moonbeam (Richard Harris)

Member since 6/24/2024
ONLINE   Last active 4/24/2026 8:54:17 AM

Meet Richard Harris. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of ScopeTrader, with over 30 years of experience in observational astronomy and astrophotography. He serves as the director of the Ozark Hills Observatory, where his research and imagery have been featured in scientific textbooks, academic publications, and educational media. 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. He is a strong advocate for reducing light pollution and enhancing 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 a global standard among amateur and professional astronomers seeking improved tracking and imaging performance.

Beyond the observatory, Harris is a serial entrepreneur and founder of several technology ventures, including Moonbeam® (a software company), App Developer Magazine (a leading industry publication for software developers), Chirp GPS (a widely used mobile tracking application), MarketByte, and other startups spanning software, mobile, and cloud-based technologies. Driven by both scientific curiosity and creative innovation, Harris continues to blend the frontiers of astronomy and technology, inspiring others to explore the universe and rethink the possibilities within it.

When he's not taking photos of our universe, you can find him with family, playing guitar, or traveling.

iOptron iEQ30 Pro mount
Started By
moonbeam on 4/16/2026 5:11:33 PM
Medium format astrophotography and TEC 180 FL
Started By
moonbeam on 4/6/2026 10:55:25 AM
Ghost in the dome
Started By
moonbeam on 3/22/2026 7:53:39 AM
A shoutout to the talented women of astrophotography today!
Started By
moonbeam on 3/8/2026 8:18:35 AM
Astrophotography and the cold, pro tips article
Started By
moonbeam on 3/4/2026 3:49:38 PM
Why We Photograph the Cosmos and What It Teaches Us About Ourselves
Started By
moonbeam on 2/19/2026 7:54:57 AM
ZWO AM7 Review
Started By
moonbeam on 2/16/2026 2:38:12 PM
miniCam8 review plus more inside our February 2026 issue!
Started By
moonbeam on 2/4/2026 9:01:24 AM
ZWO teases AM7 release!
Started By
moonbeam on 1/26/2026 11:24:43 AM
StellarMate problems made me switch back to ASIAIR
Started By
moonbeam on 1/12/2026 11:04:05 AM
First Light with the Seestar S30 Pro - The Winter Giants
Started By
moonbeam on 1/8/2026 7:44:47 AM
Seestar S30 Pro Comet 24P image test
Started By
moonbeam on 1/2/2026 11:05:03 AM
Seestar S30 Pro Andromeda Galaxy (M31) image test
Started By
moonbeam on 1/2/2026 10:58:04 AM
Seestar S30 Pro Orion M42 image test
Started By
moonbeam on 1/2/2026 10:50:51 AM
December 2025 ScopeTrader: How to Use A New Telescope
Started By
moonbeam on 12/2/2025 5:49:51 PM
Best RASA 11" V2 6200MM combo option for filters?
Started By
moonbeam on 11/15/2025 7:07:06 AM
Al Nagler died doing what he loved at 90 years old
Started By
moonbeam on 10/28/2025 6:41:06 PM
The moon and the morning in the Ozarks
Started By
moonbeam on 10/18/2025 10:56:18 AM
StellarMate X OS, where have you been all my life!
Started By
moonbeam on 10/13/2025 8:20:20 PM
California nebula like you've never seen it (NGC 1499)
Started By
moonbeam on 10/6/2025 3:57:47 PM
Unable to write dome.connected property ASCOM issue
Started By
moonbeam on 9/27/2025 7:38:48 AM
Astronomical Autumn 2025 begins today!
Started By
moonbeam on 9/22/2025 7:18:02 AM
MlAstro SAL-33 mount batch #1 sold out in 11 minutes!
Started By
moonbeam on 9/21/2025 12:39:00 PM
Bisque MX+ mount woes - error 24002 ding-ding-ding-ding
Started By
moonbeam on 9/12/2025 5:24:48 PM
Petition EN7346 on light pollution
Started By
moonbeam on 9/6/2025 10:34:17 AM
It's indescribably beautiful! Clear Astronomy weather!
Started By
moonbeam on 9/6/2025 10:29:54 AM
Takahashi Epsilon 160ED and ATIK 16200 M31 Andromeda galaxy
Started By
moonbeam on 8/22/2025 11:06:52 AM
Guide Scope vs Off-Axis Guiding in Astrophotography
Started By
moonbeam on 8/19/2025 4:00:16 PM
From storm soaked to sizzling - Missouri weather whiplash! (buy hey it's clear)
Started By
moonbeam on 7/20/2025 4:38:40 PM
A gentle invitation from ScopeTrader, our Astronomy forums don't have annoying ads :)
Started By
moonbeam on 6/29/2025 2:40:32 PM
Outside tonight, clear in the Ozarks finally!
Started By
moonbeam on 5/20/2025 8:47:51 PM
A normal Orion and friends with the Takahashi FSQ 106-EDX4
Started By
moonbeam on 12/23/2024 6:55:36 PM
SHO SHO SHO it's NGC 1893 and IC 405 together in a wide-field
Started By
moonbeam on 12/7/2024 11:30:54 AM
ScopeTrader Astronomy Magazine November 2024 is here!
Started By
moonbeam on 11/2/2024 11:53:58 AM
C2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) over Springfield, Mo
Started By
moonbeam on 10/13/2024 9:42:53 PM
Pleiades in the early fall
Started By
moonbeam on 10/5/2024 3:52:45 PM
October 2024 issue is here!
Started By
moonbeam on 10/2/2024 8:12:15 AM
Andromeda Oxygen Arc - anyone else ever found it?
Started By
moonbeam on 9/1/2024 3:47:19 PM
Photo Ads Price Post Date
Location: Springfield Mo
Condition: Great

