An Interview with A Lifelong Amateur Astronomer Phil Harrington
|
Time to read 4 min
Have you ever browsed Phil Harrington's astronomy-related articles on the magazine Astronomy? Or read one of his astronomy books as below? Maybe you know him for some time or it is your first time hear about him.
A lifelong amateur astronomer, Phil Harrington was bitten by the "astronomical bug" when he was assigned to watch the total lunar eclipse of April 1968 as a homework assignment. Since then, Phil has spent countless hours touring the universe through telescopes and binoculars. He is a former staff member of New York City's Hayden Planetarium and instructor at the Vanderbilt Planetarium in Centerport, New York. Phil is an adjunct professor at Suffolk County Community College, Selden, New York, where he teaches courses in stellar and planetary astronomy. He is a founding member of the Westport (CT) Astronomical Society.
We are greatly honored to have an interview with Phil Harrington and share his astronomy journey.
DwarfLab: We know you have a long history in astronomy and astrophotography. Could you briefly share your background and experience in the field?
Phil: I've been an active amateur astronomer for more than 50 years, beginning in childhood with a fascination that quickly developed into a lifelong passion for viewing the night sky through binoculars and telescopes, and astrophotography.
Over the decades, I’ve authored nine books on astronomy, including Star Ware and Star Watch, and written hundreds of columns and reviews for Astronomy magazine, where I continue to serve as a contributing editor.
For the past 19 years, I’ve also taught undergraduate astronomy courses at a local college here in New York. On nights when the sky is clear, I enjoy leading observing sessions using both classic and smart telescopes. My goal has always been to make astronomy accessible and exciting for both beginners and experienced observers.
"Start small and start smart. These tools make it easy to get impressive results with minimal setup, even from your backyard. That early success builds confidence and curiosity—exactly what this hobby needs to grow. "
DwarfLab: In your opinion, what are the main obstacles that prevent newcomers from getting into this field? What advice would you give to someone just starting out in astrophotography?
Phil: Many beginners are quickly overwhelmed by the steep learning curve of traditional astrophotography—things like polar alignment, tracking errors, long exposure stacking, and complex post-processing. The frustration and cost of piecing together compatible equipment often cause people to give up before they ever capture a single image. That’s why smart telescopes like the Dwarf 3 are such game-changers. With intuitive controls, built-in alignment, and real-time image stacking, these all-in-one devices dramatically flatten that curve.
My advice to newcomers is simple: start small and start smart. These tools make it easy to get impressive results with minimal setup, even from your backyard. That early success builds confidence and curiosity—exactly what this hobby needs to grow.
DwarfLab: What are your thoughts on the development of smart telescopes, especially considering that some people remain skeptical about them?
DwarfLab: Smart telescopes represent one of the most important innovations in astronomy in recent years. I’ve reviewed several models, including the Dwarf 2 and now the Dwarf 3, and what stands out most is how they allow users of all experience levels to explore the universe with minimal preparation and without frustration.
I understand why experienced observers may be skeptical. However, these instruments are not meant to replace traditional astronomy. Their purpose is to make the sky more accessible. I’ve used smart telescopes during public events and in classrooms, and people are always amazed to watch star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies appear on a screen in real time. That kind of direct connection to the cosmos sparks a lasting interest.
NGC 6960 by DWARF 3. Photo credit: Phil Harrington
DwarfLab: Since you live in New York, how do you manage to observe the night sky despite the light pollution?
Phil: Living on Long Island, I’m no stranger to light pollution, but I’ve learned to adapt using both traditional and modern tools.
With conventional telescopes, I use various contrast enhancing filters and travel to darker skies, when possible, sometimes venturing to nearby rural areas and other times to events such as Stellafane in Vermont.
Smart telescopes, however, have truly changed the game. The Dwarf 3 allows me to capture distant targets that would otherwise be lost in the glow of suburban skies. For those of us dealing with heavy light pollution, the Dwarf 3 is a powerful and practical ally.
Photo provided by Phil Harrington
DwarfLab: What has your experience been like using the Dwarf 3 smart telescope? Are there any features or aspects that you feel make it stand out from other telescopes?
Phil: The Dwarf 3 builds impressively on the foundation laid by the Dwarf 2, emerging as a compact powerhouse that combines advanced features with exceptional ease of use. Its 35mm f/4.3 apochromatic objective, paired with Sony’s IMX678 sensor, delivers sharp, vibrant images, while the built-in Astro, Dual Band, and VIS filters allow users to optimize for deep sky, nebulae, or daytime photography. The dual-camera system, extended focal length, and the addition of an equatorial tracking mode made possible through polar alignment represent major upgrades that significantly enhance image quality by eliminating field rotation. With intuitive app control, automated scheduling for all night imaging, and a simple setup process, the Dwarf 3 is well suited for both beginning and veteran amateur astronomers. Its portability and all-in-one design make it an excellent tool for travel and public outreach, striking an impressive balance between affordability and performance. Within minutes of setup, even under light polluted skies, you can capture deep sky objects with results that truly stand out.
M42 by DWARF 3. Photo credit: Phil Harrington
DwarfLab: How do you expect the smart telescope industry and the Dwarf smart telescope to develop in the future?
Phil: The smart telescope industry is still in its early stages, but the next five years promise exciting advancements, including improved sensors, more sophisticated artificial intelligence image enhancement, and increasingly compact designs. We are only beginning to discover the full potential of these instruments, and I expect to see deeper integration with educational platforms, citizen science efforts, and real-time interactive learning tools. I would also love to see future models incorporate modular designs, longer focal lengths, and enhanced capabilities for observing planets.
As for DwarfLab, the company has established a distinctive presence by offering portable, feature-rich telescopes at a reasonable price. If DwarfLab continues to focus on accessibility, user experience, and optical performance while remaining innovative, I believe it is well-positioned to lead the next wave of astronomical tools and make skywatching more accessible than ever before.
