Ken Crawford has been using telescopes since he was in the 8th grade. He married his wife and high school boyfriend in 1978 and the couple moved to Northern California at the foothills where Crawford found and fell in love with the dark skies. In 2002 He built his Observatory called Rancho Del Sol and started capturing images of the deep sky. Just two years later he became one of the chief founders of The Advanced Imaging Conference, Inc. He worked had in this organization and even served as President from 2007 to2014. The AIC, Inc still engage him as Chairman of the board. In 2015 he was the recipient of Hubble Award, and in 2008, Crawford was invited to sit on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) advisory committee of “Astronomy Picture of the Day." NASA brings the latest videos, images and news from America’s space agency, pioneering scientific discoveries, space exploration and more.
NASA is an independent agency of the executive branch of the U.S. federal government. Crawford was appointed to participate in the funding efforts and future planning of this wonderful website. The Cameron Park Rotary Community Observatory also appointed him as the Chief Docent for in Placerville, CA, and he’s still involved as the equipment technologist. Crawford is also a coordinator of the Sierra Star Gazers, the local observing club that holds a monthly star party. Crawford sold his floor covering business in 2008 to allow him more time to pursue his imaging interests. He loves to show how learners achieve professional status by combining technology and art. He does this by giving workshops and invited talks throughout the country.
