Writing
Freedom’s Beacon: Astronomy on the Underground Railroad
Even in the deepest pits of desperation, humans have turned toward the stars for hope. This is the story of enslaved Americans who saw Polaris as the light of hope beckoning them north towards freedom.
Sky & Telescope Magazine, June 2026, p. 14. Featuring photographs from Jeanine Michna-Bales’ book Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad.
From Valley Forge to the Sea of Tranquility: American Footprints at 250
From the beginning, the United States of America achieved greatness worthy of immense pride, and at the same time fell short of its founding ideal that all men were created equal. From the beginning, America was worthy of both celebration and introspection.
Planetary Alignments: Astronomical Clickbait?
You may have noticed media articles over the past several years referring to a “parade” of several planets, aligned in the same night. Chances are, the article will show a graphic of the planets in a straight line and refer to this as a “rare event.” But how rare are they in actuality?
A synopsis of Joseph B. Stewart’s life in the Surratt Courier published by the Surratt Society. Founded in 1975, the society is dedicated to the preservation and history of the Surratt House, and encourages research in the events surrounding the Lincoln assassination.
The Surratt Courier, September/October 2025, p. 3-8.
Joseph B. Stewart: Kentucky Giant
The story of the elusive Joseph “Peanuts John” Burroughs, the boy who held John Wilkes Booth’s horse prior to the assassination.
Lincoln Conspirators, September 7, 2025
Will Research For Peanuts!
In the hills of northern California, a teenager discovered a comet’s tail—and a lifelong passion for stargazing.
Sky & Telescope Online, January 10, 2022
The Comet on Oak Hill
For the author, the red giant Betelgeuse always brings to mind a lost beloved.
Sky & Telescope Magazine, February 2021, p. 84
A Star For Donna
Bolstering United Nations Intelligence: Cultural and Structural Solutions
American Intelligence Journal, Vol. 30, No. 1, 2012, p. 7-16.