some notes about Starbright
As I’ve not yet published any kind of a detailed “about” post for this Starbright space, let’s get that done today.
What Is Starbright?
Starbright began as an inspired suggestion made by Wendy N. Wagner at her kitchen table one morning in February 2025. We had arranged to get together to help each other brainstorm new ideas and refine our goals.
While “the intersection of astronomy and disability” feels a little intimidating and erudite to me, that’s basically what we’re talking about here: how the stars are for everyone, regardless of capability or class status. Sometimes my posts might be more academic or feel more like a news story — I am a recovering journalist, after all. More often, I’ll be writing from my personal perspective to share my experiences as a stargazer who has a few extra challenges.
I also want to include space-themed images with my posts. Often, you’ll see images I’ve captured myself, with inexpert (or no) post-processing — because there’s a rather steep learning curve there that requires time, attention, and effort I’ve not yet been able to invest. Sometimes, you’ll see an image from NASA or other Creative Commons image.
Who Am I to Write about Astronomy?
I don’t have a degree in astronomy or astrophysics. I have, however, loved the night sky for a lifetime. If it makes a difference, I’ve written a few newspaper features about astronomy, and I’m an alum of the Launchpad Astronomy Workshop for Writers (Class of 2011) at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Since October 2021, I’ve written the monthly Why We Look Up column for Sky & Telescope online, on the philosophy of stargazing.
In essence, I love astronomy and space studies, and I know I’m far from alone in that. Starbright is an experiment in giving something back.
What Disabilities Do I Have?
This is a big question. It took me a long time to own the adjective “disabled,” though I’ve struggled with chronic illness and pain for decades. It is not unusual to have more than one disability. I have dysautonomia, which presents in a variety of ways. And, since November 2014, I have had a headache (tension, migraine, ocular, and/or vestibular) every day. I am also autistic and have ADHD: AuDHD.
These are all “invisible disabilities,” meaning that my challenges may not be immediately obvious just by looking at me, though I often walk with a cane due to osteoarthritis.
Posting Frequency
I wish I could post every day, truly! Sadly, my health doesn’t allow that right now. My plan is to post new material every other week, at a minimum, and sometimes that will be the most I can do. I’ll strive to publish something every week (or more often) if I can.
What Comes with a Paid Membership?
My intention is to make all content free for everyone, period; I based this decision largely on the fact that many disabled people and those dealing with chronic conditions don’t have much disposable income to spare. But my time and focus are limited, due to my own disabilities, and I am a citizen of a demanding capitalist society. And so, for anyone wanting to help support this work (and me!), there are paid membership levels available via my Patreon, or you can buy me a tea.
How Can You Get Involved?
In addition to the financial support above, you can also engage with individual posts via the Comments if something I’ve written resonates with you, and/or send me an email if there’s a topic you’d like to see me cover in Starbright.
Thanks!
Image: Orion Nebula for Chandra’s 25th Anniversary (Chandra/Webb composite), from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Some rights reserved.