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Anarchist Mountain Observatory

4 weeks ago

A Star That Shone: Remembering Jack Newton

The astronomical community, and indeed the world, has lost one of its brightest guiding lights. John "Jack" Borden Newton, a renowned and beloved amateur astronomer, passed away on November 11, 2025. He was 83.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1942, Jack’s fascination with the cosmos was ignited at the age of 12. By 16, he was already lecturing on the subject he would passionately pursue for the rest of his life. While he built a professional career as a manager for Sears and Marks & Spencer, his true calling was written in the stars.
Jack was a true pioneer. He redefined the boundaries of amateur astronomy, particularly in astrophotography. He popularized "cold camera" techniques and, in 1991, became the first amateur astronomer to create full-color CCD images of deep-sky objects—capturing the "Ring" and "Dumbbell" nebulas in a way previously reserved for professional observatories.
His images were not just technically brilliant; they were art. They graced the pages of Astronomy, Sky & Telescope, National Geographic, and Life magazine, bringing the universe closer to millions.
But Jack didn't just capture the sky; he actively scanned it. As a member of the Puckett Observatory World Supernova Search Team, he was credited with over 200 supernova discoveries. His keen eye earned him the highest respect, culminating in the unprecedented honor of being the first Canadian amateur ever awarded observing time as an investigator on the Hubble Space Telescope to study one of his discoveries.
His list of accolades was extensive, including the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, the Amateur Achievement Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and the Chant Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). An asteroid, 30840 Jackalice, was named in honor of him and his beloved wife, Alice—a testament to their shared life in astronomy.
Jack's greatest legacy, however, may be the thousands of people he inspired. He served as president for three different RASC centers (Winnipeg, Toronto, and Victoria). He co-authored essential books like The Guide to Amateur Astronomy and helped launch Project Astro, a program that partners astronomers with teachers.
With Alice, he ran the famous Observatory Bed & Breakfast in British Columbia, sharing his telescopes and his boundless enthusiasm with guests from around the world. He didn't just show people the stars; he gave them a piece of his passion. He also generously donated his 25-inch telescope to Lester B. Pearson College, where the observatory now bears his name.
Jack Newton proved that with passion, curiosity, and a tireless spirit, an amateur could make a professional impact. He was a friend, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for preserving the dark skies he so loved. His light, captured in countless images and ignited in the minds of those he taught, will continue to shine brightly.
He is survived by his wife and partner in discovery, Alice, his children Suzanne and Rob, many grandchildren whom he loved and was so proud of and a global community of stargazers who will miss him dearly. ... See MoreSee Less

Anarchist Mountain Observatory

4 months ago

This stunning shot of AMO in front of the Moon was taken by Merv Graf from his balcony at White Sands! ... See MoreSee Less