Robert Fugate produced these images, among others, from his Northeast Heights Albuquerque home during the COVID quarantine. He’s set to discuss his methods and show images during the Rio Rancho Astronomical Society meeting April 8. (Courtesy image)

The Rio Rancho Astronomical Society has scheduled its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, with the topic of taking astronomical images in high light pollution.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

It will be a hybrid meeting, in-person at Rainbow Park Observatory, 301 Southern Blvd. in Rio Rancho, and online.  The link for the online portion will be posted at rrastro.org.

Guest speaker Robert Q. Fugate is set to provide a special presentation about deep field astronomical imaging that he performs primarily from his backyard in the Northeast Heights of Albuquerque. He will provide a summary of his strategies, insights and techniques for imaging in heavy light pollution, with the goal of generating discussion and specific questions.

He will share specifics about imaging equipment set-up, acquisition methods and an outline of post-processing techniques that he employs to produce his remarkable images.

Fugate has a 51-year career in electro-optics research, 35 years as a civilian scientist at the Air Force Research Laboratory and now consultant for the Department of Defense, academia and industry. He is recognized for his work in laser guide star adaptive optics, the key technology that enabled a revolution in extremely large ground-based telescopes.

He is a passionate photographer, has two international magazine covers and has won the Photographic Society of America’s highest award.

Telescope viewing will be available at the observatory following the meeting, weather permitting. For more information, visit www.rrastro.org.