Richard Schoepfer’s love of outer space began during his childhood growing up in New York.
“When I was a little kid you just see these pictures, and you’re just like, floored,” the Longboat Key Police sergeant said.
Sgt. Richard Schoepfer
Schoepfer said he got his first telescope at the age of 25 before getting into astrophotography about four years ago.
“It’s a process and it’s expensive,” Schoepfer said. “I think my wife would like me to have a cheaper hobby, but it is what it is.”
Schoepfer said he has two Celestron telescopes: a 9.25-inch and another with an 80-millimeter refractor. He said his larger mount weighs about 75 pounds with all his equipment on it.