About Me
Introduction
I’m Zane Landers, a digital marketing and communications specialist. Most of my hobbies are pretty hands-on - whether it’s stargazing, working on my Miata, or roller skating.
As of the time of writing this (April 2025) I am currently looking for a full-time job. My full resume can be found here. I am located in Tucson, Arizona.
My professional experience spans multiple disciplines. Since 2017, I’ve been building, buying, repairing, and reselling telescopes. This experience led me to work as a writer/editor for TelescopicWatch since 2018, where I review commercially manufactured telescopes and write guides for both beginners and experienced astronomers. I have done articles for other websites as well, and I am a frequent contributor to the Cloudy Nights astronomy forum.
I’ve also worked as a communications/marketing intern for NSF’s NOIRLab and the EUEC Convention. See my resume for more details.
I offer private stargazing events in the Tucson area, utilizing my large telescopes to provide breathtaking views of the night sky. Whether for individuals, families, or as a unique experience for corporate events, these sessions offer a personalized journey through the stars. Feel free to visit my booking page. I also provide telescope help and repairs as as service. For more information, contact me.
Astronomy Outreach
I frequently do astronomy outreach events, both on my own and with astronomy clubs. You can often find me set up in downtown Tucson with one of my telescopes showing the Moon or planets to passerby in the same manner John Dobson did.
Observational Astronomy
Since getting my first telescope in 2015, I have dedicated myself to exploring the universe’s vast mysteries. Despite not witnessing the full splendor of the Milky Way until several years later, my enthusiasm for observing deep-sky objects never wavered. From my Bortle 6 backyard, I embarked on the ambitious task of observing the Herschel 400 catalog, finishing in 2019.
The construction of my own telescopes has been pivotal in my exploration of the cosmos. Beginning with a 16" Dobsonian in 2018 and subsequently a 20.5" telescope, I was able to uncover intricate galactic structures and resolve faint globular clusters with exceptional detail. The evolution of my telescope-building journey led me to design a 10" f/3.2 and eventually my current 14.7" f/2.9 Dobsonian, optimized for wide-field views. Currently, I utilize my homemade 6" f/4.3 and 14.7" instruments, alongside a Celestron C11.
Over the years, I have embraced opportunities to observe some of the most challenging and profound astronomical phenomena. One particularly memorable experience was witnessing the blinking of the Crab Pulsar (magnitude ~17.5) through a 32" telescope.
Furthermore, I actively engage with the astronomy community by participating in discussions on the Observational Astronomy Discord server. This platform serves as an invaluable resource for sharing insights and experiences, allowing me to connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the globe. Join the community at discord.gg/astronomy.
Telescope Making
My true passion lies in building and restoring telescopes. For the past few years my main focus has been on fast instruments with thin mirrors that push the boundaries of traditional optics wisdom and telescope design.
I am particularly proud of my role in helping to design the Hadley 114mm 3D-printed telescope. Hadley represents a significant step towards making astronomy and telescope making more accessible. Hadley provides great deep-sky views but performs significantly better at high magnifications than many cheaper tabletop Dobsonians, at a cost less than most commercial instruments. You can buy a kit from Jonathan Kissner or print your own. Hadley’s optics can be scavenged from many “hobby killer” telescopes with wobbly mounts, or you can buy the optics wholesale on Amazon or AliExpress. Virtually any 3d printer will allow you to build the structure, and all of the non-optical and non-printed bits can be found at your local hardware store.
Over the years, I’ve owned more than 470 telescopes, restored dozens, and personally built about a dozen instruments from scratch. This extensive experience has given me unique insights into optical design, mechanical engineering, and the practical aspects of astronomical observation. I regularly share this knowledge by teaching mirror-making classes.
I have built Dobsonian telescopes as large as 24" and made optics as large as 16" at home. I am currently working on a 22" f/2.8 mirror and telescope, which will likely be the largest I go again unless I build a 1-meter with some friends. My homemade 14.7" telescope has earned the distinction of being the top post of all time on Reddit’s r/space community, reaching millions of space enthusiasts worldwide.
Protecting Dark Skies
Deeply committed to the advocacy for dark skies, I am a proponent of initiatives like those championed by DarkSky. Preserving the darkness of the night sky is crucial for protecting the environment, as well as both recreational and scientific astronomical pursuits.
I currently serve on the board of DarkSky Southern Arizona.