Moonlight, high resolution auto focus with moonlight, mini controller, V2 hand controller, paddle...

$250.00
$250.00 4/19/2026 4:17:41 PM
Views: 42
Category: Cameras
Location: United States
Condition: Good

I’m currently stuck in the tar pit of vignetting with my RASA 11.

It images fine ...

N/A
N/A 2/14/2026 12:31:21 PM
Views: 194
Location: Strafford, Mo
Condition: Great

The beautiful MX+ mount — absolutely stunning machining and craftsmanship.

Recent...

$4,000.00
$4,000.00
SOLD
11/9/2025
Views: 725
Category: Smart Telescopes
Location: Strafford, Mo
Condition: Great

I bought this brand new from ZWO and have only used it a handful of times alongside my dedicated ...

$400.00
$400.00
SOLD
9/28/2025 3:42:01 PM
Views: 811
Category: Telescopes
Location: Missouri
Condition: Great

For Sale: Sharpstar 15028HNT Hyperbolic Newtonian Reflector

Are you ready to eleva...

$1,350.00
$1,350.00
SOLD
6/25/2025 4:05:25 PM
Views: 1140
Category: Telescopes
Location: USA
Condition: Great

Wanted - an oldie but a goodie! Meade ETX-125 Telescope (Excellent Condition)

Experienc...

N/A
N/A 6/4/2025 9:44:04 PM
Views: 867
Category: Cameras
Location: Anywhere
Condition: Great

Are you selling an all sky camera? I'm in the market for one and would love to hear from you!...

N/A
N/A 4/11/2025 7:18:58 PM
Views: 921
DELETED
Meade APO refractor telescope (This item has been deleted)
Category: Telescopes
Location: Missouri
Condition: Great

For Sale: Meade 7000 Series APO Refractor Telescope

Discover the universe with thi...

$400.00
$400.00 3/17/2025 10:21:57 AM
Views: 228
Location: Springfield, Mo
Condition: Great

Enhance your astrophotography setup with this gently used William Optics FLAT 6AIII 0.8x Reducer/...

$150.00
$150.00 3/16/2025 5:44:01 PM
Views: 854
Location: Springfield, Mo
Condition: Great

For Sale: Used Pegasus Ultimate Power Box V2

Features: - Supports multiple DC outp...

$350.00
$350.00 3/15/2025 2:45:40 PM
Views: 1143
Category: Cameras
Location: Springfield, Mo
Condition: Good

I am looking to buy a good, used camera star / sky tracker. My camera is a Canon 6D MII with a 12...

N/A
N/A
SOLD
12/21/2024 4:08:38 PM
Views: 608
Location: Springfield, Mo
Condition: Great

I have a gently used RST-300 robotic mount from Rainbow Astro.

I am the 2nd owner....

$7,200.00
$7,200.00
SOLD
12/21/2024 2:39:24 PM
Views: 18
Category: Telescopes
Location: Springfield, Mo
Condition: Great

For Sale: Losmandy G11G Equatorial Mount

Are you an avid astronomer looking to enh...

$2,000.00
$2,000.00 11/16/2024 8:40:30 PM
Views: 1241
Location: Springfield, Mo
Condition: New

For Sale: Stunning Canvas Print of the Veil Nebula (40x60)

Elevate your space with...

$300.00
$300.00 8/31/2024 1:18:00 PM
Views: 1160