Ohio. This is a nice dark sky site  The talks are given in Carriage House rain or clear sky, after which, weather permitting,  we go outside to the upper parking lot and observe the skies. A number of telescopes are usually set up for  public viewing. I like to encourage people to bring their own telescopes or binoculars, too.  If you need help learning how to use that telescope, I am happy to assist.  The schedule for the Quail Hollow programs are listed on the Quail Hollow Events page on this website.

 If you have an interest or questions you can email me at astronomy1on1@cs.com


          Enjoying the night sky is what it’s all about.

Clear Skies