11/16/2025
A Star That Shone: Remembering Jack Newton (1942 - 2025)
The astronomical community, and indeed the world, has lost one of its brightest luminaries. A spectacular geomagnetic storm that generated vivid auroras in the skies all across Canada and the US, closely followed the passing of John "Jack" Borden Newton on November 11 at the age of 83. Jack knew how to make an entrance and he certainly knew how to make a breathtaking exit! We suspect that it was his way of saying goodbye on his journey to the stars.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jack’s fascination with the cosmos was ignited at the age of 8 or 9. By 16, he was already lecturing at Royal Astronomical Society of Canada meetings on the subject he would passionately pursue for the rest of his life. While he built a professional career as a store manager for Marks & Spencer, his true calling was written in the stars.
Jack was a true pioneer. He re-defined the boundaries of amateur astronomy, particularly in astrophotography. He popularized "cold camera" techniques and, in 1991, became the first amateur astronomer to create full-colour CCD images of deep-sky objects—capturing the "Ring" and "Dumbbell" nebulas in a way previously reserved for professional observatories.
His images were not just technically brilliant; they were art. His lens captured the ethereal beauty of the universe with a clarity that felt almost otherworldly - globular clusters like M13, solar prominences, and lunar landscapes that revealed the cosmos’s poetry to the untrained eye. His photos adorned the pages of Astronomy, Sky & Telescope, Sky News, National Geographic, and Life magazines (and many more), bringing the universe closer to millions and inspiring a generation.
But Jack didn't just capture the sky; he actively scanned it. As a member of the Puckett Observatory World Supernova Search Team, he was credited with over 200 supernova discoveries. His keen eye earned him the highest respect, culminating in the unprecedented honour of being the first Canadian amateur ever awarded observing time as an investigator on the Hubble Space Telescope to study one of his discoveries.
He co-authored several essential books including Deep Sky Objects (a best-seller in Canada), The Cambridge Deep Sky Album, and The Guide to Amateur Astronomy (the latter two published by Cambridge University Press) . Those volumes demystified astrophotography, transforming it from an elite pursuit into an accessible passion for thousands of amateur astronomers worldwide.
During his 2-term tenure as a Director on the Board of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Jack was instrumental in helping to launch Project Astro, a program that to this day provides teachers with assistance with course content provided by partner astronomers.
Jack’s list of accolades was extensive and included being the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, the Amateur Achievement Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and the Chant Medal and Ken Chilton Prize from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). An asteroid, 30840 Jackalice, was named in honour of him and his beloved wife, Alice—a testament to their shared contributions to astronomy outreach.
With Alice at his side, he shared his telescopes, his knowledge, and his boundless enthusiasm with guests from around the world from their famous Observatory Bed & Breakfast in Osoyoos, BC. Thus Jack's greatest legacy is undoubtedly his impact on the many thousands of people whom he inspired. He often received letters of gratitude from enthusiasts stating that he had “changed their lives”.
Jack Newton proved that with passion, curiosity, and a tireless spirit, a self-taught amateur astronomer could make a professional impact. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He was a mentor and a tireless advocate for preserving the dark skies he so loved. His light, captured in countless images and ignited in the minds of those he taught, will continue to shine brightly.
Jack is survived by his wife and partner in discovery, Alice, his children Suzanne and Rob, and four much-loved grandchildren, Liz, Tyler, Alexandra, and Everette as well as a global community of stargazers who will miss him dearly.
Alice extends her profound gratitude to the superb care team at McKinney Place for embracing Jack and providing not only wonderful care, but compassion and friendship far beyond the pale.
Jack has chosen to be cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada or the International Dark-Sky Association, organizations Jack held dear in his mission to preserve the night sky for generations to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Osoyoos in the Spring dedicated to a man who didn’t just photograph the stars; he made us all feel like we could touch them. Rest among them now, dear Jack. The sky is a little brighter for you having been here.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
