Welcome to Nocturnal Ledge! I’m Nate, an Army Veteran and Police Sergeant, balancing night patrols with starry pursuits as a beginner astrophotographer. My journey began years ago with a small telescope, captivated by Jupiter’s moons and the Orion Nebula’s faint glow. Those blurry glimpses sparked a passion to capture the cosmos and share my “Imperfect Astro Journey.”

Recent captures—Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), Cigar Galaxy (M82, featured in Orbital Today’s “Best Photos”), Crocodile Eye Galaxy (M94), Sombrero Galaxy (M104), Jupiter with Io’s shadow, and Mars’ rugged surface—have deepened my love for the craft. Each image, earned through cloudy Tennessee nights with my Celestron 8" EdgeHD, Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro, ZWO ASI294MC Pro, and ASIAIR Plus, taught me resilience and precision. The ASIAIR Polar Align routine transformed my setup, steadying my scope for crisp results. These moments inspire me to learn and pass on lessons, helping others navigate their own astro challenges.

Nocturnal Ledge is a welcoming space for beginners to find tips and encouragement. Whether you’re wrestling with PixInsight or chasing your first planet, I’m here to share the highs and lows. Connect with me via the “Stay Connected” links below to share your cosmic adventures and grow together!