He’s not exactly a household word, but Dave Ward know the sky. He’s been an amateur astronomer since an early age. He is strictly an amateur and proud of it and is completely self taught.

He gives evening presentations to other aspiring star gazers at Sun Mountain Lodge and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada. He also writes a column for the Methow Valley News, tagged “The Naked Eye.” 

 In addition to more modern equipment, Ward liked to show off his 130-year-old brass Clarkston, built in England and purchased by his grandfather.

The event is free and starts at 8:30. For information call 1-800-572-0493. Photo: Milky Way over Patterson Lake, Winthrop, WA, Dave Ward.