Authors and Contributors

Richard Harris, Executive Editor

Richard Harris is the founder and editor-in-chief of ScopeTrader, with over 40 years of experience in observational astronomy and astrophotography. He serves as director of the Ozark Hills Observatory, where his research and imagery have been featured in scientific textbooks, academic publications, and NASA-affiliated planetariums.

Among his theoretical contributions is a cosmological proposition known as The Harris Paradox, which explores deep-field observational symmetry and time-invariant structures in cosmic evolution. A committed citizen scientist, Harris is actively involved with the Springfield Astronomical Society, the Amateur Astronomers Association, the Astronomical League, and the International Dark-Sky Association, where he advocates for reducing light pollution and expanding public understanding of the cosmos.

In 2001, Harris developed the German Equatorial HyperTune, a precision mechanical enhancement for equatorial telescope mounts that has since become widely adopted among amateur and professional astronomers seeking improved tracking and imaging performance.

Beyond the observatory, he is a serial entrepreneur and founder of several ventures, including Moonbeam®, App Developer Magazine, Chirp GPS, MarketByte, and other startups spanning software, mobile, and cloud-based technologies.

Austin Harris, Marketing Editor

Austin Harris has been surrounded by telescopes and astronomy technology for as long as he can remember. Growing up in a family where late nights under the stars were common, he’s had many opportunities to stargaze and experience the hobby firsthand. Over the years, he’s also gained an insider’s understanding of the tools, innovations, and trends that shape the astronomy community. 

Russ Scritchfield, Associate Editor

Russ, a dedicated family man and passionate astrophotographer, has been capturing the wonders of the cosmos for years. Married with three children, Russ finds a balance between his family life and his deep-rooted love for exploring the night sky through his lens.

Trey Abbe, Copy Editor

Trey is deeply grounded in his home life and enjoys exploring his creative side through interests such as Star Wars, comics, and 3D printing. A lifelong sky-watcher, he’s fascinated by the cosmos and often steps outside to catch a clear night’s view of the stars. He finds balance and relaxation in music as well, often unwinding with a guitar in hand.

Ben Conway, Editor

Ben is a Springfield native with a deep passion for technology and exploration, both terrestrial and cosmic. Ben is an avid visual astronomer who enjoys observing the night sky through large Dobsonian telescopes, with a particular interest in deep-sky objects and the study of cosmology. When he’s not under the stars, he enjoys spending time with his wife, his cat, and his telescope.