About
Hi, I’m Alex Helms.
I’m a software engineer and an astrophotographer. I grew up in Maryland, where the night skies are filled with ligh pollution. In 2010, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Just a month after moving, I went to the desert to experience the dark skies and was instantly hooked. Soon after, I bought my first telescope and my passion for astrophotography began – and it hasn’t stopped since.
I’ve been writing software since I was a little kid and professionally since 2014. My work has spanned semiconductor R&D tools, validation software for ASICs, and medical CRM systems. Outside of work, I’m constantly immersed in astronomy-related software projects, including data organization tools, all-sky camera systems, and observatory control systems.
I’m a partner at Sonoran Desert Skies Observatory (SDSO), where my telescope is housed alongside three others. While I primarily focus on capturing stunning astrophotography, I’ve recently embarked on a scientific journey. I collect photometry data for asteroids and exoplanets, and also work on confirming near-Earth asteroids (NEOs).