Explore Alliance Ambassadors - Rob Gross

Dr. Rob Gross is an astrophotographer and a dedicated physics professor at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where he also earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics. Known for his engaging teaching style, Rob has a unique way of bringing the wonders of the universe into the classroom, often capturing his students' attention with the stunning astrophotography he produces using modest equipment, such as a 60mm telescope and an Explore Scientific GoTo tracker mount.

Interested in the stars since childhood, Rob's journey into astrophotography began later in life, a passion reignited during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite living in a highly light-polluted area in South Florida, Rob discovered that with the right techniques and equipment, even the brightest city lights couldn't dim his ability to capture the beauty of deep-sky objects. Starting with planetary imaging using a simple 6-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a DSLR, he soon became captivated by deep-sky objects, experimenting and refining his skills in the challenging conditions of his condo's courtyard.

As his interest grew, Rob invested in an iEXOS-100 GoTo tracker mount, a portable and robust tool that helped him improve his astrophotography significantly. His methods, such as manual plate-solving and careful polar alignment, have evolved over time, leading to increasingly impressive results. Today, he uses an AT60ED telescope, a Player One Saturn camera, and an Antilla triband filter to capture the stunning images that have become a hallmark of his work.

Rob's astrophotography has not only gained recognition within the astronomy community but also serves as a powerful teaching tool. His "pretty OK" photos, as he modestly describes them, often turn his silent students into animated, curious learners, eager to ask questions and explore the possibilities of what they too might capture with a small scope and a lot of passion.

Beyond the classroom, Rob is active in public outreach, sharing his love for astrophotography through talks, workshops, and star-gazing events. He likens the process of digital image processing to darkroom work he did decades ago, finding joy in both the capturing and the refining of images. His work continues to inspire not only his students but also anyone who dreams of capturing the stars.