Dan Monk

Dan Monk combines deep practical astronomy knowledge with a specialist eye for astrophotography and the dark skies of Kielder.

Astronomy has been a hobby for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always fascinated by the night sky and the constellations. One Christmas, I was given a telescope, which I used in the back garden on every clear night.

Growing up in Sunderland meant my view of the night sky was limited by light pollution, but the Moon and planets were inspiring enough to encourage me to buy bigger and better telescopes throughout my teens.

When I saw the dark skies of Kielder for the first time, my mind was blown. The brighter constellations I knew and loved were almost lost among the countless stars. Using my telescope under a truly dark sky revealed just how capable it was, and just how much light pollution had hidden from view back home.

A couple of years later, I had the chance to volunteer at Kielder Observatory, developing my knowledge and indulging my interest in the subject I loved most. In 2014, after my time as a volunteer, I was given the opportunity to join the Observatory full time.

Over the years, working in astronomy has also developed my love of astrophotography. You will often find me out in the wilderness with my cameras, either at the Observatory or in my spare time, trying to capture the perfect night sky image.

• Favourite Naked Eye Object: The Milky Way
• Favourite Deep Sky Object: M13
• Favourite Astronomer: Charles Messier