US Naval Observatory Astronomer Charlie Finch to Chart a New Course, Focusing Full-Time on Winder's Night Sky Coffee Roasters

After more than 17 dedicated years contributing to our understanding of the cosmos, astronomer Charlie Finch has announced his upcoming resignation from the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) to dedicate his full attention to his nascent local business, Night Sky Coffee Roasters.

Finch has been a respected figure at the USNO, where his research has significantly contributed to the field of astrometry; the precise measurement of the positions and movements of stars and other celestial bodies. His work has been crucial in the development and refinement of major astronomical catalogs, including the widely utilized fourth U.S. Naval Observatory CCD Astrograph Catalog (UCAC4) and the URAT Parallax Catalog. These catalogs are foundational tools for astronomers worldwide, providing essential data for a vast range of astronomical research, from understanding the structure of our galaxy to discovering nearby stars and exoplanets. Finch's meticulous efforts in calculating stellar parallaxes have helped to accurately map our stellar neighborhood leading to numerous new nearby stars, a critical component in astrophysical studies. A Master's graduate in Astronomy from Georgia State University, his expertise in nearby stars has been invaluable to the astronomical community.

"For over 17 years, it has been an immense honor and privilege to explore the universe at the U.S. Naval Observatory," said Charlie Finch. "The work has been incredibly rewarding, and I've cherished the opportunity to contribute to our collective understanding of the stars. My love and wonder for the cosmos will undoubtedly continue, a passion that even inspired the name of our coffee company. However, I am now incredibly excited to embark on this new adventure, focusing my energy on Night Sky Coffee and more deeply engaging with the vibrant Winder community. We're brewing up some wonderful things, and I can't wait to share them."

Night Sky Coffee Roasters, co-founded by Finch, has steadily gained a loyal following in Winder and beyond for its commitment to quality and ethically sourced beans, roasted with the same precision and passion Finch applied to his astronomical observations. His transition to a full-time role is expected to fuel further growth for the local business.

While the astronomical community will miss his direct contributions, Finch's legacy of precision and discovery will continue to inform the field for years to come. The residents of Winder, meanwhile, gain a full-time passionate local business owner dedicated to serving a stellar cup of coffee and the community.