Tim Kent, from Alnwick, provided the Gazette with an array of images taken through a 10-inch Meade telescope, which show close-ups of our nearest celestial neighbours.
He is part of Nastro, the Northumberland Astronomical Society, which has just taken charge of a larger scope for use at its Hauxley observatory.
The 14-inch Meade LX200, which cost £5,500 and was funded by a Lottery grant, will allow for even sharper images to be viewed and photographed from the wooden construction at the nature reserve.
Tim, whose photographic talents have been showcased in the 2009 Sky at Night Calendar, said: "We're far enough away from the large centres of population to be free of any light pollution, which makes star-gazing a real joy.
"Northumberland has good, dark skies and it's surprising what you can see.
"The first time you see Saturn with your own eyes through the telescope, it's unforgettable. That's how people get hooked on astronomy."
He added: "We're always glad to see new people, whether they might be experiencing astronomy for the first time, or whether they are experts, coming along to our meetings."
Nastro meets at the observatory on the second and last Thursday of each month, and members of the public will be able to use the facilities for a small donation to the society.
The facility is the closest of its kind to the Kielder project, which was opened to the public last April.
For more information about the society and their events visit www.nastro.org.uk