You guessed it!

AstroKeith is just a pseudonym. My real name is Keith Venables.

My interest in astronomy started at school (Eltham College), and I later took a degree in Astrophysics (Sussex University).

Then I started an engineering job in industry, got married (to Jan), and that was me kind of busy for the next 20+ years. When the children (Mel & Andy) left home I had more time and was amazed to find how much amateur telescopes and equipment had advanced. Plus now with some engineering skills I have really enjoyed building and using telescopes. The Camberley Observatory is my biggest project to date.

One of the things we like best about our house is the garden lined with mature trees. These trees obscure a good part of the sky, but most of it is tainted orange by street lighting anyway. There are two solutions, one - look straight up at whatever happens to be passing, and the other is to travel to dark sky sights. Combine this with my love of travelling and you see why I go to so many star parties.
 

A couple of years ago I left industry and took a post in Whitehall working for the UK Government. I love working in the heart of London and my wife also loves coming up to town to do some shopping or take me to the theatre.

Other interests include photography. I’m not a good photographer, but I love seeing what modern equipment can do. Currently I’m using a Canon 30D and a couple of IS zooms.