Astronomy magazine will present its 2009 Out-of-this-world Award to a club or organization that has shown excellence in astronomy outreach activities. The annual $2,500 award focuses on ongoing programs — not one specific event — by an educational or civic organization. The award will recognize a group’s sustained efforts to involve its local community in the science and hobby of astronomy. The prize money is to be used for future astronomy outreach activities. Astronomy editors will review each entry and select a winner.
The 2008 award went to the Cincinnati Observatory Center in Ohio, which distinguished itself by giving away forty 8-inch Dobsonian telescopes to local science teachers and high-school students in its “40 Telescopes” program.
The entry form for Astronomy‘s 2009 Out-of-this-world Award is available for download here.
Applications and material must be postmarked by January 15, 2010. The winner will be announced by March 1.
- Groups applying must be educational or civic organizations.
- The award recognizes an organization’s ongoing efforts to involve its local community in the science and/or hobby of astronomy.
- The application consists of a form and two (2) essays: one describing the group’s outreach projects (500 words), the other explaining how the monetary award is to be used (250 words).
- Submission of photographs, media clippings, promotional flyers, and other relevant material is encouraged.
- The outreach programs should be of a size and scope so that the $2,500 award allows demonstrable progress toward completion or improvements. For example, a new telescope for public events, laptop computer, marketing materials, signage for events, structural improvements to facilities, or other technology upgrades.
- Judges will be members of the Astronomy staff.
- Award money must be used within 12 months of receipt.
Astronomy promotes the science and hobby of astronomy through high-quality publications that engage, inform, entertain, and inspire. The magazine also strives to empower local astronomy organizations that help bring celestial wonders to their communities. For more information on this award, please contact Assistant Editor Bill Andrews at bandrews@astronomy.com.
