Leon Palmer

Leon Palmer

PhD, Astronomy

Dr. Leon Palmer received his PhD in Astronomy from Ohio State University in 1980. He then worked in the Aerospace industry for 40 years on advanced space systems, including the ground processing software for the Hubble. Dr. Palmer also served as Adjunct Professor of Astronomy at El Camino College for 39 years. He and his wife, Linda, founded Rigel Systems in 1984 with the first purpose built red LED astronomer’s flashlight - Starlite - and has further grown Rigel Systems into an innovative Astronomy accessories company.


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Recent posts from Leon


Limiting visual magnitude in astronomy

Astrophotography

Limiting visual magnitude in astronomy


  • Thursday, November 14, 2024
  • By Leon Palmer

This educational resource explores limiting visual magnitude in astronomy, guiding users to determine how faint stars can be seen from their observing locations. Through worksheets, participants can engage in activities using both the unaided eye and...


Averted vision and telescope tapping stargazing techniques

Astrophotography

Averted vision and telescope tapping stargazing techniques


  • Wednesday, November 6, 2024
  • By Leon Palmer

Astronomy viewing techniques called averted vision and telescope tapping are effective for observing faint objects, such as nebulae, star clusters, and more, through a telescope. By shifting your gaze slightly, light falls onto more rod cells, enhanc...


Telescope light gathering power and resolution

Astrophotography

Telescope light gathering power and resolution


  • Tuesday, October 15, 2024
  • By Leon Palmer

A telescope's light-gathering power and resolution are determined by its objective diameter. This increases the ability to see faint objects and resolve close double stars. An 8-inch telescope can see 1024 times fainter than the naked eye, with a lim...