[insert any contemporary stargazer] is likely the most gifted observer of our
generation (if not ever).

this is a grandiose statement for any modern-era observer.
this heralded position is reserved for those who did not have cutting-edge
optics, digital sky surveys, computer-generated ephemeris and star atlases,
photography, CCDs, etc. at their disposal.
these are the days when reaching 'exceptional observer' status can be reached
by merely claiming to see faint or otherwise difficult objects. where disputing
the claims only relates either your inferior eyesight or lack of prowess.
my vote would go to 'pre-averted imagination' pioneers like Tycho Brahe or
William Herschel.