About Tim Puckett
Amateur astronomer, telescope builder, and founder of the world’s most prolific volunteer supernova search program.
30+ years behind the eyepiece — and the lathe
Tim Puckett is an amateur astronomer and astrophotographer with over thirty years of experience in amateur CCD (digital) astro-imaging. He has operated numerous CCD cameras since 1989, built several robotic telescopes from the ground up, and currently runs an automated supernova search patrol and comet astrometry program using 60–cm and 35–cm telescopes of his own construction.
Recognized around the world
Puckett’s photographs of comets and deep-sky objects have been published in books and magazines across Great Britain, Japan, Italy, Germany, Australia, and South Africa. His work has also been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, BBC, The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, and Good Morning America. He served for years as Marketing Director for SBIG Imaging Systems.
“For his Puckett Observatory World Supernova Search program that has discovered more than 200 supernovae.” — American Astronomical Society, 2012 Chambliss Amateur Achievement Award citation
An asteroid bears his name
In recognition of his contributions to astronomy, the asteroid 32096 Puckett (2000 KO38) was officially named in his honor by the International Astronomical Union.
Featured in the media
A selection of broadcast and print coverage over three decades:
Have a question about the search, the telescope, or joining the team?
Tim reads every message himself — from fellow amateur astronomers, students, media, and curious sky-watchers alike.