If you've ever spent time behind an eyepiece, it's a good bet that you've held a copy of Burnham's Celestial Handbook in your hands. First published in 1978 by Dover Publications as a three-volume series, the book represents the meticulous work of astronomer Robert Burnham, Jr. The author committed himself to writing this book while working at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Tony Ortega best summarized Burnham's influence in a 1997 story in the Phoenix New Times: "[Burnham's name] has become so familiar to some readers it has become a sort of shorthand, like Audubon to birders, Hoyle to card players, Webster to poor spellers, Robert to parliamentarians."
Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, Burnham became embittered and left Arizona for San Diego. In 1993 he died, secluded and impoverished.
Now, a group of astronomers have come together to create a memorial for Burnham. The East Valley Astronomy Club of Arizona, Star Gazer Jack Horkheimer, and Tony Ortega, now Editor in Chief of The Village Voice, are leading the effort to place a memorial for Burnham at Lowell Observatory. The group hopes to raise $20,000 over the next several months for the tribute. Although a final design has not been determined, an early plan includes three bronze books representing Burnham's Celestial Handbook.
To find out how you can contribute to this memorial, click here.