Gary Parkerson, the 62-Year- old astronomer-cyclist known as the ‘Pedaling Astronomer’ visited the Serious Cycling bike shop in Northridge, on Saturday, September 10th while on his 13,500 mile,48 state cross-country bike ride, bringing attention to amateur astronomy, the solar eclipse and cycling across the country. Before his visit he cycled the valley with other local bike enthusiasts.
Solar telescopes and viewing equipment was set up for people and there was a special visitor who came to the event — science teacher, Erica Rood, from the CHIME Charter School in Northridge had just returned from Washington. She was one of 213 mathematics and science teachers nationwide that received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science for President Obama.
The Pedaling Astronomer Project is part of a broad strategy to raise public awareness for amateur astronomy and cycling around the country, as well as generate public enthusiasm for next year’s total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. During stops along his ride, Parkerson spends his evenings sharing the night skies with local communities using a specially designed telescope that integrates with his bike. Gary’s ride began in Louisiana in May 2016.
By day, Gary is a dedicated cyclist. By night, he is an internationally recognized authority on the astronomy technology industry and editor of Astronomy Technology Today magazine